Cost of Living: Travel Guide
Learn hints and tips about making your money stretch further when it comes to travelling in this week's article. Also, fasten your seatbelts - there's another competition!
Date:
8 September, 2022
Seas the day
After the last couple of years, everyone deserves a holiday no matter how long that might be, - but as the cost of living crisis sees everyday purchase prices skyrocket, going on a getaway might be the last thing on your mind.
We don’t need to break the bank to take a break. If we’re smart, stay within our means and research like mad, there’s a bargain to be had somewhere!
Thrifty tricks and tips will help us save money, but they can also take the stress out of planning your holiday.
Keep it plane and simple
Silly as it might sound, deciding where you want to go is the first port of call – whether that’s a country you fancy, or a specific location. For many, holidays mean jetting off abroad, so researching your destination will provide the information you need to make sure you get the most from a trip.
If you’re after a beach break, look for accommodation that’s only a stone’s throw from the sea – no one wants to walk miles for a dip. Is the weather what you want it be when you plan to go? Do the local amenities and facilities deliver what you need? Are there planned festivals or events you should know about before you book? (This might close shops, museums and amusement parks, or halt public transport, for example.)
Beach out for help
If you’re going abroad, we still need to be aware of travel restrictions caused by COVID-19 – you might need to wear a mask on the plane, or have proof of being triple-vaccinated.
Love2shop Holidays. Offering an in-house concierge booking service, Love2shop Holidays is fully ATOL protected and is a one-stop for all travelling requirements.
Cheap flights. Compare prices by shopping around. Last minute deals aren’t always certain, book in advance to cut down on cost. Clear your cookies too, as a lot of sites will increase prices if they see you browsing – going on Incognito mode keeps you anonymous. Good sites to use are Google flights, momondo, Skyscanner, Travel Supermarket and Kayak.
Read reviews. Not all surprises are good, so reviews can provide early insight but it’s also exerting sound decision-making that’s right for you!
Travel off-season. It’s easy to wind up paying double during peak-season. Visiting a destination when it’s less busy also means you’ll probably spend less time in queues - at the airport, at museums, beach cafes etc.
Invest in a guidebook. The Lonely Planet series offers insight on thousands of destinations across the globe. Click here to find online guides for over 8,000 destinations.
Pitch up, look sharp
Staycations have grown increasingly popular, with the UK being especially lucky thanks to its natural beauty – the National Trust has a guide to the best places to visit.
Plan ahead. The big question is usually: to cook in or to eat out? Check that the attractions you want to visit are open. Packing lists help to avoid a meltdown when you realise what you want can’t be sourced in the airport shops
Stay local. Save on fuel by staying closer to home. VisitBritain is great for inspo – it gives suggestions based on what you want. Also, don’t forget to make sure you’ve done an oil, tyres and water check. Also, check fuel prices here.
Camping or glamping. Those of us who like being ‘at-one’ with nature, aren’t afraid of roughing it in a tent or even going upmarket with glamping so there’s less DIY and potentially, even your beds are set up! Ooo-la-lah! Learn the basics from the National Trust by clicking here.
Check campsite rules. No two campsites are the same, so get the lowdown on guidelines to feel comfortable around safety and comfort, and to know what’s on offer, or what’s not. Sometimes, kids aren’t even allowed. Mind you…
Just wing it
Paying a fine because your luggage is over the weight limit isn’t the way to start a holidays, so avoid the drama! Same still applies if you’re travelling in other ways too… All those cases – in that tiny boot?
On-hand toiletry bag. Making up a toiletry bag in advance helps reduce the likelihood of leaving anything important behind. It also saves time – you can grab it whenever you’re off anywhere. Just remember to check the expiry dates of the products before you go.
Important items. Keep things like your passport, money and phone in your hand luggage. An obvious one, but packing them away in the flurry of getting ready is far too easy.
Tropic it like it's hot!
Love2shop Holidays’s Head of Travel, Bill Low, shares his top tips…
Micro fibre towel. They take up no space in our luggage and are always great for pool days or if we venture out to the beach.
Invest in swimming socks. Not the coolest thing in the world, but they’ll protect our feet from rocks and stones if we are swimming in the sea. Plus, extra bonus: sand won’t find a home in between our toes – that stuff gets everywhere.
Insulated beach flask. It’ll keep drinks cold for the entire day, even if the sun is beating down.
Medication. Just in case hold luggage goes missing, pack any medication in our carry-on.
Stock up on sun lotion before you go. Avoid paying over the odds abroad.
Competition: THREE retailers – Wilko (£50 Gift Card), Currys (£50 Gift Card) and New Look (£100 Gift Card).
Wilko has been a favourite for more than 90 years, starting out in Leicester as a single store. In 2022, there are now 400 stores in the UK and a whole host of products that offer value as well as quality.
Currys is a leading retailer of technology products, having 830 stores across 8 countries. They strive to help their customers through expert knowledge on the latest electronic knowledge.
As one of the UK’s biggest names in high street fashion, New Look is the number one destination for clothes that suit all body types. Founded in 1969, the retailer giant has been there for every new trend – offering a great selection of style choices for a reasonable price.
To enter, send us an email at [email protected] and tell us about your favourite holiday memory.
T&Cs apply - here
PLEASE NOTE, THIS COMPETITION IS NOW CLOSED
Resource bank
Forgo the holiday blues with the hub of support offered below.