Money Saving Hacks for Holidays*

Going on holiday can be expensive, and I don’t just mean the booking and paying for it, I mean everything that goes along with it. From getting spending money, travel insurance, everything you need to take (which is a lot if you have kids). Yes, you won’t be spending money as you would at home (but lets not forget you still have to pay for your home and bills even if you aren’t in it for 2 weeks) but you need to feed yourself every day, pay for things to do (because even if you go to the beach, a lot of places charge you for sun loungers when you’re abroad). It’s not cheap. But there is no denying in the tough, face paced world we live in, we all deserve that break.

So today i’m sharing a few money saving hacks to consider when you’re getting ready for your holiday.

Buy Essentials Before You Go
Make sure you have all the sun cream, ponchos, umbrellas, insect repellent, a full first aid kit, because 9 times out of 10 the place you’re visiting, especially abroad will have these available at triple the price. Yes, it’s expensive when you’re trying to pull your spending money together (I know, I’m here right now) but there is nothing more frustrating than seeing your spending money disappear once you’re there because you are buying things you know you could have gotten in Boots on 2 for 1, or even in Poundland! Even better you can check online for freebies you can get to help you be prepared while you’re away from home.

Book Attractions Early
On the gate prices are always going to be more expensive than if you book in advance. Plan what you want to do on holiday then check online to see if there is a way you can book tickets in advance. This is especially important if you plan to visit a theme park, their on the gate prices can be so much more than had you bought them online, printed out a voucher and exchanged it in the gate. Sometimes you do find that you just decide spur of the moment you want to visit somewhere so use your phone to look for a voucher. You might not be able to buy in advance but some places do 2 for 1 gate prices which can save you a bit.

Check Your Data Plan
A hidden cost of a holiday is the phone bill when you get back. With social media everyone wants to share what they get up to on holiday, myself included given that my parents wish they could be with us but using your phone abroad (especially outside Europe) can get incredibly pricey. Check what data abroad you plan uses and see if you can add on extra if you think you’ll need it. Buying data abroad in bulk is so much cheaper than pay as you go. This way you know how much extra your bill will be with the set price add ons that have no extra charges.

Buy Travel Insurance
Get travel insurance. I remember being in my early 20s and never bothering but I’ve definitely got wiser with age and since becoming a mum. Medical bills should anything happen while on holiday (God forbid) are hefty but if you have a travel insurance with a decent medical cover it will help ease your mind. Not only that but it covers lost property, cancellations out of your hands (like when our trip to Paris got messed up due to the snow in March!) It’s a great investment even if nothing happens and can cost as little as £6 for your whole trip. For the past 4 years I’ve got yearly cover which for LM and I has been around £30.

Yes, no one likes to be caught out with the added expenses of a holiday especially if you’ve already paid thousands for it, but doing some planning and paying out small amounts before you leave can save you from dealing with big payouts while you’re there or after you come home.