Planning a staycation? Expert Barry Cashin has some money-saving tips
By Car
WITH the cost of foreign travel rising, poor currency exchange rates and uncertainties over Brexit, many people are now holidaying within our shores or “staycationing,” a word that slipped into our lexicon around 2008 at the height of the credit crunch. Here, we explore the options and how to save money when holidaying in the UK.
Airbnb
The potential to stay in another person’s home is nothing new, but Airbnb has turned it into an affordable holiday option enjoyed by millions. From their easily navigable website, www. airbnb.co.uk, you can filter in a set of requirements: location, type of home, budget, etc. and be presented with an array of real people’s homes, from bijou coastal retreats to grand mansions in all four corners of the United Kingdom. Prices can be remarkably cheap, and if you book through the website directly, your money is protected by Airbnb.
Holiday camps
Many of the well-known names have shed the “Hi-de-hi” image of the past and if you know where to look, you can save pounds on booking prices at some top venues with cheap accommodation and lots of quality entertainment for all ages. Look out for newspaper offers and deals from as low as £9.99 for up to a week.
If you intend booking directly, try shaving the cost by booking through a cashback site such as Quidco (www.quidco.com) or www.topcashback.co.uk. Quidco has a call back, live chat and traditional customer support form. Cashback offers range from 3-20% on average.
Day trips
The UK has come a very long way since the days of a car journey to the coast and a picnic on the beach. We now offer a sophisticated array of days out and adventures all within driving or rail journey distances, with multiple offers on rail ticket prices to save you money. Visit www. daysoutguide.co.uk, in association with National Rail, who offer 2 for 1 entry prices when you book your train travel at the same time.
Theme parks
The key to saving money here is to sign up with the relevant theme park and await offers through your inbox. It must be said that the best deals are online but it is still possible to source 2 for 1 or family pass deals in the press or when buying certain food products. Check www.365tickets.co.uk (0203 540 7707), who have an excellent site offering often exclusive deals to a number of locations.
Travel costs
Every penny counts when you’re on holiday and there are ways to save on travel.
If you’re travelling by train, book in advance and take advantage of any return deals or offers. Check if you qualify for a rail discount card, such as disabled, student, travel two together, friends and family etc. Look on the National Rail website www.nationalrail.co.uk or call their helpline: 03457 48 49 50. Next, see if you can cut the cost of the rail fare further via www.thetrainline. com or splitting your ticket (buying two or more tickets for the various elements of your journey) which can offer great savings – see www.trainsplit.com or call 0208 989 3437 (Mon-fri).
You can find out the cheapest petrol station in your area by checking www.petrolprices.com. For a round trip involving several hundred miles, this could save car owners a pretty penny!