Travel expert's 'last minute' holiday hack could save you hundreds
We're all looking forward to the warmer weather becoming more frequent as we move into the summer months, but sometimes even the best staycation can't match up to a quick getaway abroad.
Be it a family trip to a Spanish beach or a city break with your best mate, holiday fever is about to hit the UK as the sunshine warms the nation.
With the coronation and bank holiday weekend getting everyone into the party mood, the temptation to book a short trip away is stronger than ever.
Often you can find some stellar deals booking last minute, but Sophie Miller, the resident money expert at Vouchers.co.uk, has shared her tips for making that money go even further.
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Being flexible on your destination could save you hundreds (stock image) (Getty Images/iStockphoto)We're all looking for ways to save a penny or two and Sophie says her top tip for last minute deals is to be "flexible with your holiday destination".
She said: "One of the secrets to getting a cheap last-minute holiday deal is by being flexible with your holiday destination. Vouchers.co.uk has crunched the numbers to reveal that by doing this you could save £330 on flights for two adults for three nights away for the Early May Bank Holiday.
"Data showed flying to Madrid, in Spain which is the UK's favourite country to visit on holiday, from London Heathrow would cost £272 per person. However flying to Oslo in Norway would cost £107, which is a £165 saving per person or £330 in total."
If you have an idea in mind for the type of holiday you like, shop around for the cheapest location that still suits you. When you're lying on a beach somewhere, you probably won't mind if it's in Italy or Portugal.
Secondly, Sophie advises checking for discount codes before completing your purchase. She said: "You may be surprised at how many savings you could make.
"Don't forget to check if there are any benefits from creating an account on the website you're booking on too instead of purchasing as a guest. Booking.com has its own loyalty programme called Genius and by signing up for a free account on their site you will receive a 10% discount from participating properties."
Fit everything into your carry on for no extra charges (stock image) (Getty Images/iStockphoto)Sophie doesn't recommend booking your seat before the flight unless absolutely necessary, such as travelling with someone vulnerable.
She said: "It can be surprising how much money pre-booking seats on the flight can add to your holiday costs. It could cost a total of £39.60 for return flights for two adults.
"However, if you don't mind where you sit then the airline will automatically assign you a seat on the day of your flight without the extra cost."
Vouchers.co.uk actually compared the pre-booked seat fees on budget airlines Jet2, Norwegian, easyJet, Flybe, Wizz Air, and Ryanair. Norwegian had the highest charge this extra at a minimum of £9.90 per person, costing you almost £40 more just to sit by someone.
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Once you're all booked, luggage becomes the next focus with many cheaper airlines charging for cabin bags meaning your packing needs to be a minimal.
Sophie said: "A holdall which fits the 'small personal bag' requirements can be bought from Amazon for as little as £11.99 has gone viral on TikTok. TikTok users claim they have been able to fit everything they need inside of it and more for a short holiday without paying the extra £30.00 fee.
"This would save £36.02 on hand luggage fees based on a holiday for two adults."
Pack savvy, ask yourself if you really need that extra outfit and make sure you make the most of the space you do have - just don't forget your passport.
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