WELCOME TO OUR Home or Away Money Saving Tips GUIDE
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Summary: Our tips on helping you to save money on your foreign holiday
Home or Away?
Firstly, decide whether you REALLY want to travel abroad.
This may seem a bit obvious, but there are often hidden costs that can soon mount up, even with a package holiday. For instance, how will you get to the airport? Fuel costs are often overlooked as can parking at the airport. Parking costs can soon add up, especially if you are away for two weeks. Think about taking the train or a coach directly to the airport, or even a taxi door to door. Many local taxi firms offer this service, and for a family group, can often work out less expensive than other means of travel. Make sure you get a fixed price for the journey, and don’t forget to book the return! The convenience factor is important too – and can be a relaxing way to start and end your holiday.
- Compare different methods of travel to airport
- Include fuel and car parking in your calculations
- A rail card can save on train fares – does anyone in your group qualify for one?
- A coach card can reduce fares too – young children can travel free
- Look for special offers for train or coach travel
- Get a fixed price quote for a taxi transfer
- Pack a picnic! Airport refreshments can be expensive. Take your own, but make sure you are able to carry any uneaten foodstuffs onto the plane on departure.
- Some airlines now charge for refreshments, again take your own on board.
- Weigh luggage carefully. Excess baggage charges can be costly.
- Book a last minute holiday. As numbers of holidaymakers fall, it can be worth leaving it until just before your plan to travel if you consider more than one destination for extra choice and availability.
Allow a realistic daily spend for food, refreshments etc and stick to it! It’s easy to get carried away buying drinks, ice creams etc. Also, think about whether an all inclusive holiday would really work for you. The cost of all your food and drinks are generally included, which might seem attractive, but of course you are limited to eating in the hotel/resort. This is fine if there is a variety of restaurants, but the menus can be repetitive. If you then eat out, it has in effect cost you double! If you spend the day off site, then check whether a packed lunch will be provided as part of the deal. It’s always worth asking as you have paid for a meal after all!
Booking a half board holiday or one that includes breakfast is another way of keeping costs down. Or why not go the whole hog and try self catering? Buying and preparing your own food can certainly be cheaper than eating out, but gives the flexibility to do just that if you get fed up of cooking every day. This is a good option if any of your party has particular dietary requirements too.
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