Holidays - Travel tips

Travel tips

The worldwide credit crunch has forced many holidaymakers to think about the finances when it comes to their summer holidays. As a result, short breaks in the UK especially camping holidays have seen an increase in bookings this summer as more of us look to cut costs and make our money go further. With an abundance of last minute holidays available around this time of year, it can be tempting to hop on a plane and take off to a sunny destination. So, youve selected the destination for your holidays, gotten yourself one of the many cheap holidays available and are all set to jet off for a week in the sunshine. However, there are a number of things you should be checking before leaving, some of which are useful if you want to save money on your holidays: Look into different ways of getting to the airport. Consider using coaches and trains if you need to travel during peak times rather than shelling out for a taxi. If youre driving to the airport, be sure to book ahead, you can save yourself some money by taking advantage of advanced booking rates. For any immunisations you might need before you travel, get them through your GP clinic in order to save a little money.

As well as your jabs, ensure youve got some travel insurance for when you holiday it can be cheaper to take out an annual policy if youre planning to travel several times a year. As well as arranging insurance, ensure you get yourself a European Health Insurance Card EHIC‚ available free from the Post Office. This card entitles you to reduced-cost treatment in the EU. Take some food supplies to the airport, airport food can be expensive, but taking a few sandwiches for when youre sat in the departure lounge can save you a few pennies. Be sure to check your credit card rates for use abroad, and if you need to use a cash-point abroad, be sure to select withdrawals in local currency. Ensure you exchange your money before you travel, for you may find yourself paying more at airport exchange points.

As using your mobile phone abroad can be expensive, be sure to use it sparingly. If you need to make a call whilst abroad, look into purchasing a pre-paid international phone card some hotels will also offer rates for international calls which can be put on your room bill. Book any tickets to theme parks, water parks and other events in advance most will have special rates available on their websites, and can either be printed off or sent through the post. Consider car hire for your holidays as well, it may not seem logical at first but it can usually be cheaper to make excursions to tourist sites yourself, rather than having to shell out for an expensive coach tour. .