Budget breaks: The secrets to affordable travel

We all deserve a break – a chance to relax, unwind, and make lasting memories. But, sometimes, our wallets disagree. What if we told you that there are easy and effective ways to slash the cost of your holidays? This guide is here to help you find the best deals for cheaper getaways and show you how voucher codes can maximise your savings.  

How much can we save on travel?

Using our internal savings data from the last 12 months, we’ve broken down how much you can save when booking holidays using voucher codes.

On average, travellers saved £42.49 per booking, which is about 6% of the total average cost.[1] While that might not sound like much, it quickly adds up. For a typical holiday costing £690, that £42.49 could cover the cost of a sit down meal or an extra excursion, improving your holiday experience without stretching your budget. 

For a family of four spending around £2,760.20 on their holiday (£690.05 per person), using voucher codes could save them nearly £170. That extra cash could then be used elsewhere in ways that can improve their overall experience.

Looking at the bigger picture, with 86.2 million trips taken abroad by UK residents last year[2], there’s a massive opportunity for savings. If every traveller took advantage of voucher codes, the total could reach over £3.66 billion. That’s a notable amount that could stay in travellers’ pockets or be put to use elsewhere.

The secret to using voucher codes effectively is consistency. When using voucher codes regularly, the savings add up, allowing you to allocate more of your budget towards enjoying your holiday rather than just getting there.

Making savings a habit

Voucher codes are great for cutting costs on holiday bookings, but there are many other strategies savvy travellers can use to keep costs down. These tips help make saving on travel a regular habit, making sure  that you always get the best deal without sacrificing your holiday experience.  

Timing is everything

When it comes to booking your flights and accommodation, timing is everything if you want to save big. Tools like Skyscanner’s savings generator are your best friend here – they crunch the numbers to pinpoint the exact moment when flight prices drop to their lowest.

For accommodation, booking well in advance is a golden rule that can lead to substantial savings. Planning ahead not only secures your spot but also often unlocks early bird discounts and special offers that aren’t available closer to your travel dates.

Use price tracking tools

Price-tracking tools are a game changer for any traveller. There are plenty of websites and apps that let you set alerts for flights and accommodation you’re eyeing. For example, Google Flights allows you to track flight prices and set up email notifications when prices change. 

For hotel bookings, websites like Booking.com and Trivago offer price tracking and will notify you of price drops for your selected accommodations. These tools come in handy by notifying you whenever prices drop so you can snag the best deals. Some even go the extra mile with predictions on future price movements, helping you decide when to buy.

Explore alternative airports and routes

When it comes to savings on travel, flexibility is your best friend. Instead of sticking to major airports, think outside the box and explore alternative options near your destination. For example, if you’re heading to New York, compare flights not just to JFK but also to Newark and LaGuardia – they often have better deals. 

Don’t shy away from indirect flights with layovers, either. They can be a goldmine for savings. Just ensure the layover time is reasonable to keep your journey smooth and stress-free.

Sign up for flash sales and exclusive offers

Many airlines and travel companies offer flash sales and exclusive deals to subscribers of their newsletters. Taking advantage of these can give you access to limited time offers that aren’t available to non-subscribers. These deals can be enticing, with discounts on flights, hotels, and packages. 

Consider alternative accommodation

Hotels are the go-to for many travellers, but alternative accommodations can result in big savings and unique experiences. Platforms like Airbnb, Vrbo, and HomeAway provide a wide range of options from entire homes to single rooms. Staying in a holiday rental can often be more cost-effective, particularly for longer stays or larger groups. Plus, you get the added bonus of living like a local wherever you go! 

Take advantage of free activities

Every place you visit offers fantastic free activities that can improve your trip without costing a penny. From museums with free admission to outdoor activities like hiking, beach visits, and exploring local markets, there’s no shortage of budget-friendly ways to enjoy your holiday. Take a little time before your journey to research these hidden gems. 

Travel off-peak

Travelling during off-peak times can result in big savings. Avoiding holidays, school breaks, and popular travel seasons means lower prices for flights, accommodation, and even attractions. Plus, you can enjoy a more relaxed break with fewer crowds. Spend some time researching the off-peak seasons for your chosen destination and plan your trip accordingly.

Making travel savings a habit requires a bit of effort and flexibility, but the rewards are well worth it. These tips will make sure you’re well-equipped to find the best deals and enjoy more affordable and memorable holidays. 

 About The Data 

[1] Average savings for travel were calculated through historic internal MyVoucherCodes data from the last 12 months (June 2023-2024).

[2] The number of visits abroad made by UK residents was taken from the ONS Travel Trends data for 2023.