10 tips for cut-price travel
Despite the squeeze on our wallets, most of us are still hoping to get away this summer. Holidays don't have to break the bank and there are numerous ways to save while you travel. Here are some tips that can save you hundreds of pounds
1. Try a house-swapping holiday
You can swap homes with other families in Britain. Several websites will help you, including www.homeforexchange.com and www.intervac.com. If you have a baby then use the NCT's house-swap service as you will swap with a family that already has baby equipment in the house.
2. Take the right credit card when you travel
Avoid fraud when you're away by taking a pre-paid credit card with you instead of your credit card or debit card. You can pay in the normal way you would use credit or debit cards but fraudsters don't have access to your bank details. Pre-paid cards are also a good way of budgeting. You load them up with the amount of cash you want to spend on your holiday and there is no way to borrow on them. That will stop you spending over your limit. The Post Office Travel Money and Lloyds TSB prepaid cards are amongt the best.
3. Travel using a Railcard
Two out of every three Britons qualify! If you're 16-25, or a mature student, use the 16-25 Railcard and get a third off all rail fares across Britain. If you're over 60, holiday any time you like with the Senior Railcard and receive a third off all Standard and First Class train fares across Britain; and for groups travelling with children make sure you have a Family & Friends Railcard.
4. Always ask about Family or Group discounts
Use the Family & Friends Railcard when travelling in Britain. You can get a third off your fare and 60 per cent off kids' fares for up to four children. You don't even need to be related, so you could be travelling with your friends' kids and still get the discount. Likewise you can save loads on accommodation if you share with others.
5. Conduct research before you leave
Before you depart, spend some time researching your destination. You'll be surprised how often you can save when you book in advance, plus there are often special promotional offers available online that can save you loads when you get there. Check out www.daysoutguide.co.uk for some great 2 for 1 offers across South East England and London.
6. Enjoy a volunteer break
Go on a volunteering holiday. You have to pay but the prices are generally reasonable. Also, you and the family will be active and will be helping the environment at the same time. Check out the National Trust's volunteering holidays at www.nationaltrust.org.uk
7. Take advantage of partnership offers
Use existing partnership offers or points where you can. For example, if you are making a dinner reservation and have a Railcard book with Top Table and you will be rewarded with a free meal when you register. And, for discounts on great family day trips why not join Days Out UK. If you have a Family & Friends Railcard you can join for just £4.95, saving £10 off the usual annual membership cost. You can then get printable discount vouchers for loads of great attractions around the UK.
8. Get the right travel cover
Even if you are not leaving the British Isles it is always important to have the right travel insurance. Think about how many trips you plan to make and where these are likely to be before you purchase as it is often cheaper to buy annual cover than lots of single trip policies. Websites like insurancewide.com can help you by comparing different policy options.
9. Book early
The earlier you book - for trains, planes and boats - the cheaper the fare will be (unless you go for a really last-minute deal). Advance rail fares can now be purchased with Railcard discounts so there is no excuse!
10. Use a cashback site
If you find your holiday on high-profile online search engines like Expedia then actually buy it through a cashback site such as www.greasypalm.co.uk. The cashback can be quite low, only about 2.5 per cent of the price of the holiday, but some providers will give you as much as 10 per cent cashback which effectively means you get a 10 per cent discount on your holiday.
Jasmine Birtles is the founder of MoneyMagpie.com, a free site to help you make the most of your money.
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