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- Pirate tips Our top saving tips for your next holiday
Beat rising holiday prices with these savings tips
According to our HolidayPirates Summer Travel Trends survey, nearly half of UK consumers have cut back on other expenses to afford their summer holidays. Plus, over a third haven't booked yet due to rising prices.
Our research shows that the average cost of a summer holiday package has jumped by 17% in 2024. Despite this, holidays are still a top priority for Brits.
We've got some tips to help you save on your next getaway, so you don't have to miss out on your travel plans.
Our top tips for scoring the best holiday savings
1. Consider self-packaging a DIY holiday
A DIY holiday is where you independently plan and book all aspects of your trip, including flights, accommodation, and transport, instead of buying a pre-packaged deal. This approach offers flexibility and potentially huge savings, although it requires more effort and research. Plus, ABTA and ATOL protection are not included, so you must organise your own travel insurance with additional protection. It can be exciting, though! See what cheap flights you can find that day, and use that as your starting point.
2. Explore unconventional destinations or places where your money goes further
Think outside the box and consider destinations that are less typical for British summer holidays. Places like Tirana in Albania, Nice in France, or Bari in Italy are hot, less crowded, and perfect for a summer escape. You can also check our guide for 10 destinations where your money goes further, to find the best-value holidays the pound can buy.
3. Travel on weekdays
Avoid the usual Friday to Sunday departure supplement by booking your flights on weekdays. Midweek travel can significantly lower your travel costs and help you dodge the weekend crowds.
4. Compare board basis options
When booking your holiday, compare prices for different board basis options. Sometimes upgrading to all-Inclusive is surprisingly affordable, making it a sensible choice. However, in some cases, opting for bed & breakfast or half board might be cheaper. You can then enjoy the local restaurants and bars, which often offer better value and tastier food.
5. Check car hire vs. transfers
Do the maths to see if renting a car is cheaper than booking transfers. Having your own wheels not only offers flexibility but could also save you money, especially if you plan to explore beyond your hotel. Pirate tip: Use an incognito window or VPN login to see if that changes the price.
6. Investigate room types
For families, a suite might be a cost-effective alternative to booking two interconnected rooms. Suites often come with added space and amenities, enhancing your stay without increasing your budget.
7. Consider self-catering
Save money by choosing self-catering accommodation. Shop at local markets or stores and cook your own meals. This not only cuts down on dining costs but also gives you a taste of the local culture and cuisine.
8. Check multiple departure airports
Sometimes driving a couple of hours to an alternative UK airport can save you hundreds on flights or package deals. Always compare prices from different airports to find the best deal.
9. Maximise travel budgets by booking longer
In our recent survey, we found that 1 in 4 of our consumers are planning to go on a holiday for longer than two weeks this summer and that almost 30% of summer holidays this year are for eight nights or more. Longer stays are many times better value for money, when worked out as a per night price.
We often see longer stays CHEAPER than shorter amounts, which is great if you're on an all-inclusive basis, or not going to go mad with spending money.
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