Although your daydreams might see you jetting off somewhere exotic this summer, a lack of money is likely to keep your feet firmly on the ground instead. As is the case for a lot of people nowadays; there seems to enough money issues to worry about throughout the year, without the added stress of saving up for a holiday.
However, being able to afford a break doesn’t always have to mean spending a shed load of cash. If you’d like to go somewhere this summer but are struggling to save up, there are ways to ensure your trip stays as cost-effective as possible.
Stay close to home
If you live in the UK, why waste your money going elsewhere? By sticking to home shores you could save a whole load of money that would otherwise be spent on flights and accommodation. Of course the added bonus of going abroad is always the guaranteed sun, but if you are able to come to terms with a few rainy days, there are endless amounts of locations to explore here. From quintessentially English seaside towns to big cities, you could even go on a road trip and visit multiple locations, ultimately lowering the cost of travel to and from your destination.
Search for free attractions
If you always find yourself getting caught out by on-the-spot costs and pricey entry fees, try doing your research beforehand. By being aware of these kinds of costs, you could steer clear of the tourist trap and instead uncover a few surprising gems. You might be amazed at how many British attractions are free; from walking tours and gardens to art galleries and museums, you really don’t have to spend a lot to enjoy a good day out. Check out websites like Visit England for handy compilations of the best free attractions to enjoy.
Ask for a better deal
As the age old saying suggests: if you don’t ask, you don’t get. So if you are planning on booking hotel accommodation in the UK, email the hotel directly asking for availability and whilst you’re at it, haggle for a better deal! If the price of a room has been fixed for a while, there’s no harm in asking if there’s any wiggle room; you might be surprised how low hotel managers will be willing to go to ensure a booking.
Use the cheaper alternative
Finally, this is a rule which tends to apply with whatever you’re spending money on. For example, if you’re looking at train travel, consider taking the coach instead. If you’re booking separate rooms for kids and adults, search for a hotel with a camp or sofa bed in the same room. Of course you will have to weigh up whether the cheaper will be worth it overall – but more often than not, you’ll probably find yourself going for the low-cost option in order to save a few pennies.
If you were resigned to giving up your holiday this summer, you might be able to think again – with just a few easy steps you could easily reduce the cost of a trip somewhere in the UK. After all… there really is no place like home.
What do you do to save money on holidays?