Tips to save money on your holiday

“How do I save money on my holiday this year?” Now that’s a question I’m hearing a lot at the moment.

With VAT having just gone up to 20%, the air passenger duty tax implemented last year and most of us having our annual pay rises terminated, the cost of our holiday is a real concern. However, most of us still yearn for that week or two in the sun and really don’t want to have to give it up unless we really have to.

Well, here are a few hints and tips as to how you can save money on your holiday. Some more obvious, some a little less. So take a moment to have a quick read through, and you never know, you might end up quids in!

1.Savings
Now I know most of us are still paying for Christmas, but if you can, try and put a little bit of money away each month. Every little helps and even if you’ve saved a couple of hundred pounds it’s a big chunk towards your spending money without getting into debt for a few ice creams and sangrias!

2.All Inclusive
They might not be everyone’s cup of tea, many feel somewhat cooped up on an all-inclusive holidays, however they are actually extremely good value. The deals on these types of holidays across Europe right now are really very good. The whole point of these holidays, prudent when you’re on a budget, is that everything is included – meals, snacks, drinks and vino!! Once your holiday is booked and paid for then that should be it. No second-guessing how much spending money you might need. Or worrying about the cost of eating out once you are there. Don’t forget of course, the cost of almost everything in Europe has risen sharply as the Euro is low against the pound.

This type of holiday is especially good for families as children always need a constant supply of drinks (that never end up getting finished), ice-creams (which are so expensive) and not to mention the constant snacking which all adds up!

3.Expensive Days of the Week to Travel
Certain days of the week are considerably more to fly out on. The weekends for example, Fridays too. Mondays however are less popular so are therefore usually a good couple of hundred pounds less!

4.Expensive Times of the Day to Travel
It’s the same for the time of your flight too. Night flights and mid day flights are usually cheaper than early or mid-morning flights.

5.Pre-book Airport Parking
Driving to the airport? Need airport parking? Well, book this as early as possible, and also be sure to book online. By doing this you will get the very best price around, whereas if you book within days of travelling you will be charged a lot, lot more!

6.Book Early
At the moment there are some cracking deals out there so have a good look around – don’t book the first thing you find. Also, if you find a better holiday elsewhere but prefer a certain tour operator don’t be afraid to ask them to price match. They don’t want to lose your business – if you don’t ask you don’t get is my philosophy!

7.Say ‘no’ to Short Haul In-flight Meals
If you’re only flying short haul say no to an in-flight meal, these are expensive. Instead, take a packed lunch or buy something at the airport to take onboard.

8.Foreign Currency & Cash Withdrawals
Don’t change up your foreign currency at the airport Bureau de Change – rates at the airport are not as competitive as on the high street or online. Search around before you buy as you can usually get a good deal. And be sure to watch out for deals on exchanging your currency back into pounds if you haven’t spent it all.

If you can help it, don’t withdraw cash from a cash machine whilst away, unless you have cleared it with your bank first. Be aware you may be charged a lot of interest, plus an overseas transaction charge for every withdrawal you make. Also refrain from taking money out on your credit card too, again the interest is through the roof and you’ll be charged this from the moment you take the cash out, not from when your statement is due!

9.Souvenirs & Gifts
How many times have you been caught up in the moment, bought a ‘special’ souvenir only to wonder why, oh why you did so when you get home? Well, be strict with yourself. Don’t buy anything you don’t need.

And take this a step further - cut out, or at least back, on those little gifts and souvenirs for family and friends!