How to holiday without breaking the bank

If you feel like taking a break this summer, but don’t have a huge budget to use on a holiday, then don’t despair as there are easy ways to make the most of what you can afford.

 

Use a credit card with a good interest rate

 

One of the major reasons to use a credit card when booking a holiday is the additional protection it will offer in the event of something going wrong. So you can rest assured if a firm you’ve booked with falls victim to the uncertain economic climate, you won’t lose your cash. This is due to the Section 75 law, which means lenders must take some responsibility for purchases over £100. Another plus is that a card with a good rate of interest is also a great way to spread the cost of larger purchases, so be sure to compare credit cards to find the best deal.

 

Think about your destination

 

You might expect destinations closer to home to cost you less, when factors such as accommodation, transportation and food and drink are totted up, but this might not always be the case. With budget airlines it’s arguably easier than ever to holiday overseas at a low price, but some countries still offer visitors better value overall and so may be worth focusing on. Shop around to find the best deals on flights, hotels and package breaks and be flexible on departure times and dates to get the lowest price. Of course, at this time of year many holidays will cost more, so it might be worth waiting a couple of months until the peak season passes.

 

Consider how you’ll get to your departure point

 

If you live close to your departure airport or port then the costs of getting there may be relatively low. However, if your place is a bit further away you might have to rely on public transport or taxi to get there, or consider paying to park your car securely nearby. The costs of this can soon add up, so try to find out the prices in advance to secure a cheaper deal or – better still – ask if someone you know would be willing to drive you there.

 

Everyone needs a break from time to time, but there’s little need to get yourself in to a sticky financial situation for the sake of a holiday. A little planning and flexibility will see you looking back on your holiday without regret.