TOUR ABROAD FOR LESS
We’re all trying to keep an eye on costs, but that doesn’t mean you have to miss out on fantastic tours abroad. Here are our expert money-saving tips!
Use prepaid travel cards
…or at least be careful if you are using your regular debit or credit card.
Depending on the provider, you might be charged an additional fee for making payments, which could add up to a lot of money even on a shorter tour, or for cash withdrawals.
You might like to consider getting a prepayment card, which can be preloaded with funds then used in a regular way – some of these are free to use or have very cheap fees, even if the exchange rate that you’ll get isn’t hugely competitive.
Check your phone tariff
Don’t be stung by phone costs – Brexit meant that phone companies have been free to reintroduce a charge on roaming in the EU, so you could quickly rack up a large bill, particularly if you’re streaming video or sending photos. Check with your phone provider before you go, and look for campsites with Wi-Fi if that’s important to you.
Use aires (or their equivalent)
France’s network of aires (and other European countries’ versions) is hugely comprehensive and offers a brilliant way to stay in glorious locations for free, or for just a few euros. The handy All the Aires guides from Vicarious Books (www.vicariousbooks.co.uk) will help you find one near you; many offer excellent facilities (but note that we’d strongly recommend not staying on autoroute or other motorway aires).
Track down cheaper fuel
It is of course fairly obvious, but it’s best not to fill up with fuel on autoroutes or other motorway-style roads – you’ll pay a lot less by taking the time to research a local supermarket close by, where diesel is that much cheaper.
The internet will be your friend in this case – look for fuel price comparison websites, such as plein-moinscher.fr when you’re touring in France.
The most direct ferry route might not be the best
You could be tempted to go for the most direct ferry crossing, but will you end up paying more if it means more toll roads at the other end?
Sometimes it pays to take a less direct route, then wind your way through France’s free routes nationales.
This could also save you money on toll roads, which can be pricey – you can calculate the cost here: sanef.com/ en/my-journey/price-of-my-journey.
Don’t forget travel insurance and your GHIC
It might feel that not taking out travel insurance is saving money, but this could easily come back to bite you in the form of large medical bills if you’re not careful.
Following Brexit, the free Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) has replaced the European Health Insurance Card (although the latter is still valid while it remains in date).
The GHIC gives access to emergency state-provided healthcare during any temporary stay in EU countries, at a reduced cost or for free. Note that it doesn’t cover private healthcare costs and doesn’t replace travel insurance. It can’t be used in Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway or Switzerland.
Only carry what you need
Ditch the extra weight of anything you won’t require on your trip, to save your payload and fuel consumption. Don’t travel with a full water tank if you’ll be able to get some at your destination – filling up when you arrive will help keep your vehicle’s weight down.