Going on holiday requires a massive amount of preparation and planning – so much so that you might find yourself needing a holiday from your holiday planning! Ensuring you’re prepared financially doesn’t have to be a source of frustration – there are steps you can take before you take off and while you’re away to help save you money and start your holiday off on the right foot.
This does not constitute advice and advice should be sought in all instances before acting on it.
Frugal flight finder
One of your biggest holiday expenses will be flights – especially if you’re planning a big family getaway. The best way to get a great deal is to use comparison websites that will help you snag a bargain. Booking at the right time is also crucial; there are tools and apps available that will tell you the best time to buy your tickets.
Another great way to save money is to get away while school is in session – it’s no surprise that prices surge during school breaks.
If traveling during term time isn’t an option, there are some tricks you can use to save money instead – like ‘codesharing’ (where two or more airlines share the same flight but may offer seats at different prices.)
If you book via EasyJet, you can use their Flexifares option so you can book a flight then change the date to take advantage of cheaper prices, or you can track your flight after you purchase it and if the price goes down, you can get a voucher for the difference.
After you’ve found an inexpensive way to get to your destination, the search is on for a great place to stay.
Affordable accommodation
Much like the comparison shopping you did for your flight, you’ll need to do the same for where you’ll stay. You can search for the hotel you want across multiple search sites to find the best price, but don’t be afraid to call the hotel directly to see if they will beat online prices.
If you’re not bothered about which hotel you stay in, you can find a secret hotel booking website that offers discounts on quality hotels but you don’t find out which ones exactly until after purchasing.
Ensure you are insured – do you have Travel Insurance?
When it comes to your travelling plans, make sure you are sufficiently covered with a good Travel Insurance policy for your trip.
This statistic is rising, as in 2016, ABTA reported 22% of people travelled without travel insurance.
You need to factor in details like your destination, the number of people in your group, the duration of your time away and any extreme activities you are planning.
Even though this is a cost, you can find some very competitive deals these days and remember, if you fail to have the correct level of insurance whilst abroad, you could end up having an even bigger bill to foot, plus, not to mention a dampener on your holiday.
Other ways to save
- Currency exchange – do you research in advance and keep an eye on fluctuations in the rate. Ask friends and family where they go to switch their money before they travel.
- Phone & internet charges – contact your phone network provider in advance to find out about how they charge you whilst abroad. Some network providers have a scheme where you have the same cover in some countries as whilst in the UK. Be sure to check your destination though, and be careful of things like personal hotspots, as often these don’t work in the same way.
- A few more tips can be found here…
Careful planning will ensure you take care of everything ahead of time to secure the best deals and get all the information you need to avoid any unnecessary or unexpected costs.
There are countless destinations for you to enjoy all over the globe. If travelling and exploring the world is an important part of your life ambition, saving money and making smart financial decisions is key – not just while you’re planning your holiday, but in every aspect of your life.
For expert advice on how to accomplish your goals, get in touch with the advisors at Dental and Medical Financial services. Helping you save money is what we do, so don’t hesitate – contact us today.