Of all the decisions you have to make, choosing your holiday destination is definitely one of the more pleasurable. Indeed, the anticipation of new and exotic lands, coupled with the knowledge that you won’t be at work, is enough to put the excitement levels into overdrive!
However, with holiday costs accounting for a considerable part of your yearly budget, it can be a good idea to engage in some careful pre-holiday planning. So, before you get too carried away dreaming of sunset cocktails on the beach, it’s wise to consider a few essential points. This will not only reduce stress once you’re away, but could also save you some serious cash.
Firstly, it pays to book early. By checking out flight and accommodation deals up to a year in advance, you can potentially save hundreds of pounds. Although there are some great last minute packages to be found, they’re not always the most cost-effective option.
Additionally, the low cost airline prices tend to increase the nearer to your departure date you get. Therefore, if you have a set idea of where and when you want to go, it’s far better to just book it. It’s also worth bearing in mind the time of year you choose to go away. By travelling off-peak, not only will flights and lodgings be cheaper, but so will many of the restaurants and excursions.
The next step is to book travel insurance. Conducting a search of the marketplace will allow you to find an appropriate package that covers you for your specific holiday needs.
And, if you are travelling more than a couple of times a year, the experts suggest taking out a multi-trip insurance policy, since this could save you up to ?130. However, if you’re only going away once, there are some cost-efficient deals around, which start from as little as a few pounds.
Another top tip, if you have to leave your car at the airport, is to reserve a parking space well in advance. In fact, by booking up to three moths before your departure, you can save as much as 15 percent on the cost. This may not sound much, but the money you save will probably stretch to a couple more of those cocktails! Not only that, but you will also have a guaranteed spot.
The final consideration is your foreign currency. It’s recommended that you steer clear of exchanging any cash at the airport, since this is costly and you will be charged high commission rates.
Thus, the best idea is to change your money before you go. There are a range of places on the high street to be found that will offer you competitive exchange rates, a commission-free service, as well as no additional charges.
By factoring in a little bit of strategic planning, it is easy to save money and ensure your holiday gets off to a flying start. And, once completed, you can simply kick back and relax!
Paul McIndoe writes for a digital marketing agency. This article has been commissioned by a client of said agency. This article is not designed to promote, but should be considered professional content.
