Saving Money Ideas for Holidays

It is worth taking a browse around this page and find out how it is possible to have a good vacation, both in this country and abroad, and save money in the process.

Just click around and see what you can find!

If you go to www.guardianhomeexchange.co.uk it is possible to make your pipe dream holiday come true.

Here you need to offer your own property for an exchange. Like most reputable sites there is a registration fee.

After that you will need to contact the exchange owner and arrange the details of your exchange. Obviously you will probably need to set some ground rules as to what is available in your home, but then you will find facilities for this as your arrangements progress. Be sensible here, after all your task is to not only have a good time but also saving money is the main idea.

Holidays. Magical - or Not?

If your aim is to save money but get maximum enjoyment, how do you do it?

Do you combine your hobby with a holiday? Walking, bird-watching, searching junk shops, shopping?
Do you just want to get away from it all to pastures new?
Do you just crave ‘me time’ and enjoy self-indulgent days at home?

Have you had a really magical holiday, or was it dreadful, laughable or did it eventually costa-packet?

Click below to see contributions from other visitors to this page...

Another source of useful holiday information is www.homebase-hols.com/options.shtmlThe beauty of this system is that again there are no hotel bills to pay .

Granted the payment is not princely, but bear in mind you will be using another persons home free of charge and their heating, free of charge. In addition you will be away from your own surroundings, in a completely new environment – on holiday. A change is as good as a rest. Your duties will be minimal i.e., feed and possibly walking pets, watering plants etc. Not exactly hard labour!

The Youth Hostel Association.

Would you fancy staying in a barn, or perhaps a bunkhouse, even hire a cottage or maybe rent a tip? The mind boggles, but just try www.yha.org.uk for a relatively cheap and unusual holiday.

Couch Surfing

Strictly for the younger generation a new craze of crashing out on a sofa in another person's house has evolved. This is definitely one for the young and adventurous. To get a taster take a look at www.couchsurfing.com This site has a testimonials page, and claims that over 1m positive experiences have been experienced.

This is a comparatively new craze and although it has the attraction of free accommodation, do make as many checks as you possibly can regarding your own personal safety.

Solo Holidays

If you like to take a holiday alone, a useful site is Holidays for the Single Traveller This is a very comprehensive site covering golfing holidays, skiing, cruises etc. They have a page which covers the 'small print'. So check this out before taking a decision.

If you do decide to spend your holiday in the UK,it is possible to take very cheap holidays or day trips.

Amongst the freebies, and if you are over 60 or are 'eligible disabled', you are entitled to claim your free off-peak travel card which enables you to travel between 9.30 a.m. and 11.00 p.m. weekdays, plus at any time at weekends on local buses throughout England, Wales and Scotland. Ask your local authority for a national bus pass. Many people have traveled quite long distances this way to their chosen holiday destination. It just needs a little of your time to research your particular project. Also it would probably pay to keep your luggage down to a minimum.

One 'staycation' project that does not need too much research is - Why not revamp your garden? Make it a haven where you can relax. Why not even build a vegetable plot? Take a look at our Garden Diary for inspiration? A revamped garden will give you pleasure and exercise for many years to come.

Many people like to combine a hobby with their break. Our other page Holiday Breaks has some good ideas to offer.

There are also many ways of spending very pleasurable time in Museums - always a lure to children. Then in London there are numerous places that are free to visit. In Kensington Gardens there is the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Playground.

Amongst other London attractions there are the Houses of Parliament and The National Gallery.

Throughout the country there are such places as the the Pier at Southwold, Suffolk which features Punch and Judy Shows. Still remaining on the coast it is possible to go dolphin spotting in the Moray Firth.

Add the New Forest, The White Cliffs of Dover, The Giant's Causeway, Sherwood Forest Country Park and you are starting to get spoilt for choice where outdoor activity is concerned. Also remember that in Scotland it is still possible to pitch your tent for free out in the wilds.

Traveling on to Wales there is the Coedy Brenlin Visitor Centre where is it possible to cycle on all weather bike trails. Not forgetting the wonderful views from Snowdonia

1. If you have a long journey to make before reaching your final destination, why not take a break overnight and stay at

Far better to resume your journey in the morning feeling relaxed, rested and well fed than to drive on overnight exhausted,weary and a possible danger on the road. You can check into your room at any time after 3p.m. Book early and secure a good deal!

2. If you are a really organised traveler, it is worth bearing in mind that many of the budget airlines offer great deals if you can plan ahead as far as your future journeys are concerned.

3. If you need to take a supply of foreign currency with you - a good idea if you are traveling during a Bank Holiday - Marks and Spencers and the Post Office do not make a charge for supplying your currency.

4. If you are thinking of a holiday in Europe, maybe it would be more sensible to choose another destination until the value of the Euro becomes more favourable.

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5. Most major credit cards levy a 2.75% 'loading fee' (additional charge in plain English) on transactions abroad. The Post office and Nationwide do not make any of these additional charges. Abbey have also launched its Zero credit card which has no fees on balance transfers, cash advances or foreign exchange.

6. If you can still find a cheap return flight to the States (in spite of the increased fuel charges) this might be a good destination to choose bearing in mind the weak Dollar.

7. Try to avoid traveling at the weekends. If you can find a holiday from Tuesday to Tuesday you will probably save as much as £50/100 per person.

8. Obvious - but fly from the airport nearest to you home if possible.

9. Don't take out travel insurance from your travel agents. Do this separately from a bone fide insurance agent and it will be cheaper. If you frequently travel abroad ask if you have a 'yearly season ticket' insurance cover.

10. For UK weather forecasts, take a look at http://www.bbc.co.uk/weather/5day.shtml and set your Search for the area of your choice.

You may be thinking of clothes so take a look before you sail off!

To really push the boat out take a look at this page before you go.