How to save money on holiday: top tips and advice

If you're going on holiday during the summer, you’ll usually need a decent holiday fund to do all of the things that you and your family want to do. 

We reveal how you can save money for your holiday and our top tips to keep prices down.

Set a budget

Before you start your search, it’s important to set yourself a budget of what you are willing to spend, and how much you think you could save without much trouble.

First, make a list of all the things you need to pay for: 

• Travel (flights or fuel costs) 
• Accommodation 
• Travel money 

• Travel insurance 
• Sun cream and toiletries 
• Holiday clothes and swimwear
• Car hire (and car excess insurance)

Next on your list should be the day-to-day expenses: 

• Excursions 
• Holiday treats 
• Entertainment 
• Food and drink

Once you add all these costs together, you have your savings goal. 

Do some digging

Although you may be eager to get the first deal you see, this won’t necessarily be the best option, so do some research on different websites for deals on flights and hotels to try and save some money.

Skyscanner, Trivago and Expedia compile deals from multiple websites at the touch of a button, saving you time (and money) for your trip.

Use these comparison sites as a starting point and check the hotel or airline’s website directly. You never know as it may be cheaper to go through them directly. 

Pack light

Some travel packages may include hold luggage for free, but some airlines charge per extra bag, and some may charge per kg, too.  

If an airline does offer reasonably sized hand luggage, then this may be enough if you’re going on a short break. 

Try to pack only the essentials to save you from paying for extra luggage. 

Stay for a shorter time

Most holiday packages are seven, 10 or 14 nights, but other options are available. 

Whether you go for a few nights or a little less than two weeks, there will be a package to match your holiday funds.

If you book the hotel and flights separately, you may be able to find shorter trips within your budget. 

Go last minute

If you have a job that offers you the luxury of taking time off with minimal notice, there are usually a few last-minute cheap deals.

If you’re willing to be flexible with your destination, then you should be able to find the perfect summer holiday to suit your budget. 

Enjoy free entertainment

It’s not just food and drink that costs money on holiday – you’ll need to think about entertainment too.  

Wherever you choose, look at local free events ahead of your trip.

Most cities will have iconic sites and landmarks to check out, or you could take advantage of any free entertainment at your hotel.  

Make the most of free kids’ places

This is an excellent way to save money on your family holiday. With First Choice’s Free Kids’ Place Finder, you don’t need to search all over the internet for deals.  

Whether you’re looking at Malta or Madrid, you’ll see all the top resorts side by side to browse at ease. 

Try all-inclusive

If you find it tough to stick to a budget, going all-inclusive can help keep holiday spending low, as the bulk of your trip will have been paid for upfront.  

And it’s not just your flights, accommodation, and transfers – most in-resort food and drinks (even snacks and a la carte dining, if you’re lucky) can be included.  

All you will need is money for things such as souvenirs or sightseeing. 

But if you’d like options to eat locally too, or cook for yourselves, a room-only basis or self-catering accommodation could be ideal.

Think about how you want to spend your holiday and save the money accordingly.  

Expect the unexpected

It's not uncommon for people to be surprised by unforeseen expenses. Car breakdowns, your oven breaking down, or even a parking fine could put a real dent in your savings goal. 

To avoid being caught out, put a little away each month to cover these costs (just in case), even if the main saving goal is your summer holiday.  

List out possible expenses that could come up. Is the car having issues? Can you reduce the chance of unexpected costs, by getting a service or insurance?  

Work out how much a typical emergency fund is for you, which will help you toward your summer fund. 

Free things for the kids

Entertaining your kids on holiday doesn’t need to break the bank.

In fact, there are numerous free activities which are fun for the whole family to enjoy.  

UK and Ireland

• Visit a museum 
• Enjoy a day out at the park 
• Visit a farm 

• Tennis coaching 
• Go on a hike 
• Walking tours

Abroad

• Visit a waterpark  

• Head to the beach 
• Visit local historic sites 
• Explore local parks and gardens
• Visit a market 
• Walking tours

Alternative summer holidays

Who decides what equates to a fun summer getaway? Perhaps a beach holiday or city break isn’t what you’re looking for this year.

But have you ever considered a volunteering or working holiday? 

Not only will this make saving money much simpler, there’s also the bonus of activities that are sure to feed the soul.  

Volunteering holidays UK

• Watch bats in Scotland 
• Go WWOOFing in the UK and Europe 
• Clean beaches
• Help restore waterways 
• Birdwatch at an RSPB seabird colony. 

Volunteering holidays abroad

• The Enkosini Eco Experience company specialises placing volunteers in wildlife conservation, rehabilitation and research programmes in Botswana, Namibia, and South Africa. 
• Learn to live sustainably in Spain 
• Study killer whales in Iceland 
• Protect sea turtles in Greece