**The Clever Ways to Save on Summer Holidays**
As summer rolls around, people feel the pressure of escalating prices for holidays, specifically all-inclusive package deals to popular destinations, which have surged significantly. To combat these rising costs, many are finding innovative and cost-effective approaches to plan their vacations without breaking the bank. In a recent overview by BBC News, various holidaymakers shared ingenious money-saving hacks that enabled them to enjoy their well-deserved getaways while safeguarding their finances.
One notable case involved Laura Strang, a 25-year-old from Oban, Scotland. She revealed that last-minute bookings can lead to substantial savings. After getting married on June 21, she and her husband, Sam Gledhill, decided to book their honeymoon only two days later, flying out on June 25. Their choice of destination? Cancun, Mexico. Strang noted that they spent £1,200 each for a fortnight of all-inclusive luxury, which she estimates saved them thousands compared to similar trips in Europe. “We found ten nights in Spain that were the same price or even higher. It’s a long flight, but it ended up being cheaper,” she added. Additionally, while they managed to save money by opting for all-inclusive in Mexico, they recognized that a different strategy could work in Spain, where half-board accommodations could yield better cost-effectiveness.
Another couple, Nathan Hart and Cassie Farrelly from Merthyr Tydfil, Wales, shared their success in securing a holiday that offered a free child’s place. With their three-year-old twin daughters, they booked a 10-day trip to Ibiza during the off-peak season, managing to save £3,300 in the process. Hart emphasized the advantage of using filters on major travel agency websites to find great deals for families, resulting in a hotel that costs £800 per person along with complimentary stays for their children, representing an £800 savings. He also highlighted how comparing different travel dates played a crucial role in their decision-making.
Similarly, 37-year-old May Burrough from London ingeniously utilized a home-swapping service to save significantly on accommodation. When she couldn’t host her friends in her cozy flat due to space constraints, she arranged to stay in a spacious five-bedroom villa in Costa Brava, Spain. For a mere €100 (around £85), she secured the property by covering only the cleaning fee, a stark contrast to the typical £3,500 cost for such a rental. Despite saving on lodging, she indulged in local delicacies and wines during her stay, making it a delightful experience overall.
Ebrahim Paruk, 35, from Nuneaton, took advantage of loyalty points garnered through a Virgin Atlantic credit card, enabling him to reduce the cost of his travel significantly. By using the card for everyday expenses like groceries and fuel, he accumulated points which he used towards flights. His exemplary case was a round trip to Düsseldorf to catch a football match, where he saved £400 off the flight’s total cost, and managed to win free accommodation and tickets, thus completing the trip for just £500.
For those who prefer local travel experiences, staying in the UK while availing of house-sitting opportunities could also be a practical option. Kayleigh Pennel-Price, 33, residing in Wiltshire with her family and dog, calculated the exorbitant expenses of a foreign holiday and opted instead for a house-sitting arrangement in Buckinghamshire. This venture allows them to enjoy a luxurious setting complete with a swimming pool and sauna for an incredibly low cost of approximately £250.
Sharing their stories offers a refreshing perspective on how circumventing conventional travel pathways can yield incredible savings. With the implementation of strategic planning and the willingness to think outside the box, travelers can fully enjoy the bliss of their summer vacations without the worry of financial strain. The insights shared by these travelers not only spread awareness about sound financial practices but also inspire others to explore alternative means of vacationing, turning the once daunting task of planning a holiday into a feasible and enjoyable endeavor.
