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Money-savvy travel series: How to keep costs down during your holiday
There are so many clever ways to save on costs during your holiday without impacting your enjoyment. From travel cards, to delicious off-the-beaten-track bistros and low-cost attractions, you don’t need to spend a fortune to have an incredible time.
What’s in this guide
Have you heard of our Spend & Save Plus bank account? For just £3 a month, you can use your card abroad with no fees from us and enjoy £5 cashback every month if you make 20 or more debit card payments each month. You can even set up Savings Pots to keep your money organised for your trip.
Here’s our checklist for savvy-spending whilst you’re on holiday:
- Getting around for less: save money by using public transport instead of taxis.
- Eating and drinking without overspending: avoid tourist traps by finding out where the locals eat.
- Sightseeing and entertainment on a budget: many museums and attractions are free or offer discount days. Museum passes offer access to multiple museums for a set time and are usually cheaper than paying individual entry fees.
- Managing your spending: use budgeting apps to track your holiday expenses easily. A Savings Pot is an instant access account that helps you save for the things you want, allowing you to keep contributing to your savings goals even while you spend.
Getting around for less
Before you set off, remember to research the best form of transport to suit your needs and budget.
Save further by researching local transport passes and apps. Many cities will have some form of discounted travel card for unlimited travel during your stay, so don’t get caught out by buying daily passes.
And don’t forget, walking is free! Stretch your legs and get ready to explore all the sights, smells and sounds. It’s the best way to experience a new place as you never know what you’ll stumble upon.
If you’re looking for a brilliant savings account to help you save for your next holiday but don’t know where to start, we can help. Simply compare our savings accounts to find out which is best for you.
Eating and drinking without overspending
Experiencing a new cuisine is one of the best parts of a holiday, but it can also be one of the most expensive. Do your research before you travel to find where the locals eat, as well as tourist traps to avoid. Restaurants in tourist hotspots tend to be more expensive and less authentic. Read some travel blogs and search for affordable gems on travel review sites to get the full lowdown on the best bars, cafes and restaurants in the area.
Look out for lunch deals at restaurants, too. While dinner is often à la carte, many foodie locations offer cheaper set menus at lunchtime or pre-theatre. Exploring local markets and supermarkets are also great ways to grab fresh, delicious and affordable food on a budget.
And to save on buying endless bottles of water, bring your own reusable water bottle to refill. Your wallet and the environment will thank you later.
Sightseeing and entertainment on a budget
Culture doesn’t have to come with an expensive price tag. In fact, many museums and popular landmarks are completely free for visitors, or have free entry days. If you do have to pay, museum passes can give you access to multiple museums for a set period of time - they’re usually cheaper than paying for each entry separately.
Go to the beach, sign up for free walking tours, have a picnic in a park and enjoy low-cost historical sites. Many cities even have city passes and discount cards that offer great savings on multiple local attractions for you to enjoy.
And if you fancy taking a DIY approach, you could use free audio guides or travel apps with local hints and tips to save on pricey guided tours.
Find out how you can easily set aside money for your travel spending with our handy TSB Savings Pots.
Managing your spending
Manage your travel budget effortlessly with budgeting apps to help track expenses. If you set a daily budget at the outset of your trip, these helpful apps will help you to avoid overspending too early so you can enjoy every day of your holiday to the maximum.
Make sure you avoid costly roaming charges from your mobile phone provider, too. If you don’t have a data roaming plan, consider using a local SIM card or stick to WiFi for calls and internet use.
Find out how to make the most of your money on your summer holidays.
A little planning goes a long way - so you can unwind and enjoy your holiday without money worries. Ready to start saving for your next getaway? Explore TSB’s range of savings accounts to find one that fits your goals. And if you’re after more tips, check out our guide on How to Build Savings.
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