subject: Top 10 Cheap Holiday Tips [print this page] With the recession no longer a news story but more of a long depressing trudge through the reality of it no longer being a news story but just, well, life, more than ever most of us need a good holiday to restore some cheer. Of course, with a recession in full slide, theres not much spare cash floating about. Below are some top tips on how to knock a couple of hundred off the cost of a decent break.
Travel
1. Shop around for flights
Price comparison websites are useful, but not the be all of bargain hunting. Taking the time out to visit the websites of individual operators can uncover some unexpected bargains, especially if youre prepared to fly an indirect route. Adding a couple of hours to your flight time can often save a sizeable chunk of your overall travel budget.
2. Take hand luggage only
If youre going for a long weekend, take hand luggage only. You might have to scrimp on a few of the luxuries like hair straighteners or a hair dryer, but youll save a bucketload of time by not having to check-in. If you book with a budget airline you can save up to 50% of your total flight cost by not choosing to add the check-in baggage fee.
Accommodation
3. Get all-inclusive
Eating out is one of the massive hidden expenses of going on holiday. A meal out a day can set you back nearly 500 over the course of a week. If you can get all-inclusive meals on your holiday and it sets you back less than 200 per week, do it. Anyone who has been on a cruise will tell you how much of a difference it makes.
4. Stay in a hostel
It can mean sharing a bathroom, and the digs are often just that, but if you check TripAdvisor for a well-reviewed hostel before you go, you will often find your accommodation cheap, clean, furnished and most importantly, friendly. One thing: make sure you check that hostel fees are per room, not per person before you book.
Destination
5. Check exchange rates
Before you head abroad make sure the exchange rate is in your favour. The pound versus the euro exchange rate at time of writing means that what looks like a cheap holiday in France can see you paying the equivalent of 5 for a small bottle of beer or 10 for a McDonalds.
6. Go somewhere with a beach
Beaches give great mileage. Sunbathing all day means you dont spend money filling your holiday with costly activities. Find somewhere with sun and a beach and thats all youll need to fill your days.
7. Research freebies
Before you book your holiday, take the time to Google for free activities and places to go. For instance, although London may seem like a very expensive place to spend a week, all museums are completely free, meaning the rest of your budget can go on covering the more costly accommodation, while a trip to New York might seem cheaper but will see you forking out for almost any tourist attraction you want to visit.
8. Turn your mobile off
The post-holiday mobile phone bill can be a nasty surprise that you didnt account for in your holiday budgeting, leaving you feeling like you need a holiday the day you fly home. Turn your mobile off before you leave, or at the very least spend some time on your network providers website to see if they have any international add-ons that will reduce the cost of calls and texts. If you feel you definitely need a mobile, buy yourself a compatible pay as you go SIM card in the country youre going to, load it with however much credit youre happy to spend, and use that. Once the credit has run out consider the mobile out of bounds. That way youll never go over budget.
9. Go teetotal
Unless youre lucky, alcohol is going to be a major expense on holiday. Most of us like a drink, but bear in mind an inebriated tourist is a reckless penny spender. If you do drink, drink responsibly. Some of us might need to get off our heads on a depressing weekend down the local, but if youre sat on a sandy beach on a sweet summer evening, have a couple of relaxing beverages and soak the atmosphere up rather than hitting the bars or clubs. Holidays are about getting away from it all, not reliving the same life in a different place.
10. Walk
Sounds silly, right? Most inner city public transport is, even in the most generous government-subsidised countries, an expense. As soon as you get to your destination, head to the airport tourist information and grab a detailed map. Youll be surprised how much ground you can cover on foot, especially in a tight-knit city, and youll get to see more of your holiday destination too. If you do need transport, always take public. Avoid taxis at all costs this travel writer has yet to discover a taxi service that is less than expensive.
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