7 Easy Ways to Save Money on your Next Holiday

7 Easy Ways to Save Money on your Next Holiday

International holidays can be a lot of fun, a much needed time out and something we all look forward to. They can also be something that goes way over budget and if you don’t spend your money in the right places you can be left with nothing in the budget for restaurants and experiences.

So at Flight Patrol, we’ve put together 7 easy ways for you to save money on the boring stuff so you can have a lot more fun once you’re travelling.

1. Off Season

This is a big way to get cheaper flights, cheaper accommodation, cheaper food, cheaper care hire. Cheaper everything! If you’re after a relaxing European beach holiday then consider booking flights in September. Travelling just a bit off-season in September is significantly cheaper than flying in July or August. Plus, in September it’s still beautifully hot and the beaches are a lot less full. Not only will you save money, but it’ll be a lot more enjoyable too.

2. Join a Cheap Flight List

Whenever I’m planning flying long-haul I always make sure I sign up to Jack’s Flight Club. It’s a company that monitors cheap flights from British Airports and gives you regular updates on cheap flights. Whether you are booking soon or for a holiday in a year’s time flight monitoring clubs take all the stress out of it for you and can save you hundreds. They are also great for fun last minute holidays, highlighting less travelled destinations and the savings are serious.

3. Skip the Hotel

Hotels are the most expensive way to find accommodation when on holiday. Yes, they are so nice with their perfectly neat beds and fluffy towels. But if you want to really save money hotels are one to skip. Renting a place on Airbnb can save you big money. Not only do you get a more local, real feel for the place but, you can book somewhere that caters to your needs far better than a hotel. For example, you can rent an entire house with a pool. You won’t have to worry about running out to the pool every morning to plonk your towel on a sun lounger to reserve it. As much as a nice room is, you’re not on holiday to spend time in your bedroom. So don’t worry so much about the hotel and spend your money on memories that you will treasure.

4. Sightseeing Passes

These are something that we often overlook and assume are marked up. But, throughout Europe, you can save a lot of money by buying a museum or travel pass. Vienna is a beautiful yet notoriously expensive city but if you buy the Vienna Pass for just €17 you get unlimited public transport for 72 hours and discounted entry into over 200 museums and galleries. So take the time to look up what the city you’re in has to offer. You can save money where you least expect it.

5. Don’t take the Airline Add-Ons

We all know that annoying bit when booking flights where we go through several pages of add-ons and bonuses that slowly start to convince us that we need more services and ‘advantages’ on our flight. Well, you don’t.  Paying to pick a seat just isn’t necessary, nor is the overpriced sandwiches once you’re onboard. You can always pack your own food, or pick something up much cheaper at the supermarket before take-off.

6. Check your Insurance

Often people buy travel insurance without realising their credit card offers it to them for free. If you’re not sure what you’re entitled to, give your provider a quick call and ask. If you don’t have travel insurance with them they will be likely to offer you a good deal to keep you as a happy customer so don’t be shy to ask.

7. Pack Light

I am certainly guilty of overpacking for holidays. Especially when I am really excited and can’t wait to get going. But, what I have learned over the years is that packing light can really cut down on expenses. Whenever I travel to Europe now I only take a backpack. That seems crazy to many. But, if you’re hanging out at the beach or sightseeing how many clothes do you really need? Try to be more realistic with what you need and you can save money by not needing to book a flight with a suitcase in the hold. Plus you’ll get out of the airport much quicker!

If you’ve got any of your own sneaky ways to save money when going on holiday let us know by below.