Summer holidays are almost here. That blissful time away from the hustle and bustle of life where you can breathe deeply and relax.

As exciting as these trips can be, they can also be expensive.

The good news is that there are lots of ways to keep costs in check. Here are a few clever ideas you can use to save money before you even head to the airport.

Do your Research

Plan your trip well in advance to take advantage of early bird discounts and other deals. Before travelling, research your destination to identify low-cost activities, budget-friendly restaurants and affordable accommodations. This will help you to avoid expensive tourist traps and help build the excitement before you go.

Read More: Thrifty mum-of-two Emma Stretton shares clever trick to get expensive clothes much cheaper

Ditch the taxis

Consider using public transport or walking instead of taxis or rental cars. It is a great way to see how the locals live. Look for discount passes or coupons for public transportation, and check out the local tourist offices.

Cook meals

If you’re staying in a rental apartment or self-catering, consider cooking some of your meals instead of eating out all

of the time. This can save you a significant amount of money.

Free activities

Many cities and tourist destinations offer free activities, such as museums, parks and walking tours. Take advantage of these fun things to do to keep costs down while still creating wonderful memories on your trip.

Set a budget

Before travelling, set a budget for your trip and stick to it. This can help you avoid overspending and ensures you don’t return from your holiday with a lot of debt.

Shop smartly

If you plan on buying souvenirs or gifts, shop around for the best prices and look for discounts or sales. Avoid touristy shops in high-traffic areas as these are often more expensive or, better still, ditch the souvenirs altogether.

Choose affordable destinations

Consider visiting destinations known for being cheap, such as national parks or off-the-beaten-path locations. This can help you save money on flights, accommodations and activities.

Travel off-season

Be flexible with your travel dates to take advantage of off-season discounts.

Split the cost

Consider travelling with friends or family to keep accommodation costs down. Enjoying downtime with your nearest and dearest can add to the fun and memories too.

Use loyalty discounts

Take advantage of loyalty programmes and discounts, such as hotel rewards programmes or travel credit cards, to save money on your trip.

If you are in the mood for a holiday with a difference, there are some not-so-common ways to cleverly have a holiday without the high cost by doing things like:

• House swapping: Consider swapping homes with someone in another location instead of booking a hotel or vacation rental. This can save you money on accommodation while providing a unique travel experience.
• Volunteer vacations: Consider volunteering, where you can help with a community project or environmental initiative in exchange for free accommodation and meals.
• Camping: Instead of booking a hotel or vacation rental, consider camping. Camping can be a very affordable way to travel and enjoy the outdoors.
• Have a staycation: Instead of travelling, consider a staycation and exploring your local area.

Money tip

Want to love your summer holidays without worrying about a big credit card bill when you get home? Start a sinking fund when you return from your next holiday. Putting a small amount of money aside each pay period will ensure you have your trip all paid for before you even go abroad next year. Now that is what chilling out feels like!

Follow Kel Galvan at mrssmartmoney.com for more tips and inspiration.

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