Cheap holidays: 10 tips

For some people, travelling is an expensive hobby. Yet it's possible to spend a little less money while still fully enjoying a trip.
The ten tips below, put together by TopCompare in collaboration with the Redion blog, will help you better manage your budget while enjoying a "cheap" and pleasant holiday.

1. Book at the right time

To find cheap holiday deals, it's best to book at the right time.
But when exactly? The answer isn't as simple as it sounds.
The ideal time to book often depends on the destination, and even on the week and day you book. There are sites such as Skyscanner, Hopper or Kayak that can tell you the best time to book depending on your destination country.
It's often best to book in good time for long-distance trips, if you have fixed travel dates and specific wishes regarding your destination.
If you're more flexible, you'll certainly find a good last-minute deal. But watch out for any other administrative requirements you need to sort out well in advance, such as applying for a passport and/or visa, or health requirements (vaccinations).

2. Book your flights and nights incognito

You've probably experienced this before: you compare dozens of hotels and airlines to find the best, cheapest options. But when you go back to your preferred option, you're surprised to see the price has suddenly gone up. The culprit? Cookies! Small bits of data that follow you around the web and record your preferences. So, if a booking site sees that you're very interested in a particular hotel, it might raise its price.
To avoid cookies, you can browse in incognito mode on your web browser. This will help you avoid suddenly having to pay a higher price.

Incognito browsing differs from one browser to another:
● Google Chrome: click the three dots in the top right of your browser and choose "New incognito window".
● Safari: click "File" at the top and select "New private window".
● Mozilla Firefox: click the three bars in the top right and select "New private window".
● Internet Explorer: click the gear icon in the top right, choose "Safety" and select "InPrivate browsing".

Also read: Hotel booking sites: what you need to know

3. Travel by car or motorhome

Why always fly to go on holiday? A trip by car (with or without a roof tent) or by motorhome, with your family or friends, is just as enjoyable and perfect for those who want a cheap holiday. With good music and travel games in the back seat to keep the kids entertained, you'll reach your destination in no time.
Even if your trip to Spain or Italy takes a bit longer, a holiday by car is often much cheaper than flying, especially for a group of people.
If you decide to fly on holiday and rent a car at your destination, don't forget to compare prices here too. The rental period and the type of car can have a big impact on rental agency prices.

4. Use a credit card

If you travel frequently, a credit card can make life easier. A credit card lets you, among other things, safely book your flights (online), your accommodation or your rental car. (Online) insurance is often included, and in some cases, such as when renting a car, you'll need to pay with your credit card anyway.
A credit card can also come in handy during your holiday. It lets you pay safely anywhere in the world, and it's cheaper to pay outside the eurozone with a credit card than with a debit card.
You may be asked for a deposit when renting a car or booking your accommodation. If you pay by credit card, the amount won't be withdrawn from your account, but will be held on your card and released afterwards. A credit card can therefore help you secure your holiday budget and spend it in the best possible way.

Note: check carefully what cover your credit card offers. Sometimes you'll need to take out separate travel or cancellation insurance. Depending on your needs and the type of trip, this can even work out cheaper.
Even without a credit card, it's worth considering taking out travel insurance.

5. Avoid travelling in peak season

Admittedly, this tip isn't so easy to follow if you have children or are tied to school holidays. Either way, to have a cheap holiday, it's best to travel out of season.
What's more, in low season or outside school holidays, flights and accommodation are often much cheaper. Another advantage: in low season, there are far fewer tourists, and you'll usually have more choice.

6. Look for alternatives to popular destinations

Whether it's Spain, France or Italy... everyone dreams of a sunny holiday by the sea and the beach in a sunny country. However, tourist destinations are often also expensive holiday destinations. Fortunately, there are plenty of alternative destinations for a cheap holiday. Montenegro or Bulgaria, for example. There's something for everyone: stunning nature, blue waters, mountains, wide beaches, a pleasant climate... a host of places that won't empty your wallet.

7. Sleep somewhere other than a hotel

Spending the night in a beautiful hotel in a cosy bed, enjoying a lovely bathroom and having a spacious balcony with a breathtaking view can be "the dream"! But the final bill will probably leave a more bitter taste.
Fortunately, there are plenty of alternatives for cheaper accommodation on holiday. Staying in a house, an apartment or an Airbnb, for example, can be just as comfortable and often comes at a modest price. Or maybe you're a bit more adventurous and enjoy camping in a tent or a mobile home? That's really an economical way to holiday.

8. Plan free activities

If you want a cheap holiday, not all your outings need to cost money. At every destination, there are worthwhile free activities you can do. A walk to a beautiful viewpoint or a tour of the city, for example, are pleasant, free outings. Exploring your destination on foot can certainly save you a lot of money. Using local public transport, such as the bus, metro and tram (or the soft mobility options available in the city), is also a great way to get around cheaply.

9. Take advantage of discounts on tourist attractions

If you want to visit tourist sites, you can often find discounts or special offers that will lower the price of your entrance ticket. There are websites, such as Getyourguide, Viator or Tiqets, that gather discounts for tourist attractions around the world. Sometimes you can also benefit from a reduced rate for students, teachers or seniors.
In most cities, you can also buy a city pass valid for one day or several days, which lets you visit tourist attractions and museums at a reduced rate, and travel unlimited on public transport.

10. Live as much like a local as possible

If you want a cheap holiday, it's best to live as much like the locals as possible. Eat at a small local restaurant or cook for yourself. Shop at local stores and markets, or organise a picnic on the beach or in the park.
Living like a local also lets you meet "real locals" who can give you good tips for a successful... and affordable holiday!

This article was written by www.topcompare.be in collaboration with the Redion blog.
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