Becoming a frugal British traveller – money saving tips for going abroad

We Brits are renowned for frugality in many areas of our lives but seem to throw caution to the wind when it comes to travelling abroad. Yes, in the UK we love to camp, taken caravan breaks touring the UK and even holiday on our amazing Isles but as soon as we look to take a plane ride to foreign shores our wallets/purses open up and the spending starts.

The question is then – how can we save money when travelling abroad?

Firstly you have to chance your mind-set from ‘big spender’ to ‘crafty money saver’. The important thing to consider is that the end result (a great holiday abroad to remember for many years to follow) will be the same – the only difference is that it will cost you less (and you can spend your savings making your return back into the UK a pleasurable one).

Location, location, location

If you choose to go to the same places as everyone else at the same peak times of the year you will always pay more. This is the perfect reinforcement of the supply and demand business model. So, this makes it very easy to then either go somewhere more niche, undiscovered and private or go at a time of the year when most people don’t go.

Shop till you drop (online) 

Your money saving holiday needs to start long before your feet get on the plane. You can and will be able to save a lot of travel money by shopping online and comparing prices. Whatever the task, from getting your cheap holiday insurance to sourcing your travel bag essentials you will save money by comparing prices and often buying in bulk form single suppliers and stockists.

Timing is important

Start monitoring exchange rates online at least 6 months before your trip, and if you’re planning a long stay trip (like a month in Australia) and therefore exchanging more currency, monitor this earlier as you can only exchange a limited amount of currency in one go (due to money laundering rules/regulations) and minor fluctuations in rates will make massive differences to your spending power.

More money saving travel tips   

•    Pre booking flights as early as possible can be a much cheaper options
•    Review connected flight options as slightly longer journeys can mean lower flight prices
•    Booking by credit cards can lead to savings (points) as well as protection for cancellations
•    Booking travel options in bundles saves time, energy and cash
•    Don’t be too flashy with the holiday extras (things like rental cars) – they may look great but the initial and on-going costs will be excessive
•    If your flexible with your travel dates and times you will get cash saving rewards

Let me know if you have some great travel saving ideas that you have benefitted from as I love to hear money saving successes!