Have a Happy Summer Holiday without Breaking the Bank
Summer holidays are a great way to unwind from the daily stresses of life. However, for many people, taking the time off work to head abroad is often simply too expensive. But, with a bit of planning and foresight, jetting off into the distance doesn't have to break the bank.
First things first, you need to find a suitable destination. Think carefully about where you want to go, as choosing the most popular places is going to be expensive. Therefore, take the time to research alternative options based on the factors you want to include, such as sun, sea and sand, or action and adventure, for example. The internet is a great tool for this, since there's so much information available regarding different countries.
The next stage is to shop around for the best flight deals. The budget airlines are not always the cheapest option, and as such, it can pay to investigate all the carriers flying to your chosen location. Timing is also key. For instance, flying mid-week can be much cheaper than choosing to go at a weekend. And, be aware of when you book your flights: researching costs well in advance will often bring up low-priced deals. Conversely, if you're flexible, you may be able to find a great last minute offer.
Thinking carefully about your accommodation options is also advisable. Although the five star hotel positioned right at the water's edge may seem attractive, it's going to cost. Consequently, find out what other types of places are available, such as self-catering, camping or hostels. In reality, they can be a lot more fun than staying in a highly polished, state-of-the-art hotel for two weeks!
Searching for the best exchange rate on any money you want to change will additionally save you having to pay over the odds. There are a number of good deals to be found and by leaving enough time to locate them, will pay off in the end.
Finally, make sure you have the best travel insurance for your needs. Many people end up paying too much for coverage they don't need, thus wasting precious money. So, instead of taking out a policy that covers everything, think about the type of holiday you're going on and what you'll be doing.
For instance, it can be wise to take out an annual policy if you know you'll be travelling frequently. However, if you're only going away once, then a single trip package is more than adequate. On the same note, if you know that you won't be going scuba diving or rock climbing, don't pay for a policy that covers you for this.
There are numerous travel insurance packages and offers available and by researching the marketplace, you'll be in the best position to find one exactly tailored to your needs. So, if you want to go on a summer holiday this year, but don't want to empty your wallet, make sure you do your homework!
First things first, you need to find a suitable destination. Think carefully about where you want to go, as choosing the most popular places is going to be expensive. Therefore, take the time to research alternative options based on the factors you want to include, such as sun, sea and sand, or action and adventure, for example. The internet is a great tool for this, since there's so much information available regarding different countries.
The next stage is to shop around for the best flight deals. The budget airlines are not always the cheapest option, and as such, it can pay to investigate all the carriers flying to your chosen location. Timing is also key. For instance, flying mid-week can be much cheaper than choosing to go at a weekend. And, be aware of when you book your flights: researching costs well in advance will often bring up low-priced deals. Conversely, if you're flexible, you may be able to find a great last minute offer.
Thinking carefully about your accommodation options is also advisable. Although the five star hotel positioned right at the water's edge may seem attractive, it's going to cost. Consequently, find out what other types of places are available, such as self-catering, camping or hostels. In reality, they can be a lot more fun than staying in a highly polished, state-of-the-art hotel for two weeks!
Searching for the best exchange rate on any money you want to change will additionally save you having to pay over the odds. There are a number of good deals to be found and by leaving enough time to locate them, will pay off in the end.
Finally, make sure you have the best travel insurance for your needs. Many people end up paying too much for coverage they don't need, thus wasting precious money. So, instead of taking out a policy that covers everything, think about the type of holiday you're going on and what you'll be doing.
For instance, it can be wise to take out an annual policy if you know you'll be travelling frequently. However, if you're only going away once, then a single trip package is more than adequate. On the same note, if you know that you won't be going scuba diving or rock climbing, don't pay for a policy that covers you for this.
There are numerous travel insurance packages and offers available and by researching the marketplace, you'll be in the best position to find one exactly tailored to your needs. So, if you want to go on a summer holiday this year, but don't want to empty your wallet, make sure you do your homework!
