Tips on how to plan for an affordable but comfortable trip.

When I was in my early 20’s I remember not being fussed about where I went on holiday, where I stayed or who I shared with. Now, older and wiser, I invest more time into planning my trips. I enjoy my comforts, but also like a bargain. I plan all  my holidays on a ‘ludget’ a luxury budget as I want affordable comfort when I travel. 

So here are my tips on how to plan for a ludget holiday:

Travel Insurance

If you travel more than 2 times a year you can save money on paying for annual travel policy. The more you travel, the more you save! Also handy when making those last minute bookings with one less thing to worry about.

Flexibility

If you are flexible with your time then book in low seasons. I tend to book all my city breaks from November- March (excluding Christmas) for great deals.

The Big Ones

If you are planning for a big holiday, do it in advance. When I was planning for my big trips, I was planning a year or so before. Research flights, dates, places to stay and things to do and see before going to out to get the best deals.

Shop around

When looking for flights and places to stay, shop around. You can find a lot of great deals. I tend to use the following websites listed below to get deals as you get benefits for being a customer.

Flights:

• Skyscanner.com
• Independent travel agencies- if you have a budget for a trip they can help you with a bespoke holiday so you’re in control.
• Sign up for airline newsletters or go on their website for deals
• Look our for deals during Black Friday, Boxing Day and January Sales

Hotels/Apartments:

• AirBnb– We usually use Airbnb when there’s more than two of us as you can stay in decent accommodations without the hotel price tag.
• Booking.com– The more you book, the more benefits you get! Genius.

Things to do:

Depending on what type of holiday you enjoy, whether it’s resting on the beach with a book or exploring your surroundings, there are always fun and enjoyable things to do that are low cost or free. Personally, I enjoy long walks, hikes, finding out about the countries history, and partaking in local culture activities

I usually search for things to do on the following:

• Tripadvisor.co.uk– Great to look for restaurants and activities
• Good old google
• Travel blogs
• Tourist information centres.
• Visitor websites
• City cards/passes- See more for less. Benefits include free transportation, free admissions to museums and discounts in local restaurants. Research what’s included as it’s only worth purchasing if you enjoy the attractions offered.
• Alltrails.com– If, like me, you enjoy walking, this app is great and it’s free
• Free walking tours- Most cities have free walking tours, this is the perfect place to start as they will show you places of interests and best local places to eat.

Enter competitions

If you have the time and the patience, follow your favourite places on social media and enter their competitions for a chance to win a free holiday.

Car Hire

If you are thinking of hiring a car on your holiday, do it online before you travel. If you hire a car way in advance it’s usually cheaper and you can add all those insurances in, you know, the ones you would have rejected to save money if you were to hire at the airport. It saves you money, gives you the better option and saves you time when at the airport.