With 2019 well underway and the January blues kicking in for some of us, many of us are already thinking about booking a holiday for the summer as something to look forward to. However, with January being quite tight for funds after splashing the cash for Christmas gifts, it may seem tempting to reach for short term loans in order to help pay for a summer holiday. But, these are only for financial emergencies, so it is important that we find an alternative way of funding our vacation this year. Fortunately, we have compiled some top tips for saving money, so you can go on the holiday that you deserve this summer. Let’s take a closer look as to what these are, below.
Set A Budget
Before you start saving, it is essential that you set a budget for how much you want to spend. You need to take into consideration how much you need to spend on monthly bills for your house and car and ensure that you will have enough money left after saving to last you the remainder of the month.
In addition, when creating a budget make a list of all of the essentials of a holiday, so you don’t forget to budget for one. You need to consider:
- Accommodation
- Travel insurance
- Flights
- Care hire/ airport transfers
- New holiday clothes
- Toiletries
Remember that there are also day-to-day expenses of a holiday that you should also take into consideration.
Put Money Aside
Even though January is the perfect time to book a holiday because of the sales, a lot of us don’t actually have enough money at the time to pay for the holiday. Therefore, after you have set a budget for your holiday, start to put money aside each month from your paycheck and over time it will accumulate. After a few months, you will then be able to book your holiday. Even though you may have to go later in the summer, such as late August or early September, it will still be hot and worth all the saving.
Check The Small Print
A holiday may appear to be perfect at first and tick all of the boxes, but in fact, there can be catches associated with it. Therefore, it is important that you always read the small print and check it to ensure that you are getting the best value for money. Sometimes there can be additional fees, especially for resorts, or there may be clauses that you have to book by a certain date or get your own transport from the airport to the hotel. Be careful so that you don’t have any hidden costs or surprises that you cannot afford later down the line.
Take Hand Luggage
The luggage prices have increased recently, so instead of choosing checked luggage, opt for hand luggage instead. If you are only going abroad for a few days to a week, you won’t need many different outfits, especially if you are going to the beach or in the swimming pool the majority of the time. Think about what you actually need and don’t pack excessively – however tempting it may be!
When it comes to packing your case, fold neatly or roll clothes to fit into spaces. This way you can truly make the most of the smaller case and get more in! You only need to pack some flip flops or sandals and you can wear your heavier shoes for nights out on the flight to save space in your case.
Hopefully, these tips will help you to save money for your summer holiday this year. Stick to these and you will be jetting off somewhere hot in no time!
