Let’s face it, times are tough. With the rising cost of living, energy bills that never seem to go down, and the weekly food shop costing more than ever, most of us are doing our best to cut back. But after months of juggling work, family, and life’s daily grind, we all deserve a proper break. A summer holiday doesn’t have to mean draining your bank account or waving goodbye to your savings. With a few clever tweaks and savvy planning, you can still enjoy an unforgettable getaway—without spending a fortune.
Here are 7 smart ways to save money on your summer holiday this year, while still making memories to last a lifetime.
1. Be Flexible with Your Travel Dates
If you can avoid peak school holiday weeks or weekends, you’ll instantly save a chunk on flights and accommodation. Traveling midweek or slightly outside of the school holidays (early July or late August) can significantly reduce prices. Of course if you can travel during the off-season you can get some amazing deals!
If you have a child in school and want to be flexible but avoid risking a fine, check your school's calendar! Schools have around 5 in-service days a year (in addition to the usual school holidays), and these can sometimes be at the start or end of school holidays, meaning you can go early or stay later, making your trip much cheaper, as sites will consider this to be during school time. You can also use flexible date search tools on booking sites to find the cheapest days to travel. A day or two’s difference can mean serious savings.
2. Consider Less Touristy Destinations
Everyone flocks to the usual hotspots—Spain, France, Greece—but venturing slightly off the beaten path can lead to better deals and a more authentic experience. Think of places like Albania’s beautiful coastlines, Slovenia’s lakes, or underrated spots in Portugal’s interior. You'll often find lower prices, fewer crowds, and still get that sun-soaked summer fix. If you are booking through a travel agent remember to do a bit of research yourself beforehand and don't be afraid to let them know exactly what you are looking for to save money on the holiday you want.
3. Use Cashback and Reward Sites
Before booking flights, hotels, or even travel insurance, check if you can earn cashback through sites like TopCashback or Quidco. Also, many banks and credit cards offer reward points or travel perks that can be put towards your trip. It’s essentially free money—so why not take advantage?
4. Pack Smart to Avoid Extra Charges
Budget airlines are notorious for adding hefty fees for luggage. Try travelling with just hand luggage, and wear your bulkier items (like jackets or trainers) on the flight. Packing cubes, solid toiletries, and rolling clothes can help you maximise space. Don't forget to weigh your bag before you leave to avoid any surprise charges at the airport.
5. Book Self-Catering Accommodation
Eating out three times a day adds up fast. By choosing an apartment or holiday home with a kitchen, you can prep easy meals and shop at local markets (which is part of the fun). Even just having breakfast and lunch “at home” can save a significant amount over a week. Just make sure you check before you go that you are going to be purchasing food nearby to where you are staying. If you get there, and there is nothing around, you may end up spending even more money eating out or ordering takeaway, so weigh up your options when it comes to food once you know the local area!
It is also worth considering, however, that if you do end up taking up a dining plan or similar, you can always make things like sandwiches and rolls for the breakfast selection to take to enjoy at lunchtime from the breakfast items available, saving you money on having to then purchase lunch or snacks later on!
6. Use Public Transport or Walk
Hiring a car abroad can be pricey, and petrol isn’t much cheaper in Europe. Research your destination’s public transport options in advance. Buses, trams, or even bikes can get you around cheaply and give you a more local feel. Better yet, lace up your trainers and explore on foot—great for your wallet and your step count. You can often purchase maps and guides cheaply online, and it can often be best to do this before you go, as buying once there can be more expensive.
7. Look for Free and Low-Cost Activities
Many destinations offer free walking tours, open-air concerts, beach days, local festivals, or museum discounts. If you are staying at a resort, there will often also be things like kids' clubs, evening entertainment, and things like pool games and on-site sports that are often included in the price you pay, so don't forget to take full advantage of these too! If you aren't given one, ask for a full entertainment and activities list when you arrive so you can see what is on offer. A bit of pre-holiday Googling can uncover loads of hidden gems that cost next to nothing. And let’s not forget the simple joys—sunset picnics, swimming in the sea, or wandering charming towns don’t cost a penny.
Final Thoughts
Saving money on your summer holiday doesn’t mean you have to skimp on joy or adventure. With a little planning and a few budget-savvy strategies, you can still have a brilliant time without coming home to a credit card hangover.
Have your own money-saving travel tip? We’d love to hear it—drop your top budget holiday hacks in the comments below!
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