A SAVVY personal finance expert has revealed a sneaky way to save money on your next UK holiday.
It comes as many travellers are either reducing the length of their trip or cancelling it entirely due to the cost of living crisis.
Dan Whittaker, a personal finance expert at Vivamoney.co.uk, revealed how booking accommodation outside a popular area can save you loads of money.
He said: “It may be an idea to compare accommodation prices between the destination you’d like to visit, and towns situated nearby.
“Staying outside of popular areas may dramatically reduce the overall cost of your accommodation.
“For example, a 3* bed and breakfast centrally located in the popular seaside town of Scarborough totalled £459* for two adults in August, whereas similar accommodation over the same dates situated down the road in Robin Hood’s Bay costs £380.*
“This is a massive saving of £79.”
Whittaker went on to explain that eating in instead of eating out won’t hurt your wallet when travelling.
He explained: “While cooking may be the very last thing you want to do on holiday, dining out at restaurants every night can soon eat into your budget.
“Research released in September 2023 predicted that those holidaying in the UK can expect to spend around £12-£16 per person on a budget meal at a pub or café, and between £30-£35 at a mid-range restaurant.
“Don’t feel as though you have to commit to spending hours in front of the hob every night – you can save money by stocking up at a nearby supermarket and thinking outside the box when it comes to mealtimes.
“We’re imagining picnics on the beach, hearty homemade sarnies mid-hike, and BBQs under the stars. Bliss.”
It’s tempting to believe that we have to fill our vacations with expensive excursions and activities, but it doesn’t have to be the case.
The expert revealed that walking and exploring the local area on foot is also a great way to make the most of your trip without spending a penny.
He said: “Wherever your wanderlust takes you, there are plenty of ways to make the most of your staycation on a budget. Kids are generally happy to spend all day on the beach, indulging in the little things, such as building sandcastles and exploring rockpools.
“If you’re worried about money, it may help to remember that, quite simply, holidays are all about switching off from the outside world, spending time together as a family, and making unique memories.”