MONEY-SAVING HOLIDAY TIPS FROM NOT JUST TRAVEL

We know the festive period means many things for many people, however, one thing is clear: for anyone who loves to travel, it means grabbing a fantastic holiday deal. Our consultants took five times more bookings on Christmas Day 2022 than 2021 and we are expecting the ‘Peaks’ period to be our busiest on record. That means the very best holiday deals will sell out fast, availability will disappear at a moments’ notice and you may not get your first choice of a holiday at the price you want.?

If you are planning a holiday in 2023 but need to keep costs down, we’re here to help.

Below, our travel consultants give their top tips on booking a holiday that adds value and reduces costs.

10 travel hacks and tips for reducing holiday costs in 2023

1/ Book a cruise: Cruises can offer incredible value for money when you consider the many elements that are included, from meals and drinks to kids' clubs and onboard activities, allowing you to set a budget and stick to it. For the cheapest cruise consider an inside cabin, book early, consider a cruise off-season and use a travel agent (we have cruise specialists) who will know the ship’s cabin categories and any available onboard perks inside out.??

2/ Book early: Keep your eyes peeled for the popular January-March peak holiday booking season when many operators release holiday incentives such as free kids' places and zero deposits. By booking early you can also choose the most convenient airport close to where you live, saving valuable time and money on petrol.

3/ Sign up for deal alerts: Get the latest deals and offers delivered to your phone or email. Not Just Travel launched a Deals App in December, ideal for keeping track of holiday offers whenever you have a free moment. If you don’t mind where you go, you could pick up a late discount or pick up a limited-only exclusive offer from one of its partners.

4/ Consider direct debit: Some people like to book with a direct debit to lock in a good deal and then spread payments over the months until they travel. Or take advantage of credit cards with zero interest rates, providing you know you can pay off the balance before the interest rate kicks in.?

5/ Banks and credit cards: Many banks give you up to ￡200 for switching which means you can put this towards your next holiday. Other credit cards let you spend abroad but charge you for the privilege. Shop around, check fees on ATM withdrawals overseas, or opt for a prepaid travel card. Finally, if paying by card abroad, always opt to pay in local currency.

5/ Be currency savvy: Pick a destination where the British pound gives you more bang for your buck. For example, Turkey, Sri Lanka, Argentina and Poland. Also consider the cost of living in a country too. Sri Lanka, Tunisia, Egypt, Turkey, Moldova and Morocco are good examples.

6/ Drive and book self-catering: Take the Eurostar or ferry to Normandy and rent a gite, go further south and camp, or stay in the UK and book a cottage. Hoseasons, for example, offer many dog-friendly cottages meaning you don’t have to pay for kennels if you have a pet.

7/ Book an all-inclusive resort: Families often complain that paying for ice creams and soft drinks in a resort pushes up the cost of a holiday dramatically. By booking an all-inclusive you can stick to your budget and relax without worrying about paying for extras.

8/ Visit at off-peak times: Cash in on quiet times. Avoid school holidays if you can and consider booking slightly out of season when hotels are cheaper. Also visit attractions at off-peak times - some museums charge less at certain times of the day or month.

9/ Buy insurance when you book: A vital ingredient to protect you. If you can’t travel it’s not a cheap holiday.

10/ Use a travel agent: I know, we’re travel agents, but we don’t charge you to use us and can add value too even if we can’t discount the holiday price. If it’s a special occasion we can ask for an upgrade or a perk such as a free bottle of bubbly and we also work closely with our key travel partners who might be able to help too.??