Five Neglected Ways to Cut Holiday Costs

Going on holiday doesn't have to mean spending a great deal of money. Savvy travellers use proven techniques and strategies to cut their trip costs, while still having a splendid and incredibly memorable time. If you'd like to get in on some of the travel savings, we've highlighted a few of the easiest ways to do so; obey these rules and you'll be pleasantly surprised by how much extra cash you have at the end of your adventure!

Use Passes Whenever Possible

Many large European cities - most notably Paris - offer multiple-day, multiple-attractions passes that can save you a great deal of money. You can purchase passes for local museums and other area attractions, for instance, paying one low flat rate as opposed to multiple, much higher admission fees. Those admission prices really do start to add up, so always ask the hotel staff about passes.

Set Appropriate Limits

When travelling with kids, it can be tempting to try and placate them from road weariness by buying souvenirs for them at every turn. However, those trinkets can start adding up to a lot of extra money - fast. From the very start, set a strict budget for each child; make them aware of that limit, and use the opportunity to teach them a lesson on making their money stretch. In the end, they'll have learned an important lesson - and you'll have spent far less on unneeded items.

Avoid Touristy Restaurants

Part of the charm of travelling is seeing and experiencing the local culture. In addition to staying in cheap hotels, you should try to eat as cheaply as possible as well. To do this, always steer clear of obvious tourist trap restaurants; those with large signs boasting "We speak English!" and "Tour groups welcome!" typically charge a lot more for a simple meal than other places - and don't usually let you experience the local culture in the same sort of way.

Avoid Hotel Breakfasts ... and The Minibar

Staying at cheap hotels is a smart thing to do, but all of those savings can go right out the window if you shell out large sums of money for their overpriced breakfasts. Unless the breakfast is complimentary, go elsewhere. Also, many hotels have minibars in their rooms; never, ever purchase anything from the minibar - that candy bar will cost you a small fortune, so beware!

Stick With The Basics

If you're intent on saving money, be open to the possibility of staying at cheap hotels with less than three- or four-star ratings. When you book a four-star rated hotel, you're going to be spending much more on a per night basis unless you can find a deal on cheap hotels with a reputable online travel site. Figure out what you can live with - and what you can't live without - in terms of amenities, and book the most basic option possible to save a bundle.

About the Author

Max Brockbank has been a journalist with local, regional, national and international press and new media, is now mainly editing and producing, but still has a few tales left to tell. He is married with two children and a cat and lives in sunny south east London.