Mauritius
If it’s a holiday in the sun, start looking for the adverts that offer sun creams and after-sun lotions at two for the price of one, I bought ours about three weeks ago, saving myself around £25.
Taking your car to the airport? Booking the car parking in advance can save you plenty of cash, so looking to do this at least a month before you travel can be advantageous. Offsite parking tends to be cheaper, with a free shuttle service often being provided. However I prefer to park my own car and take the keys with me. Other years I have asked a friend to take us to the airport; in return I do the same for them.
Being a frugal individual, I always avoid buying currency at the airport by searching for the best deals a week or so before departure.
The obligatory holiday read is best bought in advance and Amazon normally provides good reductions. I bought the book ‘One Day’ for my last holiday for under £4 (RRP £7.99). If I can obtain the book of my choice from my local library so much the better, always remembering to request a holiday extension in order to give me more time to finish the book.
When it comes to my phone I avoid travel bundles as most packages cost more than I intend to spend anyway. Many people turn off their voicemail when they are abroad, as lengthy messages left can deplete funds. I also switch off ‘data roaming’ and seek out ‘free wi-fi’ signs. This saved me a small fortune when I was in Ireland earlier this year.
You suddenly go up to your loft to blow the dust off the luggage and discover the handle has fallen off and a new suitcase is required. If the sales are not on, see if you are able to borrow one from a friend, looking out for the out of season bargains when you return.
Finally, to avoid the £5 sandwich and Diet Pepsi combo in the airport lounge, we buy a loaf, ham and a two litre bottle of pop the day before travelling and make a picnic, consuming it minutes before going through security.
Leaving little else left to chance, we just have to hope for no disruption due to volcanic ash or strikes this summer. But I hear Bognor Regis is looking good this year (not that there's anything wrong with Bognor, mind you!).
Written by Marc Lockley – a negotiation coach and money saving expert, this article was published on June 23, 2011. Marc's opinions are his own and for general information only - always seek independent, professional, financial advice. He also tweets at www.twitter.com/negotiator1