Sun, sea, sand, and savings? Jetting off on your annual summer break doesn’t have to blow the budget. Here are the extra costs to consider when planning your summer holiday and how to keep them as low as possible.
There are few things better than the anticipation that builds up before your summer holiday. An annual opportunity to escape the day-to-day for a few days or weeks, soak up some sun, sea, and sights, and take time out to relax and reset.
Unfortunately, no matter whether you’re jetting off abroad or staying somewhere more local, you break can come with hidden costs. When you factor in transport, accommodation, excursions, and more, these combined costs can quickly blow your budget – and could even drive you into debt!
The good news is that you can take steps to cut down on the extra costs that can come up on your summer holiday.
Read on for our top tips on taking a budget-friendly break:
Flights and accommodation
The more flexible you can be about dates when booking your flights and accommodation, the cheaper your holiday could be. If you can, avoid the school holidays as prices both in the UK and overseas tend to skyrocket as soon as term ends.
Of course, that’s not always an option for families, so if you do need to travel at peak times, consider heading to a less popular destination rather than a holiday hotspot. You might also be able to save by flying mid-week rather than travelling on a weekend, especially if you can also avoid extra luggage charges by travelling with hand luggage only.
Don’t forget to compare prices on comparison websites; even if you don’t end up booking through a site like Trivago or Booking.com, these sites can help you explore different options and understand how far your budget might stretch.
All-inclusive vs. self-catering
Food and drink can be one of the most expensive parts of a summer holiday especially when travelling in a large group. Weigh up the pros and cons of opting for an all-inclusive package or self-catering. Self-catering can be the cheaper option if you’re comfortable going to the local supermarket to stock up on breakfast food, lunches, and snacks. You could also keep your costs low if you cook most of your meals in your accommodation rather than eating out at restaurants.
If you hate the idea of having to cook on holiday, all-inclusive packages can still be a cost-effective and convenient option. Check what’s included in the package; some will offer three meals a day, snacks, and an open bar while others will restrict the number of meals you can have a day and charge extra for alcoholic drinks. Take some time to break down how much you’ll be paying per person per day for the all-inclusive package and if this will likely work out cheaper than dining outside of the resort.
Transport
Both getting to and from the airport and getting around while on holiday can be expensive. Before deciding to drive and paying a premium for airport parking, it’s well worth taking some time to research the different ways to travel to and from the airport. If public transport won’t work for your situation, investing in two taxi trips could work out cheaper than the cost of parking for a week or two.
When you land, explore the public transport options to get from the airport to your hotel rather than hiring a car. You might find that travelling via a train, tram, or bus is both cheaper and quicker, especially if you’re staying in the city centre.
Travel days can also add up as you’ll pay more to buy food and drink at an airport or train station. A more budget-friendly option would be to plan ahead and pack snacks that you can eat on the go so you’re not tempted to splurge at Duty Free.
Activities and excursions
Once you’ve arrived in your destination, you could end up spending more money on excursions and activities, especially if they are promoted by the tour reps at your resort. Instead, do some research into free and low-cost activities. If you’re all about relaxation, spending the day at the beach or hanging out by the pool can be the cheapest option, but if you do want to get out and explore, several cultural landmarks and museums will also offer free entry.
If you’re on a city break and want to make the most of the local sights, find out whether you could save money by booking tickets in advance or buying combined passes that cover the entry fees for several different attractions at a lower package price.
Souvenirs and gifts
Bringing home a memento from your holiday can be a great way to remember the experience but buying gifts and souvenirs are extra costs that you often won’t factor into your budget when planning your summer holiday. If you know you’re going to want to add to your magnet collection or buy a gift for your best friend, set a budget before you travel. It may also be worthwhile writing – and costing – a shopping list before you go.
Travelling to a city that’s known for its shopping? Make a list your most wanted pieces and how much you’re willing to spend on them. Revisit this list each time you’re tempted to wander into a different shop and want to buy something you don’t really want and definitely can’t afford.
Travel insurance
Travel insurance can feel like just another extra cost when planning your summer holiday, but it’s one item you shouldn’t skip. Not buying insurance is a false economy; you might save that fee upfront, but you’ll be facing much higher costs if you need to pay to get medical treatment abroad or replace stolen items. The peace of mind that comes with insurance is priceless.
Looking for support with your finances this summer? Our team of experts is here to help. Give us a call on 0161 8260 585 or send a message here
