How Can Holidaymakers Make Their Money Go Further?

For many of us, holidays are now a distant memory. You may have had one planned in the last year that did not go ahead. That’s why, travel advice is as important now as ever.

It is best to keep an eye on your emails and flight provider’s website as they will let you know if your flight has been cancelled. Nonetheless, if you just need to get away, there are some options that will be fun for the whole family. If you have kids, we also have a parent’s guide to car hire.

Having a holiday, in whatever circumstances, can give you a new perspective. Here’s what you can do.

Check and plan a rough budget

These extraordinary circumstances have affected many of our budgets. We are worrying more about the future, and what we can do to help us get there.

In most cases, a refund or voucher will be due. If this is the case, you’ll be thinking about where to go and what you should do.

If so, it may be a good idea to adapt to the unprecedented times with a staycation. A holiday in your country may not sound appealing, but it can certainly save you money. It is also surprising what can be found a little closer to home.

Where can I go?

Britons may be missing sun and sea, but many people travel overseas to London for holidays for example. If you live there, this won’t sound fun. Wales or a coastal getaway could be more up your street.

Shop around online for a room or place to stay in the UK. This will certainly make your money go further because you’ll be saving money on flights and transport to and from the airport. If this year has taught us anything, is that fun can be had without spending lots of money.

Save it for a rainy day

The other option is to save your refund. Although it can be tempting to spend it, your money could take you further than you would have gone last time. Your money will go further if you can resist the urge. You could tick off that location on your bucket list when the time comes that you can travel overseas for a holiday.

Either way, it is a good idea to shop around and make an estimate of how much you want to save, and what you can do with it. Budgeting apps can help, but a calculator, pen and paper can do the trick too.

Plan with friends and family

Make sure to chat to your family or friends to see what they would like to do. They will likely have some great advice, especially if they are going with you! They are likely going through similar stresses as you, and this could lift everyone’s spirits and give you all something to look forward to.

Hidden benefits

Local businesses also need support currently, so a staycation could benefit more than just your inner circle. While this shouldn’t be the main reason to have a holiday, there is the added bonus that you’ll make their day and contribute to them being there if you want to revisit.

Remember this

More than anything, don’t put lots of pressure on yourself to make your money go further. This can seem a logical response, but in unprecedented times, we can only have loose plans. Nonetheless, it is better to have a plan and it to fall through out of your control than not planning anything at all.

The key thing is to spend your money where it matters to you. If that does mean a holiday, try and save some. There are lots of money saving experts online who have guides on how much for what purpose. At the same time, don’t feel guilty for spending some now where you feel it is beneficial.

When that time does come to go on a summer holiday, we have some tips for saving your money with some excellent guides for experiencing the USA on a budget or saving money while traveling in France. The same rule applies then, that planning will save you some stress. Although you cannot plan for every occasion, preparation can help make your holiday run smoothly.