Save on holidays, no matter your destination

Read on for money-saving tips before you book your break away.

Amy Smith
Amy Smith
Updated 2 December 2019  | 4 min read read

It doesn’t matter whether you’re after a culture-filled city break or an all-inclusive package deal, there are always ways for you to save and still find the perfect getaway.

Paris, Mauritius, Las Vegas – wherever you want to go, we can help you get there.

Before getting carried away with the credit card, do your finances a favour and compare every aspect of your holiday. Make it an unforgettable trip and feel a little smug about what you paid for it.

Tips to save for all types of break

City breaks

Soak up the local culture, hopefully with some decent spending money.

Comparing hotels and flights could leave more dosh in the kitty for museum and gallery entrance fees, plus plentiful treats in the local café, bars and restaurants...

Package deals

Get everything booked in one go with a package deal.

Ideal for family holidays, you can pay for your flights, transfers, accommodation and food, and you might be able to save some cash too.

Winter sun

Travelling out of season? There may be a deal to be had, if you know where to look.

Compare long and short-haul flights to get a competitively-priced seat and scrutinise the hotels ready to shift rooms to saving-savvy tourists.

Adventurous sports

Actively pinching pennies to get an action-packed holiday?

Comparing holidays may leave a surplus to spend on pricey lift passes, equipment, and vehicle hire, or even bungee jumps. Let the adventure begin!

Couples

Be wary of the premium price tag when courting a luxurious holiday.

Compare romantic escapes, such as spa hotels, and hot tub-tastic forest cabins, so you’ll get indulgent ‘you time’ for a little less.

Cruises

Tick a few destinations off your list with one trip.

See if you could swap a voyage on a shoestring for a capacious cabin with expansive sea views, three courses, and entertainment, all bundled in.

How to save money when booking a holiday

  1. Book well in advance

    Prices tend to be cheaper if you book your holiday early

  2. Travel off-peak

    Avoiding the school holidays and Christmas can help you save

  3. Sign up to get offers

    Got a favourite travel provider? Sign up to their newsletter to see their latest deals

  4. Haggle

    Showing a holiday provider their competitor’s best rates might help you

  5. Package it up

    A package deal might work out cheaper than booking everything separately

  6. Don't fly direct

    If you don’t mind the stopover, you could get your flight cheaper

  7. Pre-book your airport parking

    You’ll be paying much more if you book it at the airport

  8. Get a villa for a big group

    Villas can work out much cheaper than hotels if there are a lot of you travelling

Take advantage of ABTA and ATOL protection

ATOL protection usually applies to package holidays (with a flight) and some individual flight bookings. It covers you if your tour operator collapses, so you don’t get stranded or lose any money if you’re abroad, plus entitle you to a refund if you’re yet to go away.

ABTA, meanwhile, covers holidays that don’t involve a flight as well as travel agents and transfers.

Book your travel insurance as soon as you buy your holiday

That way, you can take full advantage of cover for cancellation if you need it.

It’s important to have it. Travel insurance can cover the costs of medical treatment, if you should need it while you’re abroad. It can also cover the possessions you’re travelling with, cancelled flights and more. You could be shelling out a great deal of cash if you don’t have it.

Travel insurance guides and tools