5 Expert Tips for a Bargain Holiday

With summer taking its time to make an appearance here in the UK, many Brits are packing their suitcases and jetting off in search of sunshine.

However, with the average holiday abroad costing up to thousands of pounds, it’s no wonder that many are seeking ways to cut the cost of their trip abroad. 

Tom Church, expert bargain hunter at LatestDeals.co.uk, has shared his top tips for booking a cost-effective holiday this year.

1. Research the Airlines with the Most Generous Baggage Allowances

One of the key ways to save money on your holiday is by choosing an airline with a generous baggage allowance. This way, you’re not splashing out on sneaky extra luggage fees or having to leave essentials behind. 

Below, Tom highlights the most popular budget airlines and their baggage policies: 

Jet 2:

• Hand Luggage: A free small personal item (rucksack, handbag etc) allowed, providing it fits under the seat in front of you.
• Cabin Luggage: Free 10kg allowance (56x45x25cm)
• Hold Luggage: Up to three 22kg bags per person, with a £12 per kg charge for excess baggage up to 32kg.

Ryanair: 

• Hand Luggage: Free small personal item (40x25x20cm).
• Cabin Luggage: 10kg, 55x40x20cm cabin bag allowed with ‘Priority & 2 Cabin Bags’ bookings only. 
• Hold Luggage: Options for 10kg and 20kg check-in bags, with a £9 per kg charge for excess baggage. Hold bags must be 120x120x80cm. 

EasyJet:

• Hand Luggage: Free small personal item (45x36x20cm). 
• Cabin Luggage: 15kg, 56x45x25cm cabin bag allowed at an additional cost. If you book extra legroom, however, you get cabin luggage free of charge. Also, if you book cabin luggage, you get Speedy Boarding! 
• Hold Luggage: 15kg, 23kg, and 32kg hold luggage options are available, with a charge of up to £15 per 3kg of excess luggage.

Tom advises: “Being aware of the luggage policies of your chosen airline is crucial when planning a holiday. It could save you a substantial amount of money and frustration. 

“Make sure to thoroughly review the inclusions in your ticket and carefully select an airline with a luggage allowance that aligns with your travel needs!” 

2. Use Google Flights to Find Cheap Plane Tickets

Google Flights is a little-known free tool that can help you save hundreds of pounds on plane tickets. 

If you’re planning a trip to a specific destination, you can set up personalised email alerts that notify you when ticket prices drop. They also let you know if the current price is below average so that you can book your flight at the least expensive time. 

The tool also allows you to compare prices across multiple airlines, flight routes, and nearby airports, so you can choose the most budget-friendly options for your journey. 

Tom shared his experiences with this handy resource: “I have a separate inbox full of alerts and filters, so that I only see flights priced at 50% below average. This means I only ever purchase flight tickets at half price and enjoy double the holidays!”

3. Use Package Holiday Sites to Get Cheaper Flights

What some people may not know is that large travel agents, such as Expedia, often have access to negotiated flight rates that aren’t available elsewhere. These discounted rates are often offered when flights are bundled with hotel packages. 

An advanced deal-hunting hack is to enter your desired travel dates and destination, but adjust the accommodation stay to just one night. By doing this, you can still take advantage of the cheaper flight, and then later decide if you want to stay in that hotel for that one night or extend your stay. 

Tom explains: “This tactic can sometimes result in huge savings on your flights. While it doesn’t always work out cheaper, when it does, the savings can be well worth the effort.” 

4. Message Your Airbnb Host Before Your Stay

Planning on staying in an Airbnb? If so, did you know that Airbnb hosts can give you special offers if you inquire over a message?

That’s right, there’s a function in Airbnb which allows you to message your hosts and ask for them to give you a special price. So, before booking, consider asking nicely if they are willing to offer a discount, and you may be able to secure the accommodation for a more competitive price.

Tom said, “I will usually message two or three Airbnb hosts asking for a discounted price. About half the time they will accept. There’s nothing hosts hate more than the idea of their house sitting empty and not making any money. You’re giving them a choice: some money or none!”

5. Look for Free Activities In Your Chosen Destination

While it’s tempting to splurge on excursions and activities while on holiday, many destinations offer plenty of free and low-cost options. And what’s more, they are often just as exciting as their expensive counterparts!

Before packing your suitcase this summer, Tom recommends doing some research to uncover hidden gems that don’t cost an arm and a leg:

“Activities such as water parks and boat trips are undoubtedly an exciting part of any holiday, but they’re not the only ways to have fun in the sun. Take the time to look into the landmarks, cultural sites, and parks your destination has to offer. 

“Not only is this a great way to save money on your travels, but it also helps you to soak up the culture on your travels.”

“If you have kids try Geocaching. It’s a free global treasure hunt. People around the world have hidden little treasures. Get the Geocaching app which is free and follow the clues to find them!”  

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