Staycations have never been as popular as they are now, which is a problem. On the one hand, touring the country can be an excellent way to have a holiday without breaking any Coronavirus rules if we’re not in lockdown. On the other hand, everybody is doing it and the demand is through the roof. That’s why we have put together the Save on Your Staycation guide!
With such high demand, the side-effect is higher prices. And, considering the pandemic hasn’t been great for most peoples’ bank balances, the increase in costs might price you out of a trip. Just another reason why 2020 has been an absolute nightmare!
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post
Thankfully, there are ways to save on your staycation. You might not reduce the costs enough to bag a bargain, yet the drop could be the difference between a holiday and staying at home. Considering you’ve done the latter for almost eight months, it’s time for a change. With that in mind, continue reading to find out more about the tried and tested ways to save on your staycation.
Close But No Cigar
It’s safe to say that the most well-known and popular beauty spots are bound to cost a fortune. Uk.finance.yahoo.com goes as far as reporting that more than a third of Brits are spending more on a staycation this year than they would on a holiday abroad. Wow. However, there’s a simple and effective trick – try the closest destination outside of the tourist area you want to visit; as long as it is safe to do so of course and we’re not in lockdown.
For example, if you wanted to go to the Lake District for a couple of days, you could easily set up camp in North Lancashire or North Yorkshire as they are nearby. Plus, since they aren’t in Cumbria, the prices should be lower. However, the destination is close enough that you can drive into Windermere or Keswick in less than half an hour.
Every beauty spot has an ugly cousin that people avoid because they don’t think it’s as nice or accessible. The truth is, it’s pretty much the same, but a lot less expensive!
Off-Season holidays
The on and off-seasons are hard to predict currently. Due to so many people having different routines than usual, the demand is relatively high. Throw in the fact that everyone is sick and tired of not being able to travel, and you can tell why the prices remain high when they would typically be low.
Still, the good news is that there are more expensive periods, even during Covid. Christmas is a prime example as most people will be off work and school. Therefore, it’s the ideal time for families to indulge and schedule a trip. By understanding this, you can plan your holiday around the festive season.
Booking a hotel for the middle of January, although not as glamorous or exotic, will reduce the costs by a considerable sum. As long as you are prepared regarding work and your kids, the date shouldn’t be an issue.
Search For Discounts To Save On Your Staycation
It’s incredible how many people continue to checkout without doing extensive research. Sure, shopping around for the latest deals isn’t a walk in the park, not even when you can lean on comparison websites such as Trivago.co.uk or Travelsupermarket.com. Still, they do the majority of the work, and the discounts can be comprehensive, so it’s worth giving them a go.
Another option is to look for a voucher or coupon code. NetVoucherCodes.co.uk has tonnes of travel deals that will reduce the price of your trip by as much as 25%, depending on the promotion. A quarter of the cost of a holiday is nothing to turn your nose up at, which is why you should consider online voucher services.
You can use professional brokers, yet their fees often make the trip more expensive than it needs to be. Doing it yourself can be time consuming, but it’s cheaper and much more satisfying.
Pick A Package
Package deals are less popular than a couple of decades ago. Twenty years previously, a travel agent would be the first port of call for holidaymakers. Now, thanks to the likes of low budget airlines, they aren’t as in vogue.
But, this doesn’t make them obsolete. In many ways, they are very effective at finding deals as they combine the prices. Also, another important feature is the fact that the flights and accommodation are connected. Therefore, when one cancels, you should be entitled to a full refund. As airlines are reluctant to cancel, even in a national lockdown, a package holiday provides an extra layer of protection for your money. Check before you buy that your package holiday is ABTA protected.
Join a Club
The Caravan and Motorhome Club (who I work for) have amazing discounts and member offers, not just on campsites but on days out, attractions and all types of products and services. Even if you don’t have a caravan, motorhome, campervan, trailer tent or tent you can still save on motorhome hire and glamping accommodation so it’s worth checking it out, and I’m not just saying that because I work there!
Finally, a staycation isn’t only about cutting back. It’s also about securing your spending for the future.
