How to Have an Inexpensive Holiday
Many people have decided to forego their holiday plans this summer because of the recession. However, there is no need to stay home and not have some leisure time because of finances.
There are ways in which you can still have the holiday you want and not have to shell out a bundle of money in the process. The global recession means that everyone is feeling the pinch, especially travel companies. Slashed prices on holidays are easy to find nowadays and according to Richard Branson of Virgin Air, this year is shaping up to be one of the best for travellers in the reduced air fares being offered by various airlines.
Check out these tips from TravelMail to see how you can still have your holiday and at a cheaper price that you first thought.
Consider taking a cruise. An all-inclusive cruise includes your accommodations, food and travel to exotic locations in one price. There is a lot of interest in cruising right now, which means there is a lot of competition among the many cruise companies. Due to the recession many people did not make their holiday plans for cruises in advance as has been the custom in the past and the result is that many cruise lines now have a lot of berths unsold. Thus shopping for a cruise at the last minute has its advantages in the reduced costs and sale prices.
Stay at home and see the sights. Chances are there are many locations in Britain that you haven’t visited and which are just as exotic as faraway locations. Check the VisitBritain website for exciting destinations at home and the list of accommodations in these places. Hotels and bed and breakfasts are feeling the pinch of the recession and many of them have reduced rates that you can take advantage of.
Your money will go farther if you check out the exchange rates. Instead of opting for countries using the Euro as currency, check out the costs associated with travelling to such places as Poland, Hungary or the Czech Republic. Sterling is worth a lot more this year than it was last so you will get a lot more for your money in these destinations that you would have in other years.
Name your own price for air fare. There are many websites in which you can bid for air flights and at a price that you can afford. AuctionAir, Priceline.co.uk, eBay and Thomson Auctions are just four of the sites you can visit to take advantage of huge savings on your air fare. Just make sure you do read the fine print and the booking times before you actually make your purchase.
Exchange your home with another family. A home exchange is a great way to see a foreign country or even another part of your own country without having to pay for accommodations. The only extra cost involved is your travel because you still need to have groceries when you are home. Before you jump into this, though, you do have to thoroughly check out the exchange family to make sure they are trustworthy.
Why not go camping? Pack up the family in the car along with your tent and camping supplies. There are many parks and campsites where you can have an enjoyable low cost holiday. The beauty of this is that you won’t be stuck to one place and you have the opportunity to see more of your own country.
Consider an all-inclusive hotel or resort. Pay one price for everything, and sometimes this includes your entertainment as well as all you can eat and drink.
Negotiate your price. It may not be the British custom to haggle over a price, but if you do and ask for a better deal in accommodations, if the owner is interested in acquiring new customers chances are you may just get the deal of a lifetime.
Travel Economy. Economy travel is cheaper and is not as cramped or as uncomfortable as you may think. Why pay extra to have a bit more leg room on the same flight when you can save money by sitting farther back in the plane.
Spend time researching cheaper destinations and accommodations. If you really want to take a holiday without having to spend more than you can afford, it costs nothing to spend some time searching online to find the best deals.
Tags: holiday tips, cruises, low cost holiday, cheap holidays, foreign country