Tag Archives: Travel

Monday 12 September 2011

Save on flights

1. Travel at the cheapest times

The price of flights varies considerably depending on the month, day and even time of travel. Skyscanner lets you compare flight prices across a whole month or year meaning you’ll be able to see the cheapest days to fly, saving you a potential packet.

Avoiding the weekends can make a huge impact on the price of flights. Why not compare travel from a Wednesday to Wednesday rather than a Friday to Friday. Using Skyscanner’s handy search tool, you’ll be able to see a graph view of the cheapest days of the week to fly.

2. Find the cheapest flight from any airport

Don’t mind where you go as long as you can get there cheaply? Then use Skyscanner’s ‘search everywhere’ option which lists the cheapest flights from your local airport in price order. Watch our video below to see how:

3. Travel in low season

If you can avoid it, don’t head to Australia for Christmas or to Spain just as school summer holidays begin. Travel off-season and you’re sure to find better bargains. Much of Europe still has beautiful weather come September, but with kids back at school, flights will be cheaper and your destination a lot less crowded.

4. Fly indirect

If money is more important than time, then consider a flight with a stop-over. Skyscanner allows you to search for indirect routes (as well as direct) which are often a far cheaper option.

5. Mix and match your flights

Using Skyscanner’s ‘flexible’ search tool allows you to mix and match your airlines to find the cheapest price, and the times that suit you best. You can save money by flying out and back with different airlines or from different airports. Take a look at our article on saving money with split fare flights for more information.

6. Pre-book airport parking

If you need to leave your car at the airport for the duration of your trip, be sure to book your parking well in advance. Booking on the day is normally much more expensive, so read our useful article: how to save money on airport parking to get a better deal.

7. Fly from an alternative airport

Even though there may be an airport on your doorstep, don’t rule out the possibility that it may be cheaper to fly from one slightly further away. It may work out cheaper, even with the cost of a train or bus ticket to reach the alternative airport. Use Skyscanner’s cheap flights map to see how much it costs to fly to various airports. More: Fly cheaper from another airport

8. BYO food on board

Nowadays many airlines charge for food on board. So save yourself a small fortune by taking along your own snacks instead of buying them on the plane or in the airport. More: BYO flight food.

9. Beat the baggage fees

If you’re worried about excess baggage charges, why not wear your extra items instead of cramming them into your case? There are some fantastic products on the market that let you take additional belongings on your person ensuring they won’t count as excess baggage. A luggage jacket combined with a Cabin Max bag will get you the absolute maximum amount of luggage on a plane, without having to pay any check-in costs. Check out our article on Beating the baggage charge.

10. Weigh your luggage before you leave home

Some of us get to the airport to find we’re over our baggage limit and end up paying puffed up charges. Avoid this by weighing your bag before you leave home and take out any unnecessary items if you find you’re over the limit. Read our handy article on Weighing your Luggage.

Save on accommodation

11. Home swaps

If you want to go on holiday but are sick of the usual hotel chains and expensive, soulless rooms then why not consider a home swap? It will cost you virtually nothing, as the name ‘swap’ suggests, and you get to visit a new country whilst enjoying all the comforts of home. For more information check out our article: Tips on home swaps.

12. Ditch the hotel and rent a private room instead

Over the last few years there’s been an explosion in websites that allow locals to rent out their sofas, spare rooms, whole apartments and even gardens! For travellers, the experience can be far more rewarding than a stay in a chain hotel, as well as being cheaper. Where else could you stay in central London for £10 a night? Read our article: 6 hotel-killing websites for more.

13. Do ‘chic on the cheap’

Notoriously expensive destinations like Paris or New York needn’t be out of reach for those on a budget. There are plenty of ways to rub shoulders with the glitterati without spending like them; cheap hotels, hostels, and value eateries all allow those on modest budgets to enjoy a visit to these destinations too. Check out our article on budget boutique hotels and see for yourself: New York and Paris on the cheap

Save when you’re there

14. Eat like a local

Not only is tasting new cuisines part of the joy of travelling but you’re likely to eat far better as well as saving money, when you eat like a local. From $ 1 bowls of noodles in Vietnam to backstreet French bistros, produce is usually locally sourced and tastier, rather than imported. If they’ve had to ship a tin of baked beans 4000 miles, it’s not going to come cheap! Another top tip is stocking up from the hotel buffet breakfast and shopping in local supermarkets for lunch

15. Don’t worry  – be ‘appy’

In the era of technology and gadgets, your smart phone can be a handy money-saving travel buddy. There are apps on the market for everything including: travel guides, maps, phrasebooks, and even torches!

Download these and you’ll save not only a wad of cash on paper travel guides, maps and phrasebooks but also a lot of space in your case meaning less chance of excess baggage charges. Remember to download the free Skyscanner app and also check out our favourite travel apps.

16. Save on foreign currency exchange

Withdrawing money abroad can cost a lot in charges. Although using a debit card can be cheaper than a credit card, be aware that most banks will charge for each cash withdrawal on top of a commission fee. So it’s best to take out larger sums so you’re charged less frequently, only take care and don’t keep all your money in the same place.

Getting your currency before you arrive at the airport is also a way of securing the best rate you can and works out a lot cheaper. Check out our article on the Best debit cards to use abroad.

17. Go Abroad. Get paid

If you’re off on extended travels it’s possible to entirely fund your trip or even come home with some extra cash in your pocket if you’re able to work as you travel.  From grape picking, to English teaching, there’s a whole host of options available; read our article: Top 10 Paycations: working holidays abroad.

18. Volunteer to travel

In an era where more of us feel a sense of social responsibility than ever before, helping the world’s most in-need is both an inspiration and a chance to see the world, often by paying with your time rather than your money.

With so many opportunities out there from trips that last a few weeks, to two years or more, everyone can discover new places and do their bit for building a better future. For more advice on where to begin, read our article: Tips on volunteer holidays.

More Saving Tips

19. Cheap ski holidays

Love skiing but get nervous about the mounting costs? Fear not, there are many ways to cut the costs of a snow trip. Choosing a cheaper resort, a cheaper time to ski and cheaper accommodation will allow you to enjoy the mountains for less. For more tips read our article: Cheap ski holidays: how to save money on ski trips

20. Get cheaper travel insurance

Taking out an annual multi-trip travel insurance policy is cheaper than buying on the spot insurance for a single trip. Read more: travel insurance tips.