There’s roughly one month left before kids will be returning to school in the autumn, so take advantage of the time with your family while you still can. If you haven’t already planned a holiday, no worries, there’s still plenty you can do to ensure you and your loved ones have a great time without breaking the bank.
This does not constitute advice and advice should be sought in all instances before acting on it.
Book in advance
Flights and accommodation will be your big ticket items, so you should do anything you can to keep costs to a minimum.
Comparison and last minute trip websites are the best ways for you to keep expenses down. Timing is crucial – both for when you’re buying and for when you’re flying. There is a plethora of apps and sites designed to tell you when to snag tickets and will list out the options so you can compare prices, times, and carriers so you can choose the best fit for your family.
If you’re travelling with a big group of extended family members, a holiday home might be your best bet for a balance of comfort and affordability. But if you’re happy with a hotel, comparison websites will often help you find a great deal. You can always get in touch with hotels directly to see if they’ll beat online prices. Becoming a member of certain hotel groups can also help you gain points and free stays after a certain number of trips.
While you’re there
Take advantage of free Wi-Fi spots and do all your browsing before switching off your data if you are travelling outside of the EU, as roaming and data charges can be steep. While connected, download maps for offline exploring (which is especially important for driving when you’ll need directions) and public transport maps for sightseeing.
If you plan to use cash while abroad, be sure to find the best rate before you go to avoid exchanging currency at the airport. However, using a card will always get you the best rate day to day. Check yours to see if your company charges a foreign transaction fee.
Just enjoy
Don’t let the frustration of planning your trip get the best of you. There are plenty of ways for you to prepare for travel before you take off and there are always things to do while you’re away to help save you money and enjoy your holiday from start to finish.
Enjoy the holidays and time spent with your family and be sure to follow us on social media to stay up-to-date with the latest financial news.