Jasmine Birtles
Your money-making expert. Financial journalist, TV and radio personality.
How to travel on a budget
Reading Time: 3 minutesEarly in 2022, travel restrictions were lifted. After almost two years of limited travel, it was easier to go on holiday abroad. Since then, record numbers of holidaymakers have indulged in summer getaways. As a result, UK airports have seen passenger numbers soar.
While summer is behind us, plenty of autumnal adventures and winter escapes are available. Here are some ways to get there on a budget if you’re making travel plans.
Save on your flight
Depending on your destination, your flight can take up a significant part of your budget. Shop around for deals, as you might find that different airlines are cheaper. Similarly, travelling at unsociable hours can be more cost-effective.
Another option is to use a VPN for your Apple or another device A VPN hides your IP address and encrypts all your information, which allows you to be more secure and private in your online activities. Also, with a VPN, you can keep your browsing activity anonymous. It means booking sites can’t track your data and raise the prices if you return to your search. A VPN also hides your location, so you can access flights that might not be available in your region.
Book ahead
From train travel to the airport to arranging accommodation in advance, booking everything early can save you money. For instance, as hotels fill up, the remaining rooms are more in demand. This pushes up the price of those last few rooms. Similarly, if you book transport ahead of your trip, you’ve already accounted for things like airport transfers before you jet off.
Consider the time of year
Another advantage of planning is that you might bag a bargain. Discounts are often available if you plan to travel outside peak season. For instance, if heading to Europe in July and August, you’re likely to pay more for your trip than you would in October or November.
As well as the summer months sending prices shooting up, you’ll find that seasonal events are more expensive. This makes sense if you’re going to Lapland in December for a Christmas getaway. But if you long for a log cabin during the festive season, try looking for places off the beaten track to get a better price.
Stick to your budget
You might have had a budget before you set off on your holiday. You might have been determined to stick to it. But the reality is that it’s easy to be swept up in the thrill of being away from home. Holiday spending starts to feel like it “doesn’t count”.
Try to create a daily budget to avoid overspending once you get to your destination. It’s easier to stick to something if you write it down! Make room in this financial plan for excursions and the essentials like eating out. By planning activities, you’ll know how much you’re willing and able to spend on that snorkelling session, for example.
Go local
You might feel most comfortable heading to the tourist hotspots. But looking at where the locals go for food, drink, and shopping can help you to cut costs. Popular tourist areas are more likely to be expensive – and probably nowhere near as satisfying. Soak up the culture, enjoy an authentic experience and save money while you’re there.
Disclaimer: MoneyMagpie is not a licensed financial advisor and therefore information found here including opinions, commentary, suggestions or strategies are for informational, entertainment or educational purposes only. This should not be considered as financial advice. Anyone thinking of investing should conduct their own due diligence
Subscribe
Login
0 Comments
