Travel expert reveals 11 ways to make your vacation a lot cheaper this summer

A TRAVEL expert has revealed 11 ways to make holidays cheaper this summer – as Brits start to feel the cost of living.

Soaring energy, gas and food prices have prompted families to look for cheaper ways to travel abroad.

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And with summer fast approaching, consumer choice experts have some? revealed the best ways to save on vacation.

Her range of advice includes questions about sitting together on an airplane, paying in local currency and the usefulness of loyalty programs.

1. shopping spree

Taking the time to weigh prices against the best comparison sites could save you a lot of money, says which?.

The consumer choice brand found on comparison portals such as Trivago could help holidaymakers achieve “significant savings”.

2. Book directly with the hotel

Booking direct with the hotel is a smart way to save this holiday.

Which? found that travelers get better rates or perks like free breakfast or champagne upon arrival when they book direct.

3. Don’t assume the price has gone up

Despite the Covid problem and the controversial cost of testing, the average cost of flights to Europe has actually decreased compared to 2019.

It’s actually now cheaper to reach popular holiday destinations for a summer trip, which opens the door for sun-seeking Brits.

4. Don’t pay to sit together on the plane

A group of four could pay up to £192 to reserve standard seats together on certain flights, making it a surefire way to overspend on holiday.

Splitting up on the flight could help pocket money later on on vacation, even if it means sitting next to someone who snores on the plane.

5. Hotel rooms at a good value for money

It’s still possible to find cheap hotel rooms, and paying more for one doesn’t necessarily guarantee a good night’s sleep.

Which? found the budget hotel chain Premier Inn to offer a high standard of service for as little as £66 a night – and we found some from as little as £9.25 a night.

6. Pay attention to the location

Visiting lesser-known places can have a big impact on how much vacationers spend on hotels.

Less popular destinations both in the UK and abroad could see cheaper prices on hotels in the city and more money in your pocket.

7. Book rental car in advance

Which? recommends booking a rental car for up to two months in consultation.

They found that prices rose steadily the later customers went to book.

8th. Pay in local currency and use the correct card

Travelers should always pay in local currency to avoid worse exchange rates.

Starling Bank and Monzo offer fee-free overseas purchases and ATM withdrawals when you use your debit card.

9. When to visit attractions

Most people want to go sightseeing once they get abroad, but you could get cheaper or even free admission if you visit some attractions off-peak.

Museums like the Louvre in Paris, for example, offer free entry every first Sunday of the month, saving visitors 15 euros.

10 Last minute doesn’t necessarily mean cheaper

While booking hotels at the last minute can have its perks, what are some? say that booking three months in advance makes the most sense.

That’s when the prices are at their best and offer the most flexibility in case someone needs to cancel.

11. Sign up for loyalty programs

While it doesn’t offer instant savings, which ones do? recommend signing up for free loyalty programs with hotel chains and booking websites to save money on travel bookings.

Some supermarket rewards schemes like Tesco Clubcard and Nectar often have partnerships with attractions and accommodation, so a good deal may not be far away.

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