The online team at Deal Checker recently contacted me if to ask if I could offer any money saving travel tips for their Ultimate Guide to Saving Money on Holiday. No problem I replied – remember a bargain is only a bargain if you wanted it in the first place! I submitted many more – see more money cost cutting ideas below but I do want to feature the guide

The 14-page guide is packed with useful tips for making your holiday money stretch further so you can get the most out of travelling without spoiling the fun. From what to pack to where to eat, the guide is full of proven tips and ideas from experienced travel bloggers and parents. Learn the Do’s and Don’ts of purchasing travel insurance, discover tipping etiquette around the world, find out how to keep in touch on the road and have your car hire questions answered; this money saving guide has everything.

Dealchecker- The Ultimate Guide To Saving Money On Holiday

How to holiday – without breaking the bank

Holidays are notoriously expensive, but these few tricks could save you a wealth of money.

Are you in need of some rest and recouperation? If so, why not book a holiday and take a much-deserved break? Sure, vacations can be a little expensive, but you don’t have to max out your credit card to enjoy a week or two away – honest! In fact, you can do things relatively cheaply if you put your mind to it, so take a look at these money-saving tips.

Book out of season

If the wind and rain is getting you down, a trip abroad could revitalise your mood. The good news is, flights and hotels are often cheaper at “off-season” times of year as companies need the custom to fill their holiday places. So, book a trip out of season if possible and make the most of discounted prices – before they shoot up in the school holidays and of course the summer.

Fly off-peak

Fling during unsociable hours can also save you money. Airfares are often considerably lower if you take off early in the morning or late at night, so it’s definitely worth looking around. Of course, you might have to get up at some ungodly time of the day, but it will be worth it when you’re sipping cocktails on the beach that afternoon!

Beware of all-inclusive holidays

With an all-inclusive holiday, everything from accommodation to food and drink is normally paid for before you can arrive. This can be both convenient and cost effective, but make sure you’re not being charged the earth for tiny breakfast and a cheap evening buffet. Instead, find out exactly what’s included and see if you could dine more cheaply by exploring the local eateries.

Arrange a house swap

If you’ve seen The Holiday starring Cameron Diaz and Jude Law, you might already be accustomed to the idea of a house swap – but it doesn’t just happen in the movies. In fact, singletons, couples or families can exchange accommodation with people from another part of the world – without paying a bean! How good is that? Simply register with a reputable agency, or make your own arrangements – just ensure everything is legitimate.

Travel in a group

These days, many travel agents offer exclusive discounts for those booking in a larger group. You can make great savings by travelling with your friends, so call around and see who’s interested. If you’re worried people will let you down, take deposits off everyone that’s confirmed and make sure you have enough funds before completing the holiday payment. What’s more, if you’re paying electronically avoid high charges and use a debit card instead of a credit card.