A holiday is something most of us need at some point – a welcome reward to look forward to after months of hard work. If money’s tight, it may seem out of reach. But with smart planning, you may be able to take that well-earned break without wrecking your budget.
Before you book: plan and research
Decide what you can genuinely afford overall – travel, accommodation, spending money and a small emergency fund – then work back from there. This makes more sense than picking a destination and hoping you can stretch the funds to make it work.
Use online tools like comparison sites and rail apps to track prices – and be flexible where possible. Compare flights, coaches, rail and split-ticket options to see which works out cheapest, once baggage and transfers are included. Examples of useful online tools include:
Travelling midweek or avoiding the school holidays can cut costs significantly, whether you’re looking at a UK break or abroad.
Set up price alerts for flights and hotels, so that when fares drop, you can act quickly. And consider alternatives to classic holiday hotspots or ‘big name’ resorts – think lesser-known European cities, UK staycations or self-catering options.
During your trip: save smarter
You can cut costs while you travel to avoid any last-minute spending – especially in ‘no alternative’ locations like service stations and airports.
Take snacks and refillable water bottles and be sure to pack essentials, such as suncream and chargers, so you’re not forced to overpay. For UK or European driving holidays, aim to refuel at supermarkets and plan routes to avoid unnecessary tolls.
On holiday: don’t let spending spiral
On a tight budget, free or low-cost activities can keep your getaway budget-friendly.
To take advantage, search in advance for free attractions like:
- Beaches.
- Parks.
- Museums and galleries with free entry.
- Walking routes.
- Free local events and festivals.
Also, be sure to look out for discounted offers, such as free child entry or two-for-one deals. By deciding which big or essential ‘paid-for’ activities matter most and being clear about that limit before you go, you’ll be less likely to overspend. For the rest of the holiday, enjoy more cost-effective options like picnics, home prepared meals or relaxing evenings in.
Need financial advice?
Hopefully, by following these tips, you’ll be able to enjoy a getaway without it impacting your wallet too much. But if your budget is already stretched and you’re struggling to keep up with problem debt or essential costs, it might be a sign to seek some free and regulated advice.
To ask any questions or talk to a member of our helpful team via email, phone, WhatsApp or online chat, please contact us. Or, try our free* tool for confidential, online debt advice in under 15 minutes.
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