Making your holiday money go further
Travelling on a budget shouldn't mean compromising on experiences.
At a time when making the most of your holiday funds is more important than ever, a bit of planning and some savvy strategies can help you enjoy a fulfilling break without breaking the bank.
From booking tips to on-the-ground savings, these travel hacks can help make your next trip both cost-effective and unforgettable.
Book smart
The time you can make the biggest saving on your trip abroad is when you book your travel. Here are a few things to think about right up front.
Compare prices and set alerts
One of the most effective ways to save on travel is by using price comparison tools. Websites like , ,  a²Ô»å  allow you to compare prices for flights, accommodations and car rentals across different providers.
If you set up alerts, you can also be notified when prices drop. This will help you secure the best deals without constantly monitoring the sites that offer them.
Book in advance but stay flexible
Last-minute deals can occasionally offer significant savings. But booking early usually gets you better rates, especially for flights and popular accommodation options.
The more flexible you can be the better. Consider travelling at off-peak times. Midweek flights and ‘shoulder seasons’ – the period between peak and off-peak – are often cheaper.
And, if you’re flexible on place as well as time, consider quieter alternatives to more popular and crowded destinations. Many offer a similar experience for a fraction of the cost.
Our City Costs Barometer, Holiday Money Report, Long Haul Report and Ski Report can help you find the best-value places to visit.
Alternative accommodation
Hotels aren’t your only accommodation option. Platforms like and offer a range of places to stay. From rooms in shared spaces to entire apartments and even unique stays in treehouses or houseboats, these options can not only be more affordable but also provide a more authentic experience.
Staying just outside major tourist areas can help you save money without sacrificing convenience, as public transportation in many cities is both reliable and affordable.
Read our guide: Is Airbnb safe?
Make the most of rewards programmes
If you travel a lot, airline and hotel loyalty programmes offer another way to save. You collect points with each booking, which you can redeem for discounts or free flights or stays. Some travel credit cards also accumulate points or miles when you make purchases with them, to put towards bookings.
Pre-travel preparations
With your trip booked, there are a few steps you can take when you’re preparing to travel that could save you money both while you do and after you arrive.
Pack light and smart
Overpacking isn’t just inconvenient. It can also lead to extra baggage fees. Stick to essential items and pack versatile clothing that can be mixed and matched. Use packing cubes or vacuum-sealed bags to make the most of space.
Read our guide: How to pack a suitcase
A great tip is to wear your bulkiest items, such as jackets and boots, on the plane to save space in your suitcase. If you're traveling with a carry-on only, make sure your liquids are within the airline's limits by transferring them to smaller containers.
Read our guide: what can I take on a plane?
Plan to stay connected
Preparing for how you’ll stay connected before you go can avoid hefty roaming charges.
If you plan to use lots of data, a travel eSim bundle will let you do so at local rates just by changing a setting in your phone. Or you can pick up a local sim card when you arrive.
Many destinations offer free Wi-Fi in public spaces, cafes and hotels. This can also help you avoid roaming charges. But take care what you use public networks for as they’re sometimes not as secure as private networks.
Apps like and Facebook Messenger (download or ) let you make free calls and send messages over Wi-Fi, saving on international calling fees.
With navigation apps like and (download or devices) you can take maps offline, to find your way even when you’re not connected.
Protect your trip
Using a credit card to pay for your trip can give you extra protection if something goes wrong, like if your trip gets cancelled or if someone tries to scam you.
Getting travel insurance when you book your trip means you’re financially protected if unexpected things the insurance covers happen before or during your trip.
Read our guide: when to buy travel insurance
Get your travel money sorted up front
If you buy foreign currency before you travel you can often get a better exchange rate than buying last minute at the airport. And having some local currency on hand can be useful for small purchases, tipping or emergencies. Read our travel money tips and guide to tipping abroad.
Carrying a prepaid travel card is a smart and secure way to manage your travel budget. You preload the card with any of multiple supported currencies, avoiding currency conversion fees and fluctuating exchange rates. They’re widely accepted and offer an extra layer of security. The 69ÌÃ Travel Money Card, for instance, isn’t linked to your bank account. And you can manage it and keep track of your spending with the free travel app.
Read our guide: Savvy holiday spending with the 69ÌÃ travel app