When it comes to travel, these days, going abroad can be incredibly expensive. And if you’re looking to travel over the summer, the price tag is likely to be even higher! So how can you go abroad without a huge holiday fund? We’ve looked at five simple ways to save money on travel below:

1. Set a Budget

Before you even start looking at your travel options, it’s a good idea to create a budget. If you begin researching holiday destinations prior to this, you may set your heart on a particular place, and then find that it’s way out of your price range! So determine the maximum you’re willing to spend, based on the savings you have already, and how much you can set aside before you travel.

It’s important to think about all the expenses a holiday entails – it’s not just the flights and hotel. There are all sorts of other costs to consider too, such as insurance, car hire, food and drink, entertainment, as well as any excursions you decide to take. Small items you need to take with you, like sun cream, toiletries, swimwear and sandals are things that can add up too!

2. Do Some Research

Once you’ve set your budget and considered all the costs of travelling, you can start looking into your options. Try not to simply opt for the first deal you see that fits your budget, as this won’t necessarily be the best choice, but explore various websites and travel agencies. There are plenty of comparison sites that can compare deals for you, saving you time and money. You may also wish to look at the airline and hotel sites themselves though, as it can sometimes be cheaper to book through them directly.

Research holiday extras, as well as the main trip costs. For instance, Holiday Extras is a great way to save money on all the additional travel expenses you might not have thought about, such as airport parking, car hire and travel insurance. You could save over 50% on things like parking if you book in advance using this service. Purple Parking can also help you find cheaper airport parking.

It’s also a good idea to look at local entertainment options before going away. Entertainment is something that people don’t always factor into their budget, so try to consider what you might get up to while you’re away. There are usually lots of free options, from iconic sites and landmarks to the local beach, so you probably won’t need to spend too much money in terms of entertainment.

3. Travel Light

Another easy way to save money when you travel abroad is to pack light. While some travel package deals allow you to check in a suitcase, many airlines will charge you per bag, and some may even charge you by the weight of your bag. You may therefore want to just pack a hand luggage suitcase, especially if you’re only going away on a short break. 

Going away for a shorter period of time can save you a lot of money in general. Although package deals tend to be 7, 10, or 14 nights, you can usually find shorter holiday packages. And if you’re unable to do so, you can always book the flights and hotel separately – a long weekend away rather than a lengthy stay is bound to save you money in the long run.

4. Last Minute Deals

If you’re not too fussed about where you go, and if your job is fairly flexible about you taking time off, you should be able to find a great last minute deal. Often, this is because someone has cancelled a flight or package, and the airline doesn’t want to lose money on the seat, so will offer a much cheaper rate.

There are various comparison sites you can use to find great last minute deals too. TravelSupermarket, for example, can help you compare package holidays, as well as extras like travel insurance and car hire. 

5. Consider Going All-Inclusive

While an all-inclusive holiday sounds more expensive, it may actually work out cheaper! This is especially true of people who find it difficult to stick to a budget when they’re away, no matter how strict they were on the costs before leaving. Things like food and drink can be pricey, and booking an all-inclusive package will mean this expense will be paid upfront. You can therefore just take enough money to pay for activities and entertainment, as well as any souvenirs you might want to pick up.

Of course an all-inclusive holiday won’t be the best option for everyone. If you’d rather eat at small, local restaurants, trying out the authentic national dishes, you might want to steer clear of this sort of package. The best thing to do is consider how you want to spend your break, and what matters to you the most, then base your decisions on these conclusions.