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From short breaks to big adventures, planning a getaway is always exciting. There's a lot to think about, though, and keeping the costs down might be on your mind. Whether you need to keep a tight rein on spending or simply appreciate making your money work smarter, getting the best value from your travels can be very satisfying.
To help you navigate the options and uncover some clever savings, we’ve asked a range of experts for 50 practical tips, covering everything from the best ways to book to enjoying your destination.
“Anything over £100 is covered by Section 75 protection, which can be a lifesaver if your airline or hotel goes bust. Even if you’re only paying the deposit, you’ll still be covered.” Aaron Peake, personal finance expert at credit score service CredAbility
“Airport parking costs a fortune, as do lengthy taxi journeys, so don’t be shy about asking friends and family whether they would mind giving you a lift to the airport. You can show your appreciation by offering them a chauffeur-driven service next time they go away.” Rachel Lacey, personal finance journalist and writer for Saga Money
“Doing plenty of research is essential, from searching online for the best deals, to the best time of year to travel, and looking at alternative destinations to try out. ‘Destination dupes’ have been trending lately, with people going to lesser-known alternatives to the areas most loved by tourists – like trying Paros instead of Santorini, Calabria over Puglia, or Chiang Dao rather than Phuket.” Justin Chapman, travel expert at travel site Go2Africa
Set up price alerts for your chosen dates and destination on Google Flights or Skyscanner so that you can easily monitor when flight prices drop. The more flexible you can be with your dates, the better.
“When it comes to timing your trip, there's a sweet spot I always recommend – shoulder season. Those lovely months right before and after the peak travel crowds. In places like New Zealand or Scotland, these months offer cooler but still pleasant weather, fewer people, and better prices across the board.” Fiona Spinks, travel expert and founder of travel blog Following Fiona
“Open a new current account which lets you withdraw cash and spend on your debit card overseas without additional fees. This automatically offers a great exchange rate too, so can be one of the most effective ways to spend. You can either switch to a new account or open a second one and transfer your holiday money into it.” Sarah Coles, head of personal finance at Hargreaves Lansdown
You can also get credit cards that work well for travel – the best can even offer cashback on overseas spending, and fee-free interest-free cash withdrawals from ATMs (as long as you pay it off in full each month).
“Using a currency card allows you to lock in your exchange rate ahead of time. This protects your holiday budget from currency fluctuations – especially important given the current uncertainty in global markets.” Rupert Lee-Browne, CEO of Caxton
As prepaid cards must be loaded up with cash in advance (and you can’t go overdrawn), they can also be a helpful way of managing your holiday budget.
“Try calling hotels and resorts directly to see if they can offer a better deal on empty rooms they have – they might be able to offer a considerable discount if they have lots of rooms that they want to fill. Savings can range from around 5% to as much as 30% – but your negotiation skills can play a part here!” Justin Chapman
“Before booking anything, whether you’re going away or you’re already on holiday and looking for excursions or places to go, check cashback sites, such as TopCashback and Quidco, to see if you’re able to get additional savings.” Liz Hunter, commercial director at MoneyExpert
“When given the option to pay in your home currency or the local currency, always choose the local currency to avoid unfavourable exchange rates and additional fees.” Richard Carter, founder of card payment app Lopay
“Consider travelling by train, ferry, car or coach instead of flying abroad. Flixbus offers cheap bus travel across Europe, and Eurotunnel tickets start at just £59 each way, with day trip and overnight tickets being the most economical. The ferry tends to be cheaper than the Eurotunnel, but journeys do take longer, and prices can vary according to when you wish to travel.” Jane Hawkes, consumer expert at ladyjaney.co.uk
“One thing I swear by is travelling on Tuesdays or Wednesdays. Airports feel calmer, flights tend to be cheaper, and you’re far more likely to get a window seat without paying extra. It might not sound like a big deal, but those midweek departures have saved me hundreds, especially on longer routes. You also avoid the Sunday scurry and the Monday morning business crowd, which makes the entire journey smoother from start to finish.” Fiona Spinks
“Opting for a self-catering stay allows you to shop locally and enjoy fresh, affordable meals – a great way to experience the culture without overspending.” Anita Wright, chartered financial planner at Bolton James
Even if your debit or credit card doesn’t charge you a fee, the ATM might. Plus, if you use your credit card for cash withdrawals, you usually pay interest on the amount withdrawn from the date of the transaction. That said, if you choose the right credit or debit card, and watch out for ATM fees, withdrawing cash from an ATM can work well (as long as the balance is paid off in full each month, if it’s a credit card).
“Get your travel insurance as soon as you book your flights and accommodation. It will give you peace of mind in case anything happens that prevents you from going on your trip. And it’s one less thing to do at the last minute.” Rhiain Curtis, head of product at Saga Money
Make sure you check the terms and conditions so you know what you’re covered for in the run-up to your holiday.
“Roaming charges can vary and be costly depending on who your mobile provider is and where you are heading. To avoid the risk of unnecessary charges, or not being able to access important information in an emergency, we recommend that you download or print all your travel and insurance documents and booking confirmations you need ahead of time. This will ensure easy access and peace of mind should you need to refer to them, as your travel insurance documents will give you information and phone numbers if you need to make contact while on holiday.” Michelle Cooper, Director of Travel Insurance at Saga
Check whether your mobile provider gives you free roaming at your destination. If not, there are alternatives to paying high roaming fees. My network provider charges me if I use my phone outside Europe, so I usually buy an eSim if I am going further afield. This is a virtual Sim card I load onto my phone. Your mobile phone needs to be compatible (most smartphones from the last few years are), but it enables you to pay for a certain amount of data for a set number of days. Look at sites like Airalo and easySim to get started. Alternatively, you could buy a local prepaid Sim card when you arrive at your destination.
“Group tours can be a great way to meet like-minded people and save money. This is because costs, such as transport and entrance fees, are shared among the group members. It can also provide a sense of security from the tour guide, particularly if you’re in an unfamiliar setting. Free walking tours are great too – not only are you exploring the local area, but you’ll also save money as they often operate on a donation basis.” Liz Hunter
Avoid exchanging it at the departure or arrival airports, as foreign exchange bureaux there will offer poorer exchange rates and charge a higher commission. Instead, shop around in advance to compare different travel money providers, and order your money ahead of your trip. You can use comparison websites if you don’t fancy trudging up and down the high street. Or if you have a fee-free debit or credit card for travel (see tip 6) another option is to simply withdraw from an ATM at your destination.
“Over the years, we’ve saved a lot with English Heritage membership. Normally it only takes us one or two visits to recoup the cost of our membership. We’ve got particularly good value with it for holidays in Wales too: during your first year of membership, you get half price admission to Cadw – the Welsh equivalent of English Heritage – followed by free admission once you have renewed your membership for another year. On a number of occasions, popping into English Heritage sites on a trip elsewhere has also proved to be a cheaper way of breaking up the journey than motorway service stations.” Rachel Lacey
English Heritage also offers discounted or free admission to members visiting Historic Scotland properties, OPW sites in Ireland, Manx National Heritage sites on the Isle of Man as well as Heritage New Zealand sites.
If you need to drive to the airport, book your parking space as early as possible. This could save you as much as 70% compared to the price you’d pay on the day. Bear in mind that if you’re travelling as a group, it could be more cost-effective to pay for a taxi between you to get to and from the airport.
“Everywhere from the plane to gallery cafés you’ll pay through the nose for refreshments. If you have calorie-dense snacks handy, you can stave off the hunger until you find somewhere more affordable.” Sarah Coles
If you haven’t recently checked when your passport expires, be sure to do so well ahead of your trip. Passport costs rose on 10 April 2025, meaning you’ll now pay £94.50 to renew a standard passport online, or £107 if you prefer to apply on paper.
Costs are significantly higher if you need to renew your passport urgently – the one-week fast track service costs £178 and the one-day premium service costs £222. Some destinations will require you to have six months left on your passport on the date of your arrival, so always check first.
“The average cost of cover taken out via a comparison site can be 40% to 50% lower than if bought direct from an insurer. However, there’s no point paying for a cheap insurance policy that won’t pay out, so read any small print carefully. You can reduce the cost of the policy by increasing the excess.” Jane Hawkes
Book online beforehand and you may be able to get cheaper entry prices and have shorter queues too. This applies to lots of attractions in the UK, including London and Edinburgh zoos, Madame Tussauds, Kew Gardens and the London Eye. Plus you avoid the risk that they'll be fully booked - Edinburgh Castle, Stonehenge and the Harry Potter Warner Bros Studio Tour are among those that tend to sell out. Sarah Brealey
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There’s a whole host of senior discounts available both in the UK and abroad. So, whether you’re taking the coach to the airport, travelling by train throughout Europe, or visiting museums and other attractions while you’re overseas, make sure you check whether there are any savings for over-60s.
“Buy your travel products in advance, especially if you’re staying somewhere remote. On our last holiday I had a horrible moment when I ran out of factor 50 sun cream and it was 50 dollars for a can in the resort shop!” Rhiain Curtis
“After too many trips dragging around an overstuffed suitcase only to wear the same five items, I started travelling lighter. A carry-on is more than enough if you think about layering and choose pieces that mix and match easily. I go for a capsule-style setup – everything can be worn together in some combination. You save money by avoiding baggage fees, skip the stress at baggage claim, and your back will thank you.” Fiona Spinks
Many of the big hotel chains offer rewards programmes and discounts. If you’re planning to stay in these hotels, it’s worth signing up to their emails to be notified of any member-exclusive deals and discounts.
“Speak to locals and ask for their recommendations on the most affordable restaurants, free activities, and hidden gems. They'll be able to offer advice you might not find online or in guidebooks.” Justin Chapman
“Explore local supermarkets and shops for budget-friendly food that you can make at your accommodation and then take out with you to avoid expensive restaurants and bar costs. If you’re on an all-inclusive holiday, some hotels will offer free packed lunches as part of your package, so it’s always worth asking at reception if they offer this service.” Liz Hunter
“You can’t take water in a bottle through airport security. But you can take a empty reusable bottle, and nearly every airport has somewhere to refill your bottle after security. Also, check whether tap water is safe to drink rather than assuming it’s not – it’s fine in many countries. If you do need to buy drinking water, save money by buying large bottles from the local supermarket and use it to fill your reusable bottles. You’ll save on plastic as well as cash.” Sarah Brealey, head of editorial content, Saga Money
One of my biggest bugbears is paying for a flight and then paying extra for seating. However, most airlines will allocate you seats together, provided there’s space, so it’s unlikely to be worth paying for the privilege. In the event you do get split up, you can either enjoy some time alone or ask a fellow passenger to swap with you.
“If travelling within Europe, make sure you get your Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) – it’s free and gives you access to state healthcare in Europe at a reduced or no cost on the same basis as a local resident. It can save you paying for expensive medical bills upfront.” Marta Gonzalez, marketing director, Saga Money
The GHIC has replaced the EHIC for UK citizens. Apply through the NHS website and watch out for unofficial websites that may charge a fee.
“Many insurers offer cover for pre-existing medical conditions, however, it’s essential to declare them when taking out your policy. With treatment abroad being costly, it’s best to be properly covered should you need treatment related to your condition while away.” Michelle Cooper
“Collect points using an air miles credit card, supermarket loyalty schemes or airline retail portals to travel for less. Points can be accrued not just through travel but through your everyday shopping too!” Jane Hawkes
“You might have to take a bus or train to your chosen destination, but you can often save money by flying into an airport outside of the city centre, rather than the main airport. By flying into a smaller, secondary airport, you could save anywhere between £50 to £200 or more, depending on whether you choose a budget or more high-end airline.” Justin Chapman
“Exchange rates are constantly moving, which could mean your favourite holiday destination becomes a bargain or a blowout. The FX Trader's top destinations this year include Argentina, Mexico, Turkey and Brazil, whose currencies are down more than 20% against the pound over the last 12 months. Countries that will cost more this year include Switzerland, Thailand, Sweden, and Iceland.” Harry Mills, director at Oku Markets
“If you don’t ask you definitely don’t get. Negotiate with your tour operator in price per person, not total cost so the discounts appear smaller. See if a deal can be price-matched if not beaten.” Jane Hawkes
“Dog sitting costs can be crippling when you go away – especially if, like us, you have two! Thankfully, as there are lots of dog lovers in the family, we’ve been able to save a fortune by asking other members of the family to look after our dogs when we go on holiday. And when they go away, we return the favour. If nobody in your family has dogs, reach out to other dog owners you know and see if you can reach a reciprocal agreement.” Rachel Lacey
“The earlier you book, the better deal you’re able to get. This is because the best deals likely won’t have sold out, meaning you will have access to the most competitive rates. It also means you can beat price surges that come with peak travel seasons due to high demand. Ideally, you should be looking to book your car at least a month ahead of your holiday.” Ed Sharp, head of car hire at TravelSupermarket
“Products don’t need to be high-end to do the job. Pick up your travel essentials from discount stores. Avoid spending over the odds on travel-size toiletries. Instead, pick up some empty mini bottles for a fraction of the price and decant what you need into those.” Jane Hawkes
“If you just want to see a historic building, resist the temptation to pay for an audio guide, a tour, or the all-inclusive ticket that lets you visit 10 other places too.” Sarah Coles
“It’s the easiest way to track spending, move money around, and spot dodgy transactions quickly. You can also turn on spending caps, daily alerts, or location tracking to keep things running smoothly.” Aaron Peake
“Twin-centre or multi-centre holidays – where you combine two or more different locations or resorts into a single trip – are a brilliant way to double the value of your trip without doubling the cost. They’re especially great for travellers torn between a cultural city break and a relaxing beach holiday. They also make sense for long-haul holidays when you want to make the most out of the journey and explore different places.” Hannah Mayfield, money expert, PayingTooMuch
“Get your holiday accommodation for free by choosing to house swap. House swapping also gives you the chance to get tips and advice from your local home swap partners as to where is best to go for less.” Jane Hawkes
You can find house swapping opportunities with websites like HomeExchange, HomeLink and People Like Us, but be sure to check out membership fees first.
“Nightly rates drop the longer you stay. Even short breaks are cheaper midweek – two nights midweek are often 10% to 20% less than weekends. And sometimes three nights cost the same as two.” Kate Allen, owner at Finest Stays
“Hostels aren’t just for young travellers. There are lots of modern hostels, often with private, en-suite rooms, that are similar to budget hotels but much cheaper.” Liz Hunter
If your hotel includes a buffet breakfast, make the most of it so that you don’t need to buy an expensive lunch. You might be able to get away with a small snack at lunchtime, before heading out for dinner in the evening.
“If you can sleep anywhere at any time, then consider an overnight ferry crossing. A basic ferry ticket is just for a deck passenger. Instead of booking a cabin, take your sleeping bag and bunk down in the ferry lounge. Alternatively, arrive early at the port and ask to be added to the waiting list for last-minute cabin cancellations.” Jane Hawkes
Booked your trip and thinking about travel insurance? When you're looking to compare travel insurance, don't settle for less.
Make 2026 your most financially savvy year yet with these simple, effective money-saving ideas.
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