Looking for ways to plan a budget-friendly holiday? Our guide will show you how to find the best holiday deals that fit your budget. From booking in advance to comparing prices, we’ll share tips to help you save big on your next getaway.
Photo by Guilherme Stecanella
Finding the perfect holiday can be hard, especially if you have a budget in mind. However, there are some great options out there for finding a cheap holiday, alongside choosing the best location for you and those you travel with.
This article will share some of our key advice on how to find the best holiday for you. So, make sure to use these top tips the next time you’re searching for some time away. Carry on reading to find out more.
1. Research
This is the most important piece of advice, so listen up! Research is vital to finding the best holiday and the best travel money card for you, on a budget.
Firstly you need to find the cheapest location to meet your travel needs: activities for everyone, places to eat out and of course, some gorgeous views. With a bit of planning, you’ll be able to compare prices, locations and accommodation – then you can decide which is more suitable to your price range.
Once you have found the perfect location for your trip, it’s time to narrow down where you would like to stay. Do you need to be centrally located? Do you plan to do self-catering to save some money? Then you can book a studio or cottage with kitchen equipment and save money on eating out. You should definitely double check before booking anything that your needs are met, this can also include any appliances that you may need whilst staying away from home.
With so many locations and types of accommodation available, it may take some time to conduct your research. But, no matter how long it can take, it will all be worth it when you arrive at your holiday home and can put your feet up to rest!
Photo by Nik
2. Travel during off-peak season
One of the easiest ways to maximise your travel budget is to travel during off-peak season, you example a weekend getaway to Malaga in February. Off-peak is the time when there are fewer tourists, and the prices of flights, accommodation, and activities are significantly lower. More importantly, you will enjoy you trip more because you’ll get to see all the main sights without the crowds. The weather will still be warmer than in the UK, but you won’t get any of the peak season’s hiked-up prices!
The only downside of travelling during the low season is that some attractions and activities, e.g. boat trips or outdoor tours might be closed in winter. With a bit of research, you will have a fantastic trip and enjoy significant savings.
Malaga, Costa del Sol – Photo by Adrianna Calvo
3. Book in advance
Booking anything in advance, like museum tickets, guided tours, airport transfers, could mean that you manage to save yourself some pennies. Before you arrive, make sure you think about what you’re going to do whilst you’re away or what activities you would like to take part in.
Many holiday destinations in the UK offer incredible water sports, so if you are travelling with children, booking budget-friendly activities in advance is so important! You don’t want to arrive on the day and find out all activities are fully booked.
To rent a vehicle at an affordable price, you need to book it in advance – you can save a lot of money this way. Early booking will give you the opportunity to choose a vehicle that meets all your criteria. In the case of on-site rentals, customers often have to take what is available at the moment.
If you plan on eating out during your holiday, you should book any restaurants at least one week in advance. Holiday locations, especially when the sun is shining, can get really busy with guests. Therefore, booking in advance can elevate some unnecessary stress! To find the best local cheap eats, ask local bloggers or food Instagrammers for their top recommendations!
4. Vouchers
If you know which restaurants or activity venues you are heading to, it’s always worth researching if there are any deals, vouchers or coupon codes on offer! Eating out and entertainment can pile up and become your biggest holiday expenses, so finding online deals can really help you save money that you can put towards something else, like a flight upgrade to Business Class, a taxi transfer or a lavish stay at a boutique hotel!
Sign up to airline or credit card loyalty programs and take advantage of the travel rewards and discounts they offer, such as free flights, upgrades, and other perks that can enhance your travel experiences.
5. Choose affordable destinations
Finally, choosing affordable destinations can help you save a lot of money. There are plenty of beautiful destinations around the world that offer amazing experiences without breaking the bank. You can choose to go camping in the nature to minimize activity and overnight expenses. Or go on an adventure road trip in a campervan – this is a great way to save money, as you combine your transportation and accommodation costs into one. Consider destinations that are not as popular as others or opt for a staycation to save on travel costs.
Photo by paje victoria
I hope these helpful tips will enable you to find the best holiday deals and travel on a budget. Or, if you’re still looking for your perfect getaway, you now know how to pre-plan your stay to save you some money in the long run. Where will you be travelling to first?
