Cut the Cost of Your Summer Holiday this Year

01-Jul-2010

Family holidays are expensive, so it's important to avoid unnecessary costs wherever possible.  Here are some tips for staying in budget.

Hire a car in advance

There are several reasons why it is better to book and pay for your car before you travel.  The first of these is that you'll be guaranteed to get a car that suits your requirements - something that is particularly important if you are travelling with a large family, or you need a car with roof storage facilities or sat nav.   

The second is that you'll have the time to shop around and find the best deal. If you wait until you arrive at your destination to book, you'll have limited choice and will have to take what is on offer.  However when you book in advance, the hire companies have to work that bit harder to attract your business and may advertise special offers online.  You'll also save time and hassle on arrival, and will not have to worry about sorting out foreign currency as soon as you arrive.

Get the right travel insurance

When looking for the right travel insurance to cover you on holiday, think about the activities you are going to be taking part in while you are away.  Some travel insurance policies have restrictions on medical cover if you're doing anything that could be considered dangerous, such as rock-climbing, scuba-diving or horse-riding.  

Also check that the policy offers sufficient cover for replacement of lost and stolen possessions - if your family's luggage and contents is valued at 5,000 GBP in total, there is no point in having a maximum cover of 2,000 GBP for this.  You may already have a travel insurance policy that you are not using - some banks and credit card companies give this cover free with certain accounts or cards, so it is worth double-checking.   

Find a great deal on your travel insurance today!

Travelling in Europe? Get a free EHIC card  

If you are a UK resident, you are entitled to receiving medical treatment that becomes necessary while you are travelling within the European Union, Iceland, Lichtenstein, Norway or Switzerland.  

The treatment you would receive would either be free or at a reduced cost, depending on the state system in the country you are visiting.  In order to qualify for this treatment, you need to travel with a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Click on the link to apply for an EHIC card or you and your family members free.

Don't get stung on 'extras' at the airport

If you have found a cheap deal on your flight, you have to take extra care that you don't get charged additional fees when you get to the airport.  Firstly, make sure that you check-in in advance if you are required to do so.  Some discount airlines can charge you up to 40 GBP if you fail to check in before you arrive at the airport, negating any savings you made by flying with a 'no-frills' carrier.  Set yourself a reminder in your email account or phone,or diary several days before you fly.  

Secondly, it may be tempting to fly with only hold luggage to avoid the extra baggage charges.  However, if you buy souvenirs that take your bag over the weight allowance, you'll then be forced to check it in on the way back and pay a hefty fee for doing so.  Combat this by paying to check your bag in only on the return journey, or by choosing just one of your family's bags to be checked in and packing the heavy items in this bag.

Inform your bank before you travel

Many people have been stranded abroad with no cash because their bank saw international transactions on their account and suspended their account, assuming that a fraud was taking place.  The unfortunate travellers are then forced to carry out expensive cash withdrawals on a credit card or spend time and money calling home to sort out the problem.  

If you give your bank a few days' notice of your holiday plans, this is much less likely to occur.  Also, make sure that you take a note of the geographical number of your bank with you, so that you can contact them from abroad.  0870 or 0871 numbers will not work internationally, but www.saynoto0870.com has a list of the geographical alternatives or just ask your bank.


Find great holiday deals on the SimplyFinance website!