Planning a Memorable Budget Holiday: Booking Tips
If you’re thinking of taking a budget holiday trip with your family, there are several things you should consider when choosing the destination. Budget holidays don’t always have to be boring or stressful. You can plan a fantastic holiday with family and friends without breaking the bank.
Whether you’re looking for a cultural experience or outdoor adventure, read on to plan your dream holiday with less money!
This is a collaborative post.
Tips you need for a budget holiday
We know booking good value accommodation isn’t all you need for a budget holiday so hopefully these tips will help!
Booking cheap flights
If you want to book cheap flights, here are some tips to help. Remember if you can get flights a day earlier than you need a lot cheaper you may be able to book a cheap hotel for a night and have an extra day on holiday, if the price difference is huge this is always worth considering!
Use Comparison Sites
Before you book your flight, make sure to visit comparison sites like Kayak, Skyscanner, or Google Flights. These sites are designed to help you find the cheapest flights available and offer advanced search options that allow you to customise your flight search. By using these sites, you can compare prices across multiple airlines to find the best deals available.
Sign up for Airline Newsletters
Another great way to save money on flights is to sign up for airline newsletters. Many airlines offer exclusive deals and discounts to their subscribers, saving you a lot of money on your next flight. By signing up for newsletters, you’ll also receive timely updates about new routes, sales, and special promotions.
Book Your Flight in Advance
If you’re planning a family holiday, it’s best to book your flight in advance. By doing so, you’ll avoid last-minute booking fees and ticket price hikes. I recommend booking your flight at least two months in advance to get the best deals.
Book with Budget Airlines
Budget airlines like Ryanair are great options for booking cheap flights. While they may have fewer amenities than full-service airlines, they often offer significantly lower ticket prices. Just keep in mind that they may charge extra fees for things like seat selection, carry-on luggage, and checked baggage.
Consider flying from a different airport
If you have a car and are open to driving to a different airport then it can work out significantly cheaper sometimes from another airport. My nephew once went to Germany and then to America from there saving himself a lot of money compared to flying from the UK. It is crazy but worth looking into.
Use a VPN to investigate different prices
Did you know that sometimes using a VPN to mask your IP address to appear as if you are in a poorer country can make your flights cheaper? Also, some countries have lower-cost flights on sale for those they believe are coming home rather than visiting as tourists! It is definitely worth an extra 10 minutes to try a few different options and see if it works for you.
Research about low-cost destinations to fly to
Firstly, it’s essential to research destinations where you can find inexpensive flights when you are looking to book your holiday. You can use online travel sites like Skyscanner, Kayak, and Expedia to find affordable deals.
Additionally, research the cost of living in the destination country as this can affect your travel budget. Southeast Asia, Eastern Europe, and South America are some of the top budget-friendly destinations.
Consider public transport options rather than transfers
One of the most significant expenses during a holiday is transportation. When choosing a budget-friendly destination, consider the different modes of transportation available. You can save money by taking public transport instead of renting a car.
You can also opt for walking or biking to explore the place, which is also good for your health. Trains, buses, and ferries are usually affordable means of getting around, and it’s a great way to immerse yourself in local culture.
Look for resorts with free or low-cost activities nearby
You don’t need to spend a fortune to have a fantastic holiday experience. Many destinations offer free or low-cost activities that you and your family will enjoy.
You can visit museums, and local parks, and go hiking or swimming. It’s also an excellent opportunity to explore local cuisine, join a walking tour, or visit local markets. Such activities will give you a taste of the local culture without breaking your bank.
Plan out your budget and stick to it
Before booking your holiday, planning out your budget is crucial. Calculate how much you can spend on flights, accommodation, food, and activities. It is no good booking an amazing resort with the offer and not being able to afford your flights to get there!
Set a daily allowance for activities or spending money and try to stick within the budget. You can also use budget travel apps to keep track of your expenses while you are away or in the planning stages.
Planning will help you avoid overspending, and you’ll enjoy your holiday with less stress.
Don’t forget
Planning a budget holiday requires some research and preparation, but it’s worth it for an unforgettable experience. Considering low-cost destinations, public transport options, affordable accommodation, and free activities, you can stay within your budget and create incredible memories with your family.
Remember to plan ahead and stick within your budget to avoid overspending. So, what are you waiting for? Start planning your budget holiday today and get started!