Get set for al fresco dining
probably charge you,” advises Tim. “You can do all the transfers to it from the internet, and usually you get a secondary card just in case you lose your first one or have one in your travel wallet and one in your main wallet.
The popular choices for traveller’s currency cards are Revolut or Currensea, but there are others out there as well.”
Find money-saving apps
From budget-savvy set-ups to platforms for trading secondhand goods, apps can help you keep costs down on your journey.
“Making the most of mobile apps is an incredibly easy way to keep on top of your budgeting whilst travelling,” says Will. TravelSpend helps you budget, plan, and make your income stream the most efficient it can be pre-adventure.
Buy Nothing does exactly what it says on the tin: second-hand goods are listed as free of charge for anyone who needs them.
Bunz is a trading app allowing you to swap your unwanted items – ideal when you’re travelling and have both limited funds and limited bag space.
Hostels over hotels
The price of accommodation can range dramatically, potentially wiping out travel budgets.
“Save your pennies for exploring, not sleeping. There’s no need for glitz and glam when the aim of the game is to see as much of the world as possible,” says Will. “Those that avoid hostel stays when travelling, are missing out on huge savings. Hostels are not only cheaper, but they also offer the opportunity to socialise with like-minded travellers and make new friends, making them the best alternative to hotels on a gap year.”
Adequate insurance cover Contestants in RATW can boost their budget by working while travelling.
“If you are planning on doing volunteering work or working, say in a bar or restaurant, whilst abroad, then you need to make sure this is covered in your travel insurance,” advises Tim. “Many people may know about getting cover for so called ‘ad-venturous’ activities like bungee jumping, but may not realise that working and volunteering also need to be included.
“It’s also very important that your travel insurance covers you if you get bitten by the travel bug and decide to extend your trip as not all standard policies will allow for this.”
Tesco has released a new range that aims to turn your outdoor space into a relaxing oasis.
Featuring stylish furniture, cushions, string lights, lanterns and tableware, it has all you need to entertain friends and family al fresco this spring and summer.
Blue or yellow string back chairs (£40 each), and Marrakech metal side table, £30, both pictured top, will let you soak up the sun in style during the day.
Or relax on the Florence modular sofa set, £290. It can be adjusted to suit the space you have and comes with a matching table. Add a colourful outdoor rug like the Bayswood green stripe rug, £35, pictured bottom right.
Available in store and online at Tesco.com