We all love a holiday, but flights, hotels and day-to-day costs while abroad can be expensive. Pair this with the rising cost of living, and it can be difficult to book the holiday you want on a budget.
So, how can you trim the edges and save a little money on your holiday? Read on to find out how to travel on a budget.
How much do holidays cost now?
According to a Harp and Crown Credit Union poll, the average holiday for up to four people in 2023 cost between £2,000 and £4,000. For some, this is a small expense, but for many, it can take months to save up this much money.
Nowadays, a lot of us choose to cut down on holidays and prioritise other things, but there may be a way to make going on holiday more affordable. Check out our guide to cutting holiday costs and see if you can save money on your next trip.
How to save on holiday costs
Choose a package holiday
Package holidays aren’t just popular for their convenience. You can also save money by booking your flights and accommodation together with one company. Travel providers like TUI, Thomas Cook and Jet2 offer many different holiday packages, and you may find one that’s perfect for you.
Use a comparison website
Before booking one of the first hotels you see, try using a travel comparison website like Booking.com. This lets you filter your search by price, star rating, facilities and so on.
By setting your maximum budget for your accommodation on comparison websites, you can view and book options that are right for you. Just do a little research on the accommodation you choose before booking to make sure it’s trustworthy.
Book well in advance or last minute
When it comes to booking your holiday, you’ll either want to book well in advance or at the last minute if you want to save money. This doesn’t always guarantee great savings, but you may be able to save a little.
Stay in alternative accommodation
While hotels are the most popular choice for UK travellers, you can save by looking at other options. Hostels, apart-hotels and self-service apartments can all cost less than your typical hotel (though this may not always be the case).
Avoid air travel
Not only can airline tickets be expensive, but getting to the airport, parking your car and buying food and drink before your flight can all rack up a large bill. It’s easy to be tempted by the duty-free section too!
You can often save money by travelling by car or train. If you’re going abroad, using a ferry to get your car across the Bristol channel or travelling via the Eurotunnel can cut costs. It’s best to compare the prices of different travel methods before you book to see if there are cheaper alternatives.
Book with a budget airline
Budget airlines are the cost-cutting traveller’s best friend. You’d be surprised at how cheap flights can be with airlines like Easyjet, Ryanair and Jet2.
Of course, budget airlines often come with a ‘budget’ experience. If you want a more high-end flying experience, you might have to pay a higher rate.
Join a holiday loyalty programme
Joining a travel loyalty programme could give you access to exclusive discounts, be it on flights, hotels or activities.
Keep in mind that travel loyalty programmes often come with some sort of subscription fee, so this may not be the best choice for you if you don’t travel often.
Pack light
Airlines often charge hefty fees if your luggage exceeds the hold weight limit. The same goes for cabin luggage that’s bigger than the maximum size.
Before you head off, check your airline’s baggage guidelines and consider how much you want to take. If you’re only going away for a few days, a cabin bag might be all you need.
Or, if you’re going away for longer, try to weigh your luggage before you leave to avoid paying a charge at the airport if it’s over the limit.
Choose a lesser-known location
Popular travel spots often come with higher prices. So, do a little research to see if there are any alternative destinations that aren’t as well-known. This might mean cheaper flights and accommodation. The cost of things might even be lower too!
Call the travel agent to book
You can also try calling a travel agent instead of booking online to see if you can save on your holiday with the added help of a representative.
This isn’t guaranteed, but discussing your options with a call agent instead of doing everything yourself online might bring unexpected savings.
How to save on day-to-day holiday spending
It’s easy to spend big bucks on holiday, as it’s supposed to be a time to kick back and treat yourself. But you can still save money and enjoy yourself while abroad by:
- setting a daily budget
- booking an all-inclusive holiday so you can eat and drink at your hotel with no added costs
- looking for deals on activities (e.g. theme parks, tours, etc.)
- booking activities ahead of time to avoid high up-front costs
- researching restaurants before you leave to see which are more affordable
- getting travel insurance to avoid medical expenses and other unexpected fees
Saving money on a UK staycation
If you’re looking to stay in the UK for your next trip, there are ways you can cut costs, including:
- booking at off-peak times (i.e. not around Christmas, New Year, etc.)
- travelling at an off-peak time if you’re taking the train
- booking train tickets well in advance
- booking a budget hotel (e.g. Premier Inn, Travelodge)
- getting travel insurance to cover you for unexpected situations
Travel insurance for your next trip
Certain unexpected costs on holiday can hit you hard. These include:
- medical expenses when abroad
- lost or stolen luggage
- cancelling a trip due to a medical issue
Admiral offers Single Trip and Annual Multi-Trip cover for travel insurance to suit your holiday needs, whether you’re a seasoned traveller or just want a one-off trip. You can take out cover just for yourself, you and your partner, or your family.
Head to our travel insurance page to learn more about how we can cover you for your next trip.
