"All-inclusive accommodation can seem appealing"
The start of a new year is the perfect time to turn those holiday dreams into reality.
But with household budgets still stretched due to the cost-of-living crisis, booking a holiday can feel like an unaffordable indulgence.
Fortunately, there are a few money-saving tricks.
Whether you’re planning a weekend city break, a beach escape, or an epic adventure, a little smart planning can stretch your budget further than you’d think.
From insider tricks to simple swaps, these 10 top money-saving holiday tips will help you plan the perfect getaway without breaking the bank.
Ready to make this year’s travel plans your most affordable yet? Let’s dive in!
Compare before Booking
There’s no shortage of comparison websites to help you snag the best deals for every part of your holiday.
Whether it’s flights, accommodation, travel insurance, airport parking, or car hire, sites like Expedia, Skyscanner, Travelsupermarket, Momondo, Kayak, and Google Flights have got you covered.
Once you’ve found a deal, take it a step further—head straight to the company’s website to see if they can offer you an even better price.
And here’s one tip: don’t forget to check flights from different airports nearby.
You might be surprised at the price difference between your closest options!
Visit a Travel Agent
Travel agents are the ultimate insiders when it comes to finding you top-notch holiday deals.
Thanks to their long-standing relationships with suppliers, they can often match or even beat the prices you’d find on your own—all while saving you the hassle of endless searching.
Plus, they’re pros at spotting hidden costs before they sneak up on you, making sure everything is as budget-friendly as possible.
And here’s the cherry on top: they might throw in perks like transfers, room upgrades, or other delightful extras to make your trip even more special.
Why not let them do the hard work for you?
Consider All-Inclusive
Booking an all-inclusive holiday is a brilliant way to keep your budget in check.
With one upfront cost, you can relax knowing that flights, accommodation, transfers, and meals are sorted—no surprise expenses waiting to ambush your wallet.
Some resorts even sweeten the deal with included activities, so you can enjoy more without spending extra.
That said, don’t assume it’s always the cheapest option.
Dimitri Konovalovas, founder and managing director of Wowtickets, says:
“All-inclusive accommodation can seem appealing, but when you break down the overall cost of food and drink, it can often work out cheaper to adopt a more DIY approach.
“Many frequent fliers choose to enjoy a long late breakfast and avoid eating until dinner, so full-board or all-inclusive might not be the best for them.”
It’s worth comparing prices to see if an all-inclusive deal truly works out best for you!
Travel with Only Hand Luggage
For years, liquid restrictions have made flying with hand luggage only a challenge—despite it often being the cheaper option.
But now, those rules are starting to relax, meaning there’s serious money to be saved!
London City Airport has led the charge, becoming the first London airport to scrap the 100ml liquid limit.
Thanks to cutting-edge scanners, travellers can now carry up to two litres of liquid, skip the fuss of separating toiletries into a clear bag, and even leave laptops and electronics in their hand luggage.
Jason Waldron from Superescapes.co.uk explains: “Why not maximise on the savings of travelling hand luggage only whilst also being able to take your own shampoos and conditioners if you are able to fly from London City?
“This could save a couple of hundred pounds for a family of four and we hope to see this ruling roll out over other airports later this year.”
Avoid Tourist Hotspots
When arranging your next holiday, think twice about booking at a popular resort as prices are often higher than in less well-known places.
Chris Webber, of TravelSupermarket, suggests:
“Be open to exploring a wider range of destinations.”
“You can often find much better value in lesser-known spots, like Menorca instead of Majorca, or even somewhere like Bulgaria or Tunisia.”
Take Dubrovnik, for example. Its stunning scenery and Game of Thrones fame make it a magnet for tourists, but just along the coast, Zadar offers the same breathtaking views, fewer crowds, and a rich history as Croatia’s oldest city—all at a fraction of the cost.
Pre-Book Airport Parking
Save big on airport parking by comparing deals on websites like Purple Parking, Parking4less, and Airport-Parking-Shop—or go even cheaper by opting for off-site park-and-ride options.
Many of these sites offer instant discounts just for signing up to their emails (which you can always unsubscribe from later).
For even more savings, do a quick Google search for extra discount codes on platforms like Groupon or VoucherCloud—stacking discounts is a win-win!
Before booking, make sure the car park has a ‘Park Mark’ award, which guarantees it meets essential security standards for both vehicles and visitors.
And here’s a top tip: book your parking in advance to save as much as £100—or even more. Why pay full price when you don’t have to?
Find the Best Currency Rates
If you need foreign currency, always buy it in advance—not at the airport—where exchange rates tend to be the highest.
Order your currency through online foreign exchange services like Fairfx or Travelex, which offer some of the most competitive rates.
For regular travellers, consider getting a travel credit or debit card to ensure you’re getting the best rates wherever you go. Barclays Rewards and Halifax Clarity are both great options, with no fees on spending or ATM withdrawals.
If you use Monzo as your main bank account, you can make unlimited fee-free cash withdrawals in the European Economic Area (EEA), and up to £200 every 30 days for free outside the EEA.
Starling Bank’s debit card also offers fee-free cash withdrawals abroad.
Stay in a Hostel
You don’t have to be under 25 to score amazing deals on budget-friendly hostels around the world—perfect if you just need a comfortable base for a night or two while you explore.
Many hostels now offer private rooms with en-suite bathrooms, plus extra perks like swimming pools, bars, and sun loungers.
Check out websites like Hostelworld and YHA for great budget travel options across the world.
Not only are they affordable, but staying in hostels is also a fantastic way to meet other travellers, exchange tips, and hear about local events and activities.
Know When to Tip
When on holiday, tipping practices can be a bit confusing and vary widely depending on where you are, so it’s always a good idea to ask someone with local knowledge for guidance.
For example, tipping is common in Spain, but not expected in Portugal.
In North America, it’s pretty much mandatory—even if the service isn’t great!
In Scandinavia and Iceland, tipping isn’t the norm. In Italy, Austria, and Russia, rounding up your bill is usual, but no need to leave more than that.
For a comprehensive guide, check out The Lonely Planet’s breakdown of tipping customs around Europe.
Be Flexible
Flexibility is the secret when it comes to saving money on a holiday.
Travelling at off-peak times – like midweek or early morning on bank holidays – can make a big difference in cost due to supply and demand.
Before booking that early flight, though, consider the logistics: will public transport be running? Do you need to stay overnight near the airport?
It’s not worth saving a few pounds on a flight if you end up spending extra on taxis or expensive airport accommodation.
Use booking tools like ‘calendar view’ to see flight prices across the week.
And if you’re flexible with travel dates, keep school holidays in mind.
Dimitri Konovalovas advises: “Avoid half-term holidays—prices will be higher, and the journey will likely be busier and noisier.”
With a little planning and these smart money-saving tips, your dream holiday doesn’t have to cost the earth.
Whether it’s scoring the best deals, travelling off-peak, or making the most of budget-friendly options, there are plenty of ways to keep costs down without sacrificing the experience.
The key is to stay flexible, do your research, and think creatively.
So, as you start planning your next adventure, remember: saving money doesn’t mean cutting corners—it means making every penny count.
Here’s to amazing travels and unforgettable memories, all while keeping your wallet happy!