We all want to travel the world (well, most of us!) and it seems that every time I log on to Instagram some bikini clad person is strutting around some amazing beach whilst it pours it down with rain here in the UK. Queue a cake-ridden binge fest to drown my sorrows. One, they look amazing in said bikini and two, I’m not there. As mentioned in previous posts I was once a travel agent for 8 years so know a few tricks of the trade to make sure you are getting the most for your money. Luckily we make roughly 3 trips abroad a year, with a few UK breaks thrown in too & I want to share with you how we plan for our travel plans cost effectively!
SKY SCANNER IS YOUR BEST FRIEND
Most evenings you will find me huddled over my phone or Tab glued to the Sky Scanner app. The great thing about this app is your can literally leave your UK departure airport, destination and dates completely open, this means it will search the best deals on flights for you meaning the world really is your oyster. This is wonderful if you aren’t tied down to specific dates or aren’t too picky with where you want to go. Alternatively you can refine your search a little more meaning you can get exactly what you want. It’s a one-stop-shop for all your travel needs.
EMBRACE AIR BNB
We rented our first Air BnB back in December when we visited Amsterdam. It was a fab experience, we got to live like the locals and come and go as we pleased. I’d really suggest this option as it’s really cost effective. Plus, some of the apartments or homes to rent are really quirky – meaning you get a really unique experience. When I’m searching for somewhere to stay I generally tend to look for places with quite a few reviews or if the “Host” is a “Super Host” for the more reliable venues.
BOOKING.COM IS GREAT IF YOU WANT TO PAY LOCALLY
If you’ve got a lot of saving up to do for your next jaunt Booking.com is a great site where you can pay the hotel locally. It means you can save up a shed-load more cash for your trips away too. Plus, there’s 1000’s of options ranging from cute little B&B’s to your 5 star deluxe hotels. There is something for everyone.
KEEP AN EYE ON THE RATES
We like to keep our eyes on the rates, so when a currency spikes to a destination we are travelling to we make sure we bulk buy as much as we can. Generally speaking Thomas Cook has the best rates when you reserve and collect online. Plus, sometimes you can get a preferential rate if you purchase a cash passport for your currency – a much safer way to carry your money on your travels. If you do this, that means you have more spends for trips and the odd luxury dinner here and there whilst away.
JET2HOLIDAYS OFFER A £60PP DEPOSIT
To my knowledge, Jet2Holidays has the lowest deposit plan out there in comparison to other tour operators. It’s great if you want to get your plans finalised all in one package with the ATOL & ABTA protection included (please remember ABTA protection is usally not included if you book flights and accommodation separately meaning less financial security!) With the final balance due 10 weeks before your holiday it means you can pay things off in monthly installments before you bid farewell to the UK.
JANUARY SALES DO EXIST
They really do. So if you are looking to make travel plans make sure you are hooked up to all the major airlines websites! Companies such as BA and Virgin have amazing, discounted flight fares meaning you can save a pretty penny. Generally speaking, after February these prices do tend to go up. The January Sales really do exist in the Travel Industry, it’s not a myth!
DON’T KEEP CHECKING THE FARES
This is a massive trick of the trade, do not, I REPEAT DO NOT, keep checking your flight fares. There is someone hired to constantly monitor what people are searching for on their websites. If they see that a particular fare is being looked at numerous times a day / week the fare will be put up. If you do want to keep checking, remember to delete your cookies! Or if the fare is what you want to pay, don’t risk it and get it booked sharpish.
TRAVELLING TO VARIOUS PLACES
It is always worth looking in to open jaw, round trip flight or rail tickets. That means it’s all pre-paid in advance so you don’t have to worry about shelling out whilst your away! Sometimes it can also work out cheaper booking these types of tickets in advance – but it still gives you the flexibility to pick and choose your flights.
Do you have any other hints & tips for when you are travelling abroad? I’d love to hear – maybe we’ll all be able to fit an extra trip in this year by using them!
Bee xxx
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