Just because you’ve got a tight budget doesn’t mean you can’t fully enjoy your holiday, you just need to be more conscious of where your money is going. Below, we’ve listed a few tips and tricks to help you get the most out of a tight holiday budget.
Plan around off-peak travel
When planning a budget holiday, the first thing you should do is travel outside of the peak school holidays and busiest summer weeks. Since summer is when most people seek to go on holiday, it’s also the time when flights, accommodations, and activities are at their most expensive.
On the other hand, autumn is typically much more affordable and has been identified as one of the cheapest times to travel. Many southern European destinations are still hot and sunny throughout the season too, creating a calmer and more affordable holiday experience.
If you’re tied to travelling during busier months, consider flying mid-week rather than at weekends, as fares are often significantly lower. Signing up for airline newsletters or fare alerts can also help you spot discounts as soon as they’re released.
Choose budget-friendly destinations
Another way to help save money is to be mindful of your destination. Popular destinations like Spain and Italy have well-established infrastructure for tourists, but this also means that they’ll provide a more expensive service.
Instead, you might want to consider countries like Montenegro and Bosnia. Comparatively, these destinations offer more affordable accommodation and dining options, especially when compared to central European countries.
Don’t be fooled into thinking these destinations provide a lower quality either. In fact, you’re more likely to find authentic restaurants offering traditional dishes, rather than ones geared specifically towards tourists.
It’s also worth looking closer to home. Exploring lesser-known parts of the UK or nearby ferry-accessible spots in France and Ireland can cut out the cost of flights altogether. These short breaks can feel just as refreshing, while allowing you to allocate more of your budget to activities rather than transport.
Be flexible with accommodation and transport
Flexibility is another way you can save money. Being open to a range of accommodation options means that you might choose smaller guesthouses or apartments, which can help you stay within budget.
We also recommend that you research and compare travel days. Since travel is likely to be one of your largest expenses, looking at the days surrounding your intended dates can sometimes result in huge savings.
Another tip is to consider overnight trains or coaches for longer journeys. They can be slower, but you’ll save on a night’s accommodation while still getting to your destination. If you’re travelling with others, splitting the cost of car hire can also be cheaper than multiple train tickets, particularly in rural areas.
Smarter holiday spending
Another way to help keep within a tight holiday budget is to be conscious of your spending. When you’re on holiday, it’s easy to let costs ramp up, whether it’s going out to eat or doing spontaneous activities.
One easy solution is to set yourself a daily spending cap. In fact, families planning cheap holidays often find that setting a daily spending cap and preparing some meals themselves helps to stretch the budget, without feeling restricted.
Free or low-cost attractions can also make a big difference. Many cities offer free walking tours, museums with donation-based entry, or scenic hikes that cost nothing at all. Planning a balance of paid and free activities will help you maximise your experiences without overspending.