Smart ways to make cracking savings when booking your Easter break

KEEP COSTS DOWN FOR OVERSEAS HOLIDAYS AND STAYCATIONS WITH THESE EXPERT TIPS

YOU can make an Easter getaway even sweeter knowing you’ve grabbed a tasty deal. And whether you’re dreaming of an overseas holiday or a staycation, there are things you should always have in mind to keep costs down.

If a change of scene in the UK is on the cards, Bev Dumbleton, chief operating officer at Sykes Holiday Cottages, suggested saving money by swapping well-trodden tourist hotspots for lesser-known alternatives.

Bev said Sykes’ weekly rental price data suggests locations such as Holmfirth in West Yorkshire, Staithes in Yorkshire, and Blaenau Ffestiniog in Gwynedd, Wales, often offer particularly good value.

She added: “Savvy travellers can also look out for areas with low-cost activities and days out, be it exploring Blackpool’s numerous attractions, or getting lost in the Welsh valleys with hikes and adventures.”

While there may be last-minute bargains, Bev said booking earlier makes better sense to guarantee your top choice.

“Late deals will of course crop up, but if you wait too long you might miss out on some of the more affordable options that will likely be particularly popular this year,” she added.

Alternatively, being flexible and open-minded about your destination could work in your favour.

“If you’re open to where and when you travel, keep your eyes peeled for discounts or offers,” advised Bev.

Families with school-age children often see prices surge during holiday periods. But there may be ways to find cheaper options.

“If you can’t travel outside of school holidays, then keep an eye out for mid-week breaks, which tend to be cheaper,” Bev suggested.

“Holidaying towards the end of the school breaks can also make things more affordable.”

It could also pay to bear in mind the timings of school holidays in the location that you’re planning to travel to, in case they slightly differ from where you live.

If you’re considering a holiday rental, Bev suggested teaming up with family members or friends to book a bigger property and split the cost.

“This will likely be a much cheaper option than individual hotel rooms or multiple holiday lets, while also making it much more fun,” she said.

Holidaying towards the end of the break can make it more affordable

“And if you’ve got pets, look out for pet-friendly accommodation options.

“That way you can avoid paying for any kennels or catteries while away – and it means you can bring any furry friends along with you.”

Going self-catering can also shave costs even further.

Bev suggested: “Take it in turns to be chef, cutting back on the need to go out for dinner every night, while also saving on the costs of breakfast and lunch by preparing it yourself.”

If you are travelling overseas during the Easter break, there’s some good news from M&S Travel Money, which said last month sterling has increased in value over the past year against many currencies used in popular overseas destinations.

The pound had made gains against the euro, the Thai baht and the Japanese yen, as well as the US, Canadian, Australian and New Zealand dollars, it recently found. Currency movements fluctuate all the time, so make sure you keep up to date with the latest rates. Give yourself plenty of time to plan buying your currency and shop around for the best deals too, rather than leaving it until the very last minute at the airport. And don’t forget to factor in all the costs when setting your holiday budget – things that may be overlooked, such as snacks, transport and tipping.

Also, to avoid a costly mistake, there are some insurance pitfalls to avoid.

Make sure you shop around for the very best deal to suit your needs and remember to take out insurance as soon as you book. This will protect you if something goes awry with your plans before you travel.

Lucie Hart, policy adviser, general insurance, at the Association of

British Insurers (ABI) said: “The first thing you should do after booking your holiday is to take out travel insurance.

“This will ensure that you are covered immediately if the worst happens and you have to cancel.

“Travel insurance is not a ‘nice to have’, it’s actually an essential.

Not least as it will cover the potentially jawdroppingly high costs of needing any emergency medical treatment while abroad.

“Shopping around can help you get the right policy for your needs at the most competitive price, but we always

Travel insurance is not a ‘nice to have’, it’s actually an essential

recommend not basing decisions on price alone.

"And you should also always remember to disclose any pre-existing medical conditions.” You may think you’re saving cash not disclosing details, but it can come back to Haunt you if you end up needing treatment. Lucie added: “Travel insurance for overseas trips is designed to cover your travels starting from and finishing in the UK.

"While it may be possible to buy specialist post-departure travel insurance when you are already abroad, it is always best to play it safe and buy your cover before departing.”