Gone to a fair bit of trouble to track down that great-value holiday? It’s tempting to spend, spend, spend from the moment you leave the house if you’re in a holiday mood, but it’s better to save your cash for when you arrive at your destination. Here’s how to save money while you’re in transit.
Pack frugally
Most people feel pressured to get a huge amount of work out of the way before taking a holiday, but try to set some time aside on a weekend or evening to shop before your break. Make a thorough checklist of what you’re likely to need, including sun protection, swimwear, insect repellent and so on, and take advantage of multi-buys and sales. Last minute buys in tourist areas tend to be pricey.
Check the law and the airline small print
Don’t waste time and money packing your hand luggage with banned items that will be confiscated as you go through security. Look up the rules for the UK airport you’re flying out from, and the country you’re travelling to – you might be surprised what’s banned in certain destinations, including some over-the-counter medications and types of fruit, dairy or meat products.
Pack light if you can
Also check the small print in your airline or package holiday deal, particularly the baggage allowances: the maximum size of carry-on luggage, and the total number and weight of bags allowed before penalties are charged. If necessary, weigh your cases on bathroom scales.
If you’re going somewhere hot, remember you can do a quick hand wash of clothes and they’ll dry fast, so you won’t need to pack as much.
Sort out your holiday cash beforehand
Never, ever buy currency at the airport – you won’t get the best exchange rate. If you need some of the local notes, research online to find the best deal and pick it up in advance. It’s also well worth finding out which credit cards and banks offer fair rates and fees while you’re at your destination.
Get to the airport cheaply
Buy train tickets or coach seats well in advance to save on fares, and research whether it’s cheaper to buy return or single tickets for your chosen dates. If you’re travelling outside public transport hours then book with a reliable cab firm that offers a fair fixed rate upfront. Booking a cab for your return home is often far cheaper than hailing one from outside the airport when you get back too.
If you’re driving your own car, hunt down online discount vouchers or cashback deals to lower the cost of long stay airport parking.
What not to buy in the airport
With increased security measures, passengers now spend much longer waiting around in airports, with the temptation of shopping to relieve the boredom. Unless there’s something you desperately need, or you’ve researched specific products and prices beforehand, stay out of the shops because ‘duty free’ doesn’t automatically offer the best deals any more.
Keep busy with a book or an e-reader, a magazine or an MP3 player instead, and bring along toys and games if you’re travelling with kids.
If you know your plane ticket includes meals, you can also keep snack and drinks purchases to a minimum while you’re in the terminal. Also remember that UK security control will confiscate any liquid-filled containers larger than 100ml.
Once on the plane, avoid purchasing toys, gifts and other goods when the trolley comes around. You can probably find a much better internet deal when you get home.
Keep your transfers within budget
If you’re lucky, your holiday may have the price of airport transfers included. If not, work out beforehand how you’re going to get from the airport to your hotel, buying or booking online if needed. If you’re going to get a cab, make sure you know how much the average journey to your destination costs, just in case the driver tries to overcharge.
Now all you need to do is relax and enjoy your holiday, with most of your spending money still intact.
{Image: Highways Agency}
