6 Ways to Save Money on Holiday Travel
Quick answer: The best ways to save money on holiday travel are to book early, stay flexible with your dates, cut petrol costs, plan cheap meals, stay with friends or family, and find the cheapest way to the airport. Travel arrangements can cost more than the tree and presents combined, so these six tricks can make a real difference to your holiday budget.
Holidays are famous for time with loved ones and notorious for how much we spend. From a Christmas tree to numerous presents, your budget has plenty to endure – but your travel arrangements can cost more than all of that combined. Here is how to spend less on holiday travel this year.
1. Book in Advance
At other times of year, waiting until the last moment to book a flight can pay off. But the holiday season is generally the busiest time of the year, so airlines have no reason to cut ticket prices when sales are high.
If you plan to travel by plane, look at your options long before the trip. Booking early may save you money – or at least ensure you don’t pay a significant sum for a last-minute purchase.
2. Be as Flexible With Dates as Possible
Following the same logic, being flexible with your timing helps a lot. Naturally, you need an understanding boss who doesn’t mind you taking time off a day or two earlier than planned – or, if you are your own boss, understanding clients.
Plane, train or bus tickets might be cheaper two days before Christmas, so consider arriving early at your parents’ house – as long as your work won’t suffer and you have enough days off. The same applies to the return trip: if you can take an additional day off and go back to work on Tuesday instead of Monday, you may save money.
3. Be Economical With Petrol
If you are travelling by car, petrol is your biggest expense – but, just like tickets, there are ways to reduce it. Not all petrol stations charge the same, and while the difference may seem small per litre, it adds up on the full tank you will probably need for your trip.
Many people also don’t realise they can save with particular credit cards. For instance, by using a petrol credit card you can earn cashback and discounts when you refuel at affiliated partners’ stations. Besides being convenient, this is a long-term strategy, so choose the card that suits you best.
4. Research Inexpensive Places to Eat
Anyone who has travelled abroad knows that not planning meals can push up travel expenses a lot. Even people who happily splurge on holiday can be unpleasantly surprised by prices in some restaurants.
Rather than glancing at a menu and wondering whether those numbers are prices or codes, scan the area where you will stay for supermarkets, fast food places and affordable restaurants. Go where the locals go – and if in doubt, ask them for a recommendation on the spot.
5. Visit Friends and Family
If you don’t have a particular destination in mind and just want to get out of town, consider visiting a friend or family. You combine pleasure and practicality: you spend time with people dear to you and save what you would spend on accommodation.
You will want to take them out for drinks or prepare a meal to thank them for their hospitality, but even lunch at a good restaurant costs much less than a few nights in a hotel. If they return the visit next year, that is the perfect time to show how much you appreciated it.
6. Find the Cheapest Way to Get to the Airport
Wherever you live, airports need to be on the outskirts, so you will likely need transport to get there. Many people take a cab, but if you live far from the airport you can expect to pay a hefty sum, even with Uber.
Driving yourself isn’t ideal either, as leaving your car parked at the airport for a few days can cost an arm and a leg. The best option is to ask a friend or relative to drop you off and pick you up. You can pitch in for petrol (perhaps with that petrol credit card) or return the favour later.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is it cheaper to book holiday flights last minute?
Usually not. The holiday season is the busiest time of year, so airlines have little reason to lower prices. Booking early is the safer way to save.
Which travel days are cheapest over Christmas?
Tickets might be cheaper two days before Christmas, and returning on a Tuesday instead of a Monday can also save money.
How can I save on petrol for a holiday road trip?
Compare petrol station prices and consider a petrol credit card that gives cashback and discounts at partner stations.
Conclusion
Instead of cancelling visits because of a pricey plane ticket or skimping on presents, use these clever tricks to save money on holiday travel. A little planning on bookings, dates, fuel, food, accommodation and airport transport goes a long way.
