5 smart ways to save on holidays and days out | Tenant news

Everyone deserves a break from time to time, but with living costs on the rise, a family day out or holiday can feel out of reach.

The good news is that there are plenty of ways to enjoy quality time with family and friends without breaking the bank.

Here are five practical ways to save money on your next holiday or day out.

1. Compare travel costs

Before you book, look at the overall cost of your holiday and when you plan to travel.

Prices can vary a lot depending on the time of year, with off-peak dates often much cheaper than school holidays or peak summer weeks.

It’s also worth comparing UK breaks with holidays abroad, as travel, accommodation and extra costs such as insurance and airport transfers can quickly add up.

For trips overseas, check different airports, package deals and flexible dates to find the best value. You can compare prices on sites such as Skyscanner , Kayak and Google Flights .

2. Use travel discounts

Before you book anything, check whether you qualify for any travel discounts.

If you're travelling by train, a Railcard can save you up to one-third on most rail fares. There are different Railcards available, including options for families, couples, older people and disabled people. Visit www.railcard.co.uk.

If you're travelling by coach or bus, it's also worth checking whether the operator offers any discounts or special fares before you book.

3. Explore free attractions

You don't need an expensive ticket for a good day out. The UK has many museums and art galleries that are free to enter. There are also historic sites, science centres and nature reserves to explore at little or no cost.

You can find ideas for free attractions close to home by checking your local council's website or for day trips and holidays in the UK websites such as VisitBritain, National Trust and Forestry England.

If you enjoy being outdoors, a day trip to a nearby national park, beach or woodland can be an affordable way to spend time together.

4. Pack your own food

Food can quickly become one of the biggest costs on a day out or holiday.

Meals and drinks at theme parks, attractions and service stations are often much more expensive than bringing your own.

Packing a picnic, snacks and refillable water bottles can help you save money throughout the day, leaving more of your budget for activities.

5. Use your supermarket points

If you have a Tesco Clubcard or a Sainsbury’s Nectar card, you don’t have to spend those points on your weekly food shop.

You can often trade them in for double or triple their value to pay for castle visits, historic houses, or meals out at popular restaurants.

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