After a rather hectic and long year of staying indoors, we’re all excited to plan for our next holiday break away with our friends or family. But as holidays can be expensive to go on, we’ve compiled some tips to help you save money so that you and your mates can spend it on the things you love!
1. Be Flexible
If you’re able to, keep your holiday dates as open as possible. This way you’re more likely to get better rates of travel and accommodation for quieter periods, meaning you’ll be able to enjoy the same place but at a cheaper price. Compare the prices of different flights on sites like Skyscanner so that you can see when the cheapest time of the month is to fly.
Consider where you are wanting to travel to, as some countries like Morocco are warm from March to November, so you can still enjoy some sun and a quieter, more peaceful time around the pool with no queues for the bar. Result!
2. Pack Smart
Don’t bring items that will add extra unnecessary weight to your luggage and only bring things that you’re definitely going to use. The more bags you bring, the more expensive it will be to check in. It’s worth considering which airline you’re flying with and whether they include some free luggage space when you book with them.
Try condensing your shoe collection down to two pairs, one for practical things like walking around and exploring and one for evenings out and getting dressed up. This will save a huge amount of space and weight in your bags, meaning that you have more room for souvenirs and treating yourself to something nice whilst away.
3. Leave the Car at Home
Though it might seem more convenient for you and your friends to all pile into your car and jet off to the airport, you’ll be compromising on luggage space and that 2AM pre-flight drive won’t be so fun when you’re actually doing it. Especially not on the way back when you’re jetlagged and maybe even hungover.
Take the train and help your group save money, effort and time that would be spent on petrol and airport parking. Plus, it gives you an extra few hour or so to get some well needed sleep before your adventure starts!
4. Save Money While Withdrawing Money
Whilst abroad, using your credit or debit card to withdraw cash from an ATM will cost additional charges with most banks charging a commission fee. To avoid multiple extra charges, make sure you take out large sums of money so that it lasts you longer and you won’t be returning to the ATM to face another charge the next day.
Another way to avoid card charges is to take out plenty of the correct currency before you fly if you can. Money exchange stores will buy back any unspent currency at a lower rate, as long as there’s enough currency left to make it worth their while. Ask your local exchange company for their rates beforehand.
5. Stay in Hostels
Not all hostels are dingy, student-harbouring places. Some are beautifully presented and even have a games or cinema room with space for socialising. Depending on how many of you from your group are going, you may even be able to rent out your own dorm between you to enjoy each other’s company.
Not only are hostels much cheaper than hotels, they often have a tour guide or events hub where you can book onto excursions and be picked up right from the front door via minibus – a great way to explore the city.