Want to beat the January blues and book a holiday in the sun? You don't need to break the bank to head to tropical climates – nowadays there are some easy tips and tricks that will help you to save money before you've even clicked 'confirm' on your booking!
Whether you're planning a trip later this year or want to make sure you're getting the best deal possible, there are some handy hacks that can make all the difference if you're sticking to a budget. To help you plan, Cheapflights.co.uk have revealed the must-know tips that could save you money before and during your holiday…
© Photo: iStockThere are easy hacks to save money when booking a holiday
Travel on a Tuesday: Tuesdays are the least popular days to travel and therefore the cheapest, while Friday is consistently the most expensive day to fly because of the increased demand from those trying to get away for the weekend.
Fly at night: The time of flight departure can also impact flight costs. Because morning flights tend to be more expensive, aim to travel between 6pm and midnight and you could see a big difference in cost.
The Magic 50: The best fares are often advertised around 50 days ahead of the departure date, with the most expensive offers appearing three days before travel.
Delete your browser history: If you're booking flights online, you could save simply by deleting your browser history as some prices can increase based on the number of times you revisit a particular website.
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Double your holiday allowance: You can turn 24 days of paid leave into 55 days of holiday by cleverly combining your bank holidays, weekends and annual leave.
Make the most of Easter 2017: Because Easter 2017 falls later in the calendar this year, if you work in England or Wales you only need to book off nine days in order to have an epic 18-day holiday.
Use search websites: Don't assume that going directly to the airline is necessarily the cheapest way to travel. Sometimes small travel agents use flight search sites including cheapflights.co.uk to sell off holidays and flights that others have had to cancel.
Embrace the Eurozone: The weakened pound means that you are likely to get less for your money, but that doesn't mean you'll need to break the bank. The Euro has only dropped 12 per cent against the Pound, so a Eurozone break can definitely be on your 2017 holiday hitlist.
© Photo: iStockRevisiting the same websites can lead to higher travel prices so delete your browser history
Fast track to the Lounge: Many shops and restaurants in departure terminals charge a premium. Investing in a lounge pass could save you money as not only does it stop you being tempted by the shops if you're bored, but lounges often free Wi-Fi, food, alcohol and showers, some even going the extra mile with free spa treatments and blow-drys. A day pass can cost as little as £13.50.
Stay ahead of the sales: Sign up to airline and comparison website newsletters or alerts so you can be ahead of the game when it comes to their flash sales, discounts and special offers.
Consider alternative destinations: If you're flexible with your end destination, you could find that a simple swap can make a difference. For example, if you're hitting Thailand, head to Phuket instead of Koh Samui – the savings on flights alone can be up to £150!
Think before buying currency: Withdrawing local currency from a cash machine in the destination is the best value option when it comes to buying your holiday money. Despite the fact that users are charged a fee, cash withdrawals from an ATM offer the highest exchange rates. Pre-loaded cash cards also offer good value and can be a better option compared to buying currency at an airport bureau de change, The Post Office or by using travellers’ cheques.
