Despite a possible looming recession, Britons are booking holidays and flights in droves – so many are making up for years of missed breaks during the pandemic.
Ryanair had its busiest ever sales weekend last week.
But can you really sip cocktails on a resort lounger during an existential crisis?
Your travel budget may be shrinking, but with smart planning and these handy travel tips, you can still cram in the vacation of your dreams.
Despite a possible looming recession, Britons are booking holidays and flights en masse
EVER THE CARD REWARD
Rewards credit cards allow you to earn points for everyday spending that you can use on flights and hotels.
Most airline cards work in a similar way – we’ll use British Airways American Express Premium Plus as an example.
Register on BA’s website before February 21, spend £3,000 in the first three months and receive 70,000 bonus Avios, BA airline miles. If you do it through Amex, it’s only half that.
That’s up to eight free economy flights – or three business class flights – to Europe. You will then receive 1.5 Avios for every £1 spent on everyday purchases and 3 Avios for every £1 spent on BA. However, note that the card has an annual fee of £250.
There is also a standard version of the BA Amex which is free, but the bonus is 20,000 Avios for spending £1,000 in the first three months and the accrual rate is 1 Avios for every £1 spent.
Avios are good for short distances in economy and business. But the surcharges for long-haul travel are often more than the cost of buying an economy seat.
You can also earn a ‘companion voucher’ for every year you spend £10,000. This allows you to take a companion with you on the same flight without additional Avios. If you’re flying alone, you can use it to book your flight with 50 percent less Avios. You still have to pay taxes and fees for all passengers.
Tip: Rewards credit cards allow you to earn points for everyday spending that you can use on flights and hotels (file image).
BOOK EARLY FOR THE BEST RATES
Book flights as early as possible. Wait until the last minute and demand – and therefore prices – can skyrocket.
Comparison portals such as Kayak or Google Flights offer prices from both airlines and travel agencies – which are often cheaper.
They also show “codeshare” offers, seats sold at a different price through a partner airline’s website. A great trick for long haul flights. A return flight from London to Las Vegas on Virgin Atlantic cost £881, but the same flight booked with partner Delta cost £816, MoneySavingExpert found. If you know you want to fly Virgin, look for codeshares with Air China, Air New Zealand and Singapore. Similarly, BA has codeshares with American, Cathay Pacific, Finnair, Qantas and Iberia.
For popular destinations like Florida or the Caribbean, flights can be cheaper as part of a package.
HOTEL SHOPPING
Cutting the budget doesn’t mean you have to trade the Hilton for a hostel. Many hotels and booking sites offer rooms with free cancellation. If you see a good deal, book it now and keep an eye on the prices. If they fall, cancel and rebook.
Going to the US? With Priceline, you can choose a neighborhood and star rating and then set your own price for a room. As in an auction, aim low and then slowly raise your bid until a hotel accepts. Start early because you can only bid once a day.
Cashback sites like Quidco or Topcashback have offers for booking. As of March, Quidco has 10 percent cashback on Hotels.com and 15 percent cashback on Accor Hotels.
REDUCE SWITCHING COSTS
Carry only a credit or debit card for international travel. The Barclaycard Rewards card gives you near-perfect exchange rates, no ATM fees and 0.25 percent cash back on all purchases. Pay it off in full each month to avoid interest. Or open a Monzo account and pay for free with your debit card in any currency. Monzo also helps you share bills and accounts with friends, making vacations together a breeze. If you prefer cash, it’s best to withdraw money from an ATM at your destination using your UK debit card. Do it in large chunks to reduce costs.
Don’t come to the airport to exchange money – you’ll get a rate around 10 percent lower than if you pre-ordered your card or used it at an ATM.
CHECK YOUR MEGABYTES
Many mobile operators have reintroduced roaming charges in the EU after Brexit. Vodafone, EE and Three all charge £2 a day to use your credit. Outside the EU these costs can be much higher.
Check with your wireless carrier to determine what charges apply or how to avoid them. For example, if you switch to Pay As You Go with Three, you can use your balance for free in the EU and certain other destinations such as the US.
To reduce costs, turn off data roaming and only use WiFi when you’re on the go, although this isn’t always possible when you’re on the go.
On Google Maps, you can download a map of your destination to use offline. Add pins to save directions to attractions, restaurants and back to your hotel.
Download Netflix shows, movies and music before you go.
Please note: Many mobile operators have reintroduced roaming charges in the EU after Brexit (file image)
CHECK YOUR PASSPORT
Check your passport’s expiry date and entry requirements for the country. Some require a validity of at least six months from arrival. The standard extension costs £75.50 and officials say they allow up to ten weeks. Leave it late and it costs £177 for the one day service. Brexit means the EU passport rules have changed. Britons now need at least three more months in their passports from the date they intend to return home.
Go directly to the official government website for passports and visas. Many private companies set up knockoff websites that appear at the top of Google search results and charge you three times as much.
Book travel insurance before you travel in case you have to cancel. Also make sure you have a European Health Insurance Card (EHIC).
This allows you to be treated like a local in government hospitals – often for free.
AIRPORT SAVE
Book airport parking in advance as paying on the day costs more.
Do you have a long stay? Paying £30 to get into an airport lounge for unlimited food and drink – and relative peace and quiet – is worth more than an overpriced meal and a few pints in a busy restaurant. Verify that your credit card or loyalty programs allow access to the lounge.
Another tip: pack empty water bottles and fill them for free after the security check (file image)
While you may not bring liquids through security, you may bring food. Families can save big by packing snacks in carry-on luggage.
Some airports are introducing new bag scanners that will let through unlimited liquids, but you never know when you’re going to use them.
To be on the safe side, pack empty water bottles and refill them for free after security. It’s better than paying £4 for water at a kiosk. Finally, leave room for souvenirs so you don’t get stung by excess baggage fees on the way home.
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James is an author and travel journalist who writes for The Fashion Vibes. With a love for exploring new cultures and discovering unique destinations, James brings his readers on a journey with him through his articles.
