As we approach the summer season, people are starting to think about where they will be taking their next holiday. For some it is the first break since the pandemic threw the world into lockdown.
Although Covid-19 continues to cast shadows across people’s daily lives, the nation has to contend with other trying factors such as the cost of living crisis. There are ways to save money whilst travelling and enjoy a much-deserved break away without breaking the bank.
The money experts at NetVoucherCodes.co.uk are sharing tips to keep the costs of a big post-pandemic holiday down. Tips include being clued up on discounts, avoiding costly airport fees and claiming after any delays.
10 ways to save money on your next big holiday
Ditch the hotel
The fight for sun loungers is enough to put anyone off a hotel trip, let alone sleeping in and missing breakfast. Hotels are often much more expensive than renting a self-catering villa.
If you’re travelling as a large group, it may be cheaper staying in an apartment or villa as a much more affordable option. The larger the group, the bigger the savings per person.
Check Brexit’s impact
Brexit has brought about lots of changes in the way UK residents travel to the EU. Stricter border checks will be in place.
You will need to show a return or onward ticket, prove you have enough money and use separate lanes from EU citizens. Your passport will need to have at least six months left until it expires and be less than 10 years old for you to travel.
Check your EHIC
The last thing anybody wants is to be stung with healthcare bills in the unfortunate event that they need medical attention abroad. Anyone travelling to Europe will need a Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or an in-date European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
These will give you access to treatment at state-run hospitals and GP services at the same cost as local establishments. Check to see if your existing EHIC is still in date before travelling.
If it has expired, you will need to apply for a GHIC. This is free on the official NHS website.
Be Covid-savvy and safe
While overseas travel is back on, there are still restrictions in place. They are changing regularly, so it is important to keep yourself up to date with the latest news before you book, before you travel and when you return home.
Try looking for holidays that are flexible if it comes to changing dates or cancelling altogether. Check Foreign Office country advice before booking.
Always research your airline’s cancellation policies before booking. With travel so touch and go, it is important you understand your rights.
Keep your eyes peeled for a code
Many big tour operators provide discount codes for their package holidays and all-inclusive holidays, on top of free child places and last-minute deals. These codes can help you save on family holidays to destinations all over the world.
Pay with a credit card
If the holiday costs more than £100, paying by credit card means you’re covered if anything goes wrong. Section 75 of the Consumer Credit Act means the credit card company is liable to pay out if anything goes wrong.
For example, if the airline goes bust, you will get your money back from the card company. Make sure to always pay your card off in full by the end of each month to avoid any interest charges.
Avoid airport drop-offs
Airports have caused a stir in recent years since launching drop-off charges. A whopping 19 out of 30 UK airports make you pay to drop someone off.
However, there are free drop-off points that are just a short walk or bus ride away from the terminal. Arriving early and planning ahead means you can avoid these extra charges.
Check your airport’s website for specific details on free drop-off options.
Don’t trust the star rating
Hotel ratings aren’t standardised worldwide. Many are just an indicator of the facilities rather than the quality.
Package tour operators tend to be the most overly generous offering a star higher. Don’t fall for a faulty star rating and check out the real-life reviews on TripAdvisor or on Google.
Compensation for delays
There is nothing worse than a delayed flight. This is why it is important you know your rights if you end up having to wait.
You can claim money back for flights that have been delayed for more than three hours or cancelled altogether. Passengers are entitled to between £100 and £600.
The EU court of justice ruled on this and it hasn’t changed as a result of Brexit.
Use price comparison sites to get the best deal on flights
Google is great, however specific sites quickly compare flight prices and do all the hard work so you don’t have to. Skyscanner is a great starting point for researching your next holiday.
It price checks 1,200 travel companies saving you the legwork. Sign up for Price Alerts and you will be notified when fares change on a flight you like.
A spokesperson for NetVoucherCodes.co.uk said: “After the last couple of years, most of us are longing for sun, sea, sand and cocktails. With price tags rising, ever-changing exchange rates and all the other extra travel costs we face, that dream vacation can feel a million miles away.
“Restrictions and cancellations have stopped most people from enjoying a restful week in the sun. We decided to put some top tips together to save whilst staying safe.”
