How to save on holidays in the UK and abroad | Tenant news

We’ve done a bit of holiday research, and we’ve discovered that with a bit of planning and a few savvy moves, you may be able to enjoy a great getaway without blowing your budget. 

Here’s what we learnt.

Book flights strategically

While flight prices can swing dramatically depending on the time and day you travel, flying midweek (especially Tuesdays and Wednesdays) tends to be cheaper than weekends. Early morning or late-night flights often come with lower fares too.

If you use fare comparison tools like Hopper, Skyscanner or Google Flights, you can track prices and find the best deals. If you’re flexible about when you travel, you can also set price alerts, just be ready to book when fares drop.

Another smart move is to split your ticket. Instead of a return, look for options where you fly into one city and return from another. Sites like Kayak and Momondo can help you find cheaper routes this way.

Before you travel

It’s wise to plan your journey to the airport ahead of time to help cut costs. If you can, take public transport or use a ride-sharing service instead of expensive taxis.

If you're driving or getting dropped off, book airport parking online in advance to get a better rate. You should also:

• Bring your own snacks and an empty water bottle to refill after security to avoid pricey airport food and drinks.
• Check credit cards or frequent flyer programs to see if they provide you with access to airport lounges where you can take advantage of free snacks and drinks.
• Check-in online before your flight to avoid extra fees and save time.
• Use free airport Wi-Fi to save on mobile data.
• Avoid airport currency exchange kiosks if you can and exchange money before you get to the airport, for a better rate. Or use cards with low foreign transaction fees.
• Prepaid travel cards let you load foreign currency before you go, locking in rates and avoiding transaction fees and costly airport exchanges.
  
  

Budget-friendly destinations

If you’re holidaying abroad, some destinations offer better value for money, thanks to a lower cost of living or favourable exchange rates. To find cities with free attractions, cheap public transport, budget-friendly food scenes and alternative accommodation, use sites like:

• Booking.com for budget hotels and private rooms
• Hostelworld for affordable hostels in the UK and Europe.
  
  

If you’re looking for longer breaks or a city trip, try aparthotels like Staycity or co-living spaces such as The Collective, which offer flexible stays with kitchen facilities.

Once you arrive, avoid the tourist traps. Eat where the locals eat (street food is usually a win) and take advantage of free walking tours. Make use of travel cards and city passes where available, instead of hiring a car or taking taxis. They often cover unlimited travel and may offer reduced entry to top sights.

If overseas trips aren’t on the cards, there are plenty of fantastic budget-friendly options right here in the UK. Many of the same money-saving tips apply, with a few local twists. Take advantage of free museums and outdoor activities, save on transport with Oyster or railcards, and use regional passes while travelling off-peak for the best value.

Deals and rewards

Finally, we’ve found that if you book later, usually within eight weeks of travel, package holidays that include flights, accommodation, and transfers can be cheaper.

You can also exchange Tesco Clubcard vouchers for travel rewards like hotel stays, Eurocamp holidays, or ferry crossings. If you collect Avios (a global reward currency) points, you can use them to save on flights, upgrades, or one-way bookings. Just remember you still need to pay taxes and charges.

Meanwhile, you can also bag a bargain on luxury hotels with Lastminute.com, where you can book discounted 4 and 5-star stays without knowing the hotel name until after booking.

We hope that some of these ideas help you. Wherever you’re holidaying, enjoy yourself and travel safe.

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