Holiday money saving tips - part 1
Britons spend an average of £1,900 per family on holidays; one in five of us takes at least four holidays a year. From a weekend away to a round-the-world trek, there are serious savings to be made.
- For starters, the Internet has become the route to bargain holidays, replete with price-comparison, travel websites and reviews.
- Although the European Commission has ordered the mobile networks to reduce the cost of using mobile phones abroad, it still costs a lot to receive or make calls while you are overseas. Consider leaving your mobile at home or off apart from once a day to check for messages; relax and enjoy a phone-free holiday.
- By booking airport parking in advance – as little as three days before you leave can bring at least some savings - you can save a fair amount. Typical web sites are Airparks, Airport Parking Discounts, Airport Parking Shop, Airport Parking and Hotels, Parking 4 Less, SimplyParking and my favourite, Pink Elephant Parking. If you are travelling to and from the airport by taxi instead, be sure to book a minicab in advance; otherwise, you will have to hail a cab from the airport ranks, which will cost far more.
- Many car-hire firms keep few smaller cars in stock, so you might be upgraded to a larger model without paying a surcharge. Do not fall for paying for an upgrade when you can get it for nothing.
- Bargain break depend on the laws of supply and demand: the most popular departure dates and times come at a premium price. If you are prepared to zig while others zag by taking a 3am ferry or flight, leaving midweek instead of on Fridays or Saturdays, or booking a slightly out-of-season vacation, it is possible to pick up an excellent bargain.
If you plan to taking children to Disneyworld (
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