Whether you’re planning a summer vacation or hoping luck will soon lead you to one, ways remain to trim some quid from the growing expenses. Put your tray upwards, ensure your seatbelt is fastened, and switch your phone to flight mode. We’re about to journey through 50 ways, but for now, here are five of them.
1. Snap a shot of your passport:
After finishing this article, dig out your passport and snap a picture of it. Email this image to yourself immediately. This may seem like a futile two-minute task, but if your passport ever goes missing, this picture might save you time and potentially even money, making the process of acquiring emergency travel documents less strenuous.
2. Update your European Health Insurance Card:
Next on your to-do list, once you have finished reading, sign up or renew your European Health Insurance Card (Ehic). If it’s been over five years since you got yours, most likely pre-pandemic, a renewal may be in order. Having this on hand will guarantee you receive the same treatment as national citizens of any EU country should you need medical attention there. Be wary of sites that try to add fees to the Ehic application – only apply through ehic.ie as the service is free.
3. Dedicate a travel email folder:
Organisation is key – email all your hotel reservations, flight booking details, and travel insurance documents to yourself, then organise them into a designated travel folder. This stores all of your information in one accessible location, handy for wherever you might be on the planet.
4. Don’t procrastinate on travel insurance:
Still haven’t sorted your travel insurance? There’s no time like the present. Prices won’t decrease as your holiday date approaches, and with almost half of claims filed before travel – usually due to health issues or death – being covered is important.
5. Airfare costs:
The best timing for scoring valuable deals on airfares is an unsettled topic. Prices generally rely on supply and demand dynamics, with more flight options to a specific airport tending to drive costs down. However, the popular consensus suggests that airfares rise regularly as the departure date nears. Therefore, booking your flight six to eight weeks in advance might hit the sweet spot.
6. Explore cost-saving hypotheses
There are various theories out there about how to save a penny when flying. For example, it’s believed in the cyber community that airlines’ automated systems release unsold seats on Wednesdays between midnight and 1am in their headquarters’ timezone. This means, if you’re jetting off to Thailand from Ireland, you might want to begin your search at 5pm Irish time on Tuesdays. While this theory lacks solid proof, it wouldn’t hurt to give it a go and it won’t require staying up at an ungodly hour. Another theory, known as the ‘Cookie Monster’ theory, posits that airlines track user visits to their websites, noting the specific destinations searched. The airlines supposedly utilise intrusive computer cookies to determine user interest and subsequently inflate their fares if the activity suggests high interest. Airlines refute this theory, but for those who remain sceptical, clearing your cookies and conducting flight searches in incognito mode could be a workaround.
7. Subscribe for updates
If you know where you want to go but aren’t restricted by specific dates, sign up for updates with flight comparison sites like Momondo or Sky Scanner. Be on standby to snap up a booking as soon as flight prices fall within your budget.
8. Take advantage of fare finder tools
If your travel plans are flexible regarding destination, Ryanair’s handy fare finder tool might be of interest. Navigate to their homepage, click on the ‘plan’ link located at the top right corner, and follow through to the fare finder. Set your departure city – let’s assume it’s Dublin – and the maximum fare you are willing to pay – let’s say €20. The tool will then display all suitable matches. The last time we tried this, surprisingly cheaper one-way tickets popped up to places like Girona, Carcassone, Ibiza, Mallorca and many more. Really, it’s a mystery how we’re still here!
9. Compare prices
Don’t just settle for the first fare you see, it pays to shop around.
You’re certainly not bound to travel to and from your chosen destination with the same airline, it’s often more affordable to fly outbound with Aer Lingus and inbound with Ryanair or the other way round.
10. Consider other airports
For long-haul flights, expand your search beyond just British and Irish airports. It’s often better value to fly from other European airports like those in Amsterdam, Paris, Helsinki or Frankfurt.
11. Pay upfront for additional services
Pay for any extra services at the time of your initial booking, as adding them later can be quite expensive.
12. Travelling day can impact price
The day on which you choose to travel can affect the price. We are generally used to travelling on weekends for leisure or on Mondays and Fridays for work. However, flights are often cheaper on Tuesdays, Wednesdays and Thursdays.
13. Midweek holiday packages
If you’re booking a package holiday, starting your trip in the middle of the week could be less costly, according to findings by Which? Travel. If possible, travelling Wednesday to Wednesday, or Thursday to Thursday could save you money.
14. Early morning and late-night flights
While it may go against your usual routine, booking early morning flights and returning late at night can give you two additional days of holiday time. Be sure to be prepared with appropriate summer clothing and a plan for bag storage to avoid unnecessary quarrels.
15. Avoid travelling during school holidays
To save money, evade travelling during school holiday periods unless absolutely necessary. A trip booked for May or September can be about 30% cheaper than one booked for peak season in family-friendly destinations.
16. Be aware of school vacations abroad
Remember that children in other countries also have holiday periods. For example, in England they have half term starting on May 27th and their summer holidays start from July 25th. Therefore, Irish families should aim to go on their holidays before these dates to avoid inflated prices. Similarly, Germans have a 10-day break from May 21st, with their summer break also beginning on July 25th.
17. It’s not always necessary to be solely focused on cost savings.
Invest time in obtaining quotations from hotels, travel agencies, and various booking platforms prior to making any financial commitments. Although it could be time-consuming, shaving off even just 10% from your expenses can save you a significant amount of money in pounds. Refrain from being overly fixated on saving; remember that a package holiday arranged via a bonded travel agency might appear more expensive initially, yet the provision of human contact for resolving any unexpected issues is invaluable.
18. Contemplate comprehensive packages
While initially costlier, given the current state of escalating inflation, securing an all-inclusive package deal in March might be beneficial by September. For all-inclusive options, ensure the availability of more than one dining and drinking establishment onsite. Consider real-life reviews on Tripadvisor and opt for resorts fully equipped for all-inclusive service over those providing a combination of services.
19. Try camping
Indeed, if you have children aged anywhere between six months and 18 years, camping may be a fantastic option. This doesn’t have to mean roughing it; air-conditioned accommodations with dishwashers and decks are available. European campgrounds can be a haven for families, and with the great outdoors at your disposal, self-catering can be a fun and cheaper alternative.
20. Support local businesses
Despite how you choose to book your holiday, whether online, in-person, all-inclusive or camping, endeavour to support Irish businesses. This not only boosts the local economy but also allows you to exercise your rights more easily and more effectively.
21. Assess the necessity of hiring a car
Should you choose to hire a vehicle, do it early and reevaluate the necessity of the vehicle. Car rentals can become a habit; however, if your usage is going to be minimal, it might be rational to forgo hiring one. Use websites like wikivoyage.com to acquaint yourself with the transportation options at your holiday destination. The simplicity of hailing taxis via mobile applications makes travel throughout Europe straightforward and often cheaper than hiring a car. Opting out of a car rental can save you a significant amount of money during a fortnight’s holiday.
22. Car rentals should be needs-based
Should you decide in favour of a car, consider whether it’s needed for the entirety of your trip. It might be more cost-effective to rent one only for a specific segment of your holiday.
23. Premium pricing for airport car rentals
Remember, rental cars obtained at airports often carry a hefty surcharge.
When it comes to hiring a car for your travels, give some thought to the location. It may be tempting to rent a car right at the airport, pile your luggage in and start your journey. However, airport car rentals often have added cost. By hiring a car outside the airport vicinity, you might see your expenses reduced by approximately 20%.
24. Go through the Small Print
Pay heed to the Terms and Conditions and calculate the cost of extra additions such as booster seats, additional drivers and so on. Also, it’s always wise to research the car rental companies on your consideration list, focusing on their customer service track record. This two-minute investement may prevent you from selecting a company with a history of unsatisfactory dealings.
25. Say No to Full-to-Empty Fuel Policies
Companies offering full-to-empty fuel policies are better off avoided. The fuel prices they charge are usually higher than those at petrol stations and you’ll likely end up paying for unused fuel. Additionally, refrain from refuelling at the last petrol station before the airport; their prices will be premium due to their advantageous positioning.
26. Notify your Bank
This may seem pointless, but if you inform your bank about your travel plans, it could prevent them from suspending or blocking your card for suspicious activity when you use it in a foreign location such as Torremolinos.
27. Travel Light
The process of economising on luggage begins even before you pull out the first pair of sandals. You should always pack less than your initial estimate. The tried and tested method of laying out all your items and then taking only half of it still stands true.
28. Become a Packing Pro
Regardless of the quantity, precision is key when packing. Rolling garments instead of folding creates additional space. Jeans and dresses should be tackled first, followed by t-shirts and tops. Underwear can be tucked into gaps, socks can be stored inside shoes to maximise space.
29. Declutter your Liquids
Try to accommodate the minimum amount of liquids in your luggage and transfer them into smaller plastic vessels. Contact lens cases are convenient for holding liquids and creams and surprisingly they can fit quite a bit. For instance, opticians will sell these cases at a low cost or even provide them free of charge.
30. Bulk Shopping Overseas
Purchase bulky or heavy items like towels, shower gels and sun creams in your destination country. Not only will you save on luggage space and weight, but they will usually be cheaper abroad, giving you additional savings.
31. Keep your luggage under the weight limit
Overstepping your baggage allowance even by a single kilogram could result in hefty charges. These additional fees fluctuate, but you’ll probably end up paying upwards of €10 for each extra kilogram. You don’t need any particular scales to weight your suitcase, a regular one at home would suffice. Just measure your weight with and without the suitcase and subtract accordingly. If you’re slightly over the weight limit, rearrange your luggage. Shift heavier items that aren’t liquid into hand luggage.
Contemplate forgoing the luxury of a neck pillow and instead fill it with some of your luggage. As long as it’s not overstuffed, you should be able to get it past flight stewards. Be cautious if you’re stuffing clothing into your pockets, keep a keen eye on your passport. You do not want to misplace it and trigger a frantic search, much to the annoyance of boarding crew and fellow passengers.
32. Sharing baggage allowances
Weight limitations are not always about individual luggage. For example, Ryanair allows passengers to combine or share their baggage allowance. If a booking includes two 20kg baggage, one suitcase could weigh 15kg and the other 25kg.
33. Familiarise with all regulations prior to heading out
If you wish to take a 10kg bag on a short Aer Lingus journey, you need to purchase a “priority boarding with hand luggage” for €9.99. However, you can check in 10kg bags for no additional cost. If you arrive at the gate without having paid beforehand, the fee will be €35 per traveller. A similar priority service with Ryanair that includes two cabin bags ranges from €6-€36, while checking in your bag can cost from €11.99-€29.99 per flight, based on the duration and distance of the journey. A 20kg bag with the same airline ranges from €18.99-€59.99. Again, showing up without prepayment will result in heavy penalties.
34. Airport car park
If you’re planning to drive to the airport, make certain to pay for your parking slot beforehand. This not only significantly cuts down on costs, but also guarantees a spot. Without prior booking, you may struggle to find parking space.
35. ‘Fragile’ luggage.
Even if your luggage isn’t exceptionally delicate, request it to be tagged as “fragile” during check-in. Not only will your bags receive a gentle handling, they would also likely emerge first on the baggage claim carousel.
To enhance your airport experience, consider utilising fast-track lanes and exploring the availability of lounge access. Less than €10 per person can significantly reduce the hassiness of airport navigation. A more relaxed security procedure could also be achieved through the latter.
When it comes to foreign currency, our advice remains firm: avoid airport currency exchange services as they pose a risk of being overcharged.
Keep in mind that airports are masterly engineered to tempt you to spend your money. A weary and bored traveller can easily succumb to unplanned purchases of cologne, sunglasses, kitschy shorts, gadgets or liquor. Make sure to gauge the necessity and value of these potential expenditures. Regulate your boredom with pre-downloaded films or TV shows or good reads and invest in things that will keep you amused.
Time, in this context, equates to money. Post-flight, commencing a brisk walk can save you precious time. Each traveller you surpass en route to passport control takes away around 30 seconds off your queue time, even more if they are British (a nod to Brexit). If travelling with family, once past security, assign one adult to retrieve the luggage while the other dashes to the car rental desk. This stratagem could potentially extend your holiday by a few hours, and perhaps even enrich your life.
Collecting your hire car, you’ll likely be inquired about additional insurance. An expensive super collision damage waiver that could cost up to €30 per day might be offered. Instead, consider securing an annual policy with an Irish insurance company. Ensure your credit card limit allows for a substantial deposit.
Lastly, it is essential to thoroughly inspect any hired car before taking it for a spin.
Inquire about emergency protocols and store the emergency contact number in your mobile device. Test the clutch by shifting the car into fourth gear and gradually engaging and disengaging the clutch with your foot on the throttle. A completely engaged clutch that doesn’t stall the vehicle indicates a defect. To avoid making it your issue, request a different vehicle.
42. Utilise online maps
To save data and maintain navigation capabilities without internet access, download Google maps for your current location. Simply select the map of your destination, input “okay map” in the search bar, hit download, and you’re ready to set off.
43. Utilise Google Translate
Google Translate is an extremely handy tool. It’s particularly useful because it allows you to capture text in a foreign language and convert it to your own. This can prevent you from unknowingly ordering dishes like callos à la plancha in a Spanish eatery.
44. Pre-purchase attraction tickets
Acquire tickets for planned attractions ahead of time. This not only has the potential to be cost-effective, but it will undeniably save you time by avoiding long lines. Even if you’re already in line, compare ticket prices online— they are often less expensive.
45. Be observant about dining spots
Avoid dining near popular tourist attractions, especially at restaurants that display food images rather than written menu items. Dining near iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower or Spanish Steps might seem appealing but it’s likely to be overpriced and underwhelming. Perhaps enjoy a beverage, but reserve substantial expenses for more secluded spots. Utilise your phone’s “nearby restaurants” feature to make informed choices.
46. Prepare ahead
Several cities provide free museum access on certain days or after specific hours. To maximise this opportunity, plan your visits in advance after conducting suitable research.
47. Evaluate the option of a local sim card
If you’re travelling outside the EU for a considerable period, consider procuring a local sim card to avoid incurring excessive roaming charges. Remember to deactivate your data and use wifi hotspots when possible.
48. Travel adapters
If you’re like this author and have an assortment of adapters at home, remember that carrying a multi-socket plug with a single adapter should suffice.
Travelling light and planning separate activities can make your family holiday stress-free.
49. Overnight Journey
European overnight trains can add a unique charm to your travel, in addition to saving accommodation expenses for a night. Similarly, overnight flights might not provide the exact exotic experience, but they too help in reducing costs. Ensuring comfortable travel by investing in quality eye masks and ear plugs can be very helpful.
50. Managing Car Hires
Always make sure to return the rented car during the working hours of the car hire company, ensuring a detailed inspection. If circumstances force an after-hours return, it is critical to capture photos and videos of its state and parking conditions. Emailing these evidences to your personal account will keep the proofs handy. Regularly monitor your credit card for unusual charges in the subsequent days and weeks after your trip. Start making a saving plan for the following year right after you return.