Save money on your next holiday - 6 easy ways to cut the cost

The average British holidaymaker spends £3,000 on their main holiday, according to a survey by EasyJet.

It's a lot of money for just a week or two, but many of us console ourselves that this is our yearly treat and trying to shave costs could ruin our holiday.

But what if you could cut the cost, without the convenience?

I've got some tricks and tips, for everything from the suitcase you carry, to the hotel you book, that will save you money and won't harm your holiday.

1. How to save money on your flight

Keep it to carry on luggage

With the standard carry-on luggage limit of one small bag for most no-frills airlines, packing light will really save you some money. It really pays to double check the dimensions of your allowed luggage with your airline, and the weight. Getting caught out at the security desks can be an expensive start to your holiday.

There are a few tricks for getting as much as possible past the check in desks, including using a cargo vest, wearing all your chunkier clothes, carrying a pillow filled with extra layers, and even stuffing an oversized bra, but the easiest option is to simply pack what you can carry. 

Check direct with your carrier for cabin bag limits or Skyscanner has an easy guide for most UK flights.

Share your suitcase

If you are travelling as a couple or in a group, individual suitcases can end up adding extra costs to your trip. Could you share a suitcase with a loved one?

Its also worth putting some time and thought into a capsule travel wardrobe.

Professional travel blogger Suzanne Jones from Travel Bunny recommends sticking to a few neutral colours.

"Black, white, navy and olive green work well, then use accessories to add a pop of colour," she advises. "Pack versatile basics which mix and match and can be dressed up or down.

"Ensure each item pairs with at least two others and are good for layering if the weather is changeable."

Many hotels and cruise ships have laundrettes or cleaning services you can use too. If not pack a small bottle of travel wash detergent.

Save when you book your flight

Recent research from Which? revealed that timing your booking is the key to saving money on flights.

James Pieslak, General Manager of the Press Office at Jet2.com told us, "As is common practice in the travel industry, Jet2.com and Jet2holidays operates on a demand-based pricing model, where fares typically increase as seats and holidays are sold. Booking early is the best way to get the best deals before the best hotels and rooms fill up. If you have a more flexible schedule, take advantage of off-peak times." 

• Set up a price alert for your dates and destination on Google Flights or Skyscanner rather than waiting for advertised sales.
• If your dates are flexible, expand your search as it may be cheaper a day or two before or after your intended travel date.
• Consider a different airport - look at airports nearby, both in the UK and at your destination, as they could work out cheaper - but factor in additional petrol, public transport or hire car costs.

Sitting together can cost you more

If you want to guarantee that you will sit together on the plane, then you will be charged extra.

However most airlines will normally allocate you seats together if you book together as long as there’s space. But is it really terrible if you aren't next to your nearest and dearest on the plane?

If you find yourselves at opposite ends of the cabin, try asking another passenger if they would swap, or just enjoy the solo time - you've got the next days or weeks to enjoy each other's company.

2. Save on travel money

How can you get the most foreign money in return for the least pounds? It depends whether you want to carry cash, or use your cards when you travel.

Cash

If this is your preference, the best rates are normally online, rather than at physical exchange points. 

Use sites like Money and Compare Holiday Money to compare rates, and then order your cash in advance. You’ll also get better rates for larger amounts.

Cards

If you’re a regular traveller consider a payment card specifically designed for travel. 

Monzo, Revolut and Wise all offer fee-free spending and ATM withdrawals abroad (check T&Cs for limits and currencies). Many of these cards also promise the best exchange rates when you do spend, although check Money Saving Expert’s best cards for travel to keep up to date with the latest offers.

Prepaid currency cards will help you budget. Add money to them in your own currency before you travel, then convert them to the one you need using the most favourable exchange rates.

You can only spend the money you’ve loaded and there are no, or very low, fees. FairFX and Chase are the most popular.

When using a card abroad always choose to pay in the local currency when given the option on the machine. This ensures your own bank will decide the exchange rate, rather than using the (usually) poor exchange rates locally.

3. Airport parking for less

The closer you park to the airport terminal, the more expensive it will be.

A price comparison website like Holiday Extras is a good way of checking out the best deals. 

Seamus McCauley, Head of Public Affairs at Holiday Extras, says: “Booking as early as possible is the best way to save money on airport parking, especially as on-the-gate prices continue to rise year on year."

"Last year the average saving on booking airport parking ahead of time was £196 per trip vs the price they'd have paid on the gate, showing the impact booking ahead has on saving those precious pennies."

If you’re looking for airport parking as well as an airport hotel, two-in-one deals can work out cheaper. But again, it pays to shop around using price comparison websites.

4. Cut the cost of your hotel room

• Book hotels on a phone app rather than a desktop website. Hotel booking engines like Booking and Agoda often offer additional discounts with their ‘mobile only’ pricing.
• Give the hotel a call. Many booking sites take a big cut, so if you go direct, a hotel may be able to pass on that saving to you.
• Off-season and midweek bookings can mean your room may be half the price to weekend or peak season rates.
• Save money by committing to a non-refundable stay. It offers the best deal, but make sure you are happy with the risk.
• Consider renting if you are travelling in a group. Sites like Airbnb and Vrbo can offer great deals if there are a few of you, but ensure everyone will stick to any cleaning and check in rules.
• Loyalty pays off. If you like a particular chain of hotels, look out for a reward programme or sign up for emails as many offer discounts. Marriott and IHG are just some of the chains that offer these. "Sign up for a free myJet2 account", says Pieslak, "and you’ll be the first to hear about our member-exclusive deals and discounts, and hot-off-the-press news and updates".
• Subscribing to emails from an individual hotel means you'll also be the first to know about offers, discounts and subscriber-only deals.

5. Choose your destination wisely

Destinations like Tirana or Saranda in Albania are becoming more popular for a reason – they are spectacular destinations, but the flights, accommodation and food are much cheaper than you’d get in the likes of hot spots like Santorini, Dubrovnik or Rome.

McCauley says "Because older travellers can often fly outside the school holidays when prices peak, they have the best opportunity to save money on their trips by timing every trip to maximise sunshine, costs and availability.

"Try Cape Verde in January, Dakar in February or Sri Lanka in March for the best weather, the lowest prices and the place pretty much to yourselves."

But don't forget to calculate the cost of the overall holiday. You may be able to get cheap flights to Scandinavia but the cost of living means the daily spend will be high. While a flight to Thailand may cost you more, but you could live like a king on Pad Thai and in luxury hotels for very little money.

If you do want to go to more expensive countries, consider swapping tourist traps for lesser known destinations. 

• In Italy swap Reggio Calabria for Rimini and Lake Como for Maggiore.
• In Spain try Salamanca or Mijas instead of Barcelona and Malaga.

6. Simple money saving tips

• Sign up to all the discounts you are entitled to.
• Don’t scrimp on travel insurance.
• Join reward programmes and frequent flyer schemes for loyalty deals – AMEX’s free companion offer is one of the best.
• Travel during the off season or shoulder season.
• Check cash back sites Top Cashback and Quidco, before you book for additional savings
• Packages can be cheaper than travelling independently so always price check them.
• Install browser extensions such as Microsoft Shopping and Honey to make sure you’re getting the best price on any website you use.