When heading off on holiday, you will have a set budget but it is easier said than done sticking to it. A tourist tax and inflated prices that you see in the areas populated by foreigners are things to look out for. From planning to the return trip home your entire holiday should be well planned to avoid costs spiraling out of control. Travel companies can lure you in with low cost deals but they often contain a ton of hidden charges. Check out these top tips to give save the pennies so the pounds can look after themselves:
- Research
Might sound simple, but this is crucial when it comes to lowering holiday costs. So, once you have figured out where you want to go, check the hotels and options (bed and breakfast to all inclusive). The internet is your friend and you should be able to find good options. Narrow your list of hotels, car hire and flights and then call each one and use your best negotiating skills to get a good price.
After this, there’s the small matter of airport parking. Be sure to look into this early and find any deals for keeping your car safe. If you pay when you get there you will be charged a lot more. Some airports offer a valet type service, which makes you feel like a rockstar. The car is taken away and parked from a secure location from right outside the departure lounge and then returned to you at the end of your trip at arrivals.
- Before you fly
After you have booked and know what the plan is, make sure to do some pre-flight checks. The packing is an integral part of cutting costs. Chances are that sun cream, medications, books, gadgets and clothes will be cheaper from home because you know where to get the best prices. Don’t leave it until you are there before buying these things. Similarly, don’t go too far and get charged for excess baggage allowance. Additionally, airport shopping – don’t do it, the VAT free prices are a con.
- Insurance
When you think about going on holiday, it usually is happy thoughts. However, if you do get in a holiday illness then you will be looking at a rather substantial medical bill. With this in mind, you can keep potential costs down by getting an insurance package ahead of your trip.
- When you are there
Once you have arrived in the country, be sure to find a reasonable taxi driver to take you where you are going. Aside from this consider how much you want to spend and need to eat during a day. Don’t go all out buying souvenirs and be tactical with food spending. If you can cook for yourself a couple of times then do, plus do you need to be eating out for lunch? Probably not, just grab some bread and ham from the supermarket and make sandwiches.
These are four of the best tips for trimming the costs when it comes to holidays. Other ideas would be checking for the best exchange rate, get a guidebook to find hidden hotspots and figure out where you can do some cheap activities.
