But with this option of saving money virtually outlawed for families and morally out of the question for teachers, how do you stick within the rules without breaking the bank?
DealCentral.co.uk have come up with 50 ways to save money on your holiday. Here are the first 7 as a taster. Log onto www.dealcentral.co.uk for more money saving ideas on all kinds of things......enjoy!
1. Book early
It may seem obvious but the holiday industry is like any other business affected by the basic economics of supply and demand. The best time to book, according to travel agents, is 11 months before you’re due to travel. This is because the flights have just been released and there’s plenty of cheaper seats available and book online and you get a better deal as the companies do not have to pay anyone to talk to you!.
2. Book late
The rules of supply and demand also apply in last few days before the departure date. If there are unsold seats and hotel rooms, you can bag a bargain with a few clicks of the mouse, or a phone call or two.
3. Buy a package
The internet has been a godsend for people who wish to bypass the travel agent and arrange their own trips and save on holidays. But here’s a little-known tip: if you are booking a flight and a car, or flight and accommodation, by packaging the two deals together, an agent can often offer a much better deal than if you were to book separately, even online. Call it creative accounting if you will, but it can save hundreds of pounds on a long-haul trip.
4. Travel on the ferry at unsociable times
After years of outrageously high fares, the cross-Channel ferry operators have woken up to the fact that people aren’t prepared to pay up to £600 to cross a stretch of water so short you can see the other side from our shores - especially as you can fly to Spain for a few quid. As a result, fares have plunged and if you can travel at night, it’s even cheaper. In fact this could be said to be true for other transport.
5. Hire a cottage
Me, the wife and the dog often have a relaxing week in a cottage once a year and invite friends or family to join us. It’s great for a change and it is really cheap for what you get prices start as cheap as £160 for the week. You can get anything from a 1 bed studio apartment in Edinburgh, to a three bedroom country cottage in the Lake District, to a 10 bedroom mansion with swimming pool in France…the choice really is yours! It’s great having a really nice base to go back to after a hard day holidaying and with a group of you it is great fun.
6. Stay at home
A change is good as a rest so why not move into the spare room or swap rooms with your kids for a week or two. It’s free and can be great fun – especially if you can agree to swap roles so the children do all the cooking. The odd day out or may be weekend away can be a cheap way of entertaining everyone and breaking up the routine. Plan ahead and you could save loads. For example if you book ahead online you can save with the Big Bus Company Sightseeing Tours that operate in London (and other capital cities all over the world!). Speaking of London you could also get The London Pass which is a sightseeing card which offers a variety of benefits to its holder, from free entry to many attractions and public transport to benefits and discounts in shops, restaurants and theatres around London. So plan ahead save money and have a great time with your family if you plan to visit London.
6. Share the cost
A holiday home that sleeps 12 people isn’t usually six times more expensive than one that sleeps two. So if you can bear to share with friends or family you could save a packet. Click the link below to get an idea of prices.
7. House swap
You may think you live in a horrid, torrid suburban time warp - but to an American visitor your home could well the quaint historic corner of Britain that they’ve been yearning for. Likewise, their ’small’ tumble-down hovel will probably feel like a mansion. Give it at try. Link: www.homelink.org.uk
Log onto www.dealcentral.co.uk for more money saving ideas on all kinds of things......enjoy!