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- Great currency deals, delivered direct
By Jasmine Birtles, financial expert from Moneymagpie.com
Summer is here and we all just want to get away for some rest and relaxation, but with the recent price rises and the credit crunch hurting our pockets it's looking impossible for some. But it doesn't have to be.
If you're clever you can have a holiday on very little. Here are 10 ideas that can save you a lot of money in Britain or abroad.
1. Book early
It cannot be said too many times, if you want cheaper flights with the major airlines, especially long-haul, then you should try and get in as early as possible.
Over a matter of weeks, or sometimes days, prices can change immensely. Planes, trains and buses all have a quota of seats they will sell for the lowest price - then prices just increase.However, if you're not fussy about where you go, you can get some very good deals at the last minute. You can check on Tiscali Travel, and by using sites like Lastminute.com and Laterooms you may be able to book a cheap spur-of-the-moment holiday.
2.Try a house-swapping holiday
If you have a family and need a big space (not just a couch) then you can swap houses with anyone in the world. It's usually for 2-4 weeks and cars are included. No money swaps hands. People post descriptions of their house and facilities, their exchange destination and how many people they would bring to stay in your house. Become a house swapper with Home for exchange and Intervac.
3. Get the right travel cover
- Get an instant travel insurance quote
Insurance policies for travel can range between £20-150, but the policies are generally the same. If you have more than two holidays a year, you are better off getting annual cover. But you may need even more expensive cover if you are doing winter sports or visiting the United States.
Basically, the greater the excess, the lower the premium. Insurers know you are more likely to make small claims than big ones, but you will both make more if you don't claim for small items.
If you don't claim for small items because of a high excess, you will retain your no-claims discount and next year's premium will not be increased.
4. Know your flight rights
New regulations mean airlines should compensate passengers affected by delayed or cancelled flights. The law applies if you have a confirmed reservation and check-in time for your flight, and depart from an EU airport, or one that has its headquarters within the EU.
The airline must offer you (if appropriate) meals and accommodation, two free phone calls or emails, and compensation according to the distance you were supposed to travel. For journeys up to 932 milesyou get £180, from 932-2174 miles you get £287 and for flights over 2174 miles you should receive £430 in compensation.
5. International SIM cards
If you want to take your mobile phone travelling with you, it's really easy and a lot cheaper to buy an international SIM card for multiple countries. Compare prices and call rates, including any specials with free calls or texts included. An international SIM card will cost you around £30 to buy, but once you've got it, the credit simply never expires.
Ultimately, these SIM cards are worth having just so that you can receive calls for free, but they also can often beat the rates of your domestic provider on making calls to the UK and sending text messages. Check how much your network will charge you and then work out if you can save money by getting an international SIM. The main providers are Go SIM, SIM4travel and GeoSIM.
6. Use a travel guide for cheap eats
Pick up the latest travel guides from Lonely Planet, Rough Guides or Let's Go and see what they say about eating. Most will give you an idea of those tourist-centred places where you're bound to get ripped off, and instead direct you to cheaper, nicer places that will give you more of a local experience. You can also book abroad with Toptable and gain points that will help you towards a free meal.
7. Haggle with tour operators
It's tough out there for travel agents. They have to compete with the internet. So use this to your advantage. Do some research into prices first and then challenge them to create you a package that includes a serious discount. Many of them can rise to it and save you some dosh.
8. Get the best exchange rate you can
When you're changing money 'commission-free' does not mean profit free. There will be deals that are better than others both on the high street and online. Again it's all about shopping around and seeing who is offering the best deal at the time.
The best rates can generally be found at Travelex, The Post Office and Marks & Spencer. However, do try a few to see which offer the best price and the best service for you.
9. Travel during unsociable hours
Off-peak travel such as early morning, late nights, mid week, and avoiding school holidays, are generally cheaper than those that are during normal waking hours. Drag yourself out of bed at two in the morning to catch a 4am flight (or sleep overnight at the airport - a lot of people do it)!
10. Go away with friends
Lots of places - accommodation, restaurants and tourist attractions - offer discounts for big groups. So gather together your mates and plan a fun trip away, telling everyone it is a lot cheaper than going independently.
Jasmine Birtles is from Moneymagpie.com - the website that gives you a richer life.
