Top 5 travel hacks to save yourself some money….

Travelling can be an exciting adventure, even more so if you know a few ways to save a bit of cash. The costs can quickly add up otherwise, making it a challenge to stick to a carefully planned budget. With rising prices for flights, accommodation, and activities to keep you busy when you get there, finding ways to save money while still enjoying your trip is more important than ever.

In this article, we’ll explore five practical travel hacks that can help you stretch your budget further without compromising on the experience. The tips below are designed to help you make the most of your travels, whether you’re planning a quick weekend getaway or a long-term adventure across the globe. Let’s see how you can potentially save £££s on your next trip.

Hack #1 – Use Flight Comparison Tools

One of the best ways to save money on flights is by using flight comparison websites and apps. Tools like Skyscanner allow you to compare prices across multiple airlines and booking platforms, ensuring you get the best deal possible. It can also help you compare car hire and hotel options too. Using flexible date searches, this can help you find the cheapest days to fly, avoiding the busiest times of day which can also be the most expensive.

Setting up alerts for price drops is another great feature, as you’ll receive notifications when the price for your desired route changes, allowing you to book at the ideal time. Booking flights during mid-week days, such as Tuesday or Wednesday, can often result in lower fares compared to weekends. If you can book your flight well in advance, this can help lower the cost too.

Using these tools not only can save you money but also time, as you can quickly see all available options in one place. This way, you can make an informed decision and stretch your travel budget further.

Hack #2 – Travel Off-Peak

Travelling during off-peak times and seasons can help you make substantial savings on your holiday as well as enjoy less busy locations. Off-peak seasons typically fall outside of school holidays and major holiday periods like the Summer. During these times, flights, hotels, and even attractions can often be cheaper due to lower demand.

For example, if you have availability in late Autumn or early Spring, this can be much more affordable than during the Summer months when there is higher demand. Not only will you save money, but you’ll also enjoy fewer crowds and a more relaxed travel experience. Destinations like the Greek Islands, the Canary Islands, and even popular cities like Paris and Rome are still great to visit in their off-peak seasons. Your budget will go much further too, giving you more to spend on great food and local attractions.

Hack #3 – Look For Accommodation Alternatives

When it comes to accommodation, thinking outside the box can lead to significant savings. Your first thought may be to stay at a resort or popular hotel, but options like hostels, Airbnb, and even house-sitting (yes, really) provide budget-friendly alternatives you’ll want to consider. Hostels are great for solo travellers or those looking to meet new people, offering both dormitory-style and private rooms at lower prices. This is one of the reasons why it’s popular for backpackers on smaller budgets.

Websites like Airbnb offer a wide range of options, from shared spaces to entire homes, which can be much more comfortable and private than a hotel. This can be particularly cost-effective for families or groups travelling together. Additionally, house-sitting is an excellent option where you can stay in someone’s home in exchange for taking care of their property and pets. Websites like TrustedHousesitters help to connect homeowners with travellers looking for opportunities just like this.

When booking any accommodation, always read reviews and check the location to ensure safety and convenience. Comparing prices across different platforms and booking well in advance can also help you secure the best deals. According to ABTA’s Holiday Habits Report 2023-24, package holidays are still a popular choice with 61% of people choosing this in the past 12 months, with 42% saying it gave them the best value option for the price. By exploring alternatives, you can hopefully save money and enjoy unique travel experiences.

Hack #4 – Book Multi-Trip Travel Insurance

If you travel frequently, booking multi-trip travel insurance can be more cost-effective than purchasing single-trip policies. Multi-trip insurance covers multiple trips within a year, often at a lower overall cost compared to buying separate policies for each journey. This type of insurance not only saves money but also provides peace of mind, knowing you’re covered for various trips.

Many insurance providers will offer both single-trip and annual cover options, and you’ll also be able to find travel insurance policies that cover travel delays or disruptions when comparing them. It can provide peace of mind with coverage for medical expenses, trip cancellations, and lost or damaged baggage too. Policies like this are designed to cater to different needs, ensuring you get the best protection for your travels.

Be sure to compare policies when looking for multi-trip insurance to help you find the best option at an affordable cost. You can then enjoy your travels without the hassle of purchasing a new policy for each trip, ultimately saving you time and money.

Hack #5 – Take Advantage of Local Deals & Discounts

Taking advantage of local deals and discounts can significantly reduce your travel expenses. Many destinations offer special promotions on attractions, dining, and activities, which can be found on tourist information websites. There are many cities that offer discount cards for tourists, such as the London Pass, which provides access to 90+ attractions at a reduced rate. These cards can be a great way to save money if you plan to visit several sites, so see if there is one for your destination.

Before your trip, airport parking costs can also be considerably less if booked in advance. Travel insurer Staysure found that it’s £3.70 more expensive per day to choose your airport parking last minute than pre-booking for a week, so it’s well worth thinking about this early on. By doing a bit of research and planning, you can enjoy more for less money, so seek out the best deals as early as possible.

Save Money On Your Next Trip

These are just a handful of travel hacks to keep in mind so that you can make your next trip more affordable and enjoyable. Try these tips when looking at everything from accommodation to flights and things to do and be sure to do this as early as you can. You may still find last-minute deals on various types of holidays if you have the flexibility, but to avoid disappointment, booking ahead should always give you an advantage – one that gives you plenty more spending money in your budget.