In these times of economic uncertainty and cost of living crisis, taking a break is necessary for our well-being. However, holidays can be expensive, and it may not be feasible to go on a big family vacation more than once or twice a year. Fortunately, there are ways to take a budget-friendly short break without compromising on luxury or location. Luxury Coastal, expert South West based holiday letting agents, have shared their top tips for doing just that.
Tip #1: Choose the right time of year. It may seem obvious, but the time of year can make a massive difference to the price of a holiday. Avoid school and bank holidays and opt for seriously ‘off-peak’ periods when a property will be at its very lowest price for the year. Early February and mid to late November are suggested for the lowest prices.
Tip #2: Avoid weekends and book a working week. It’s best to steer clear of bank holiday weekends, as well as Saturdays and Sundays. Instead, book a bit of annual leave that covers two weekends as well as a working week so that you’re able to stay at your chosen property from a Monday to a Friday when prices will be lower, and things should be quieter (ideal for rest and relaxation).
Tip #3: Book last minute. Properties that have last minute gaps in their calendars are more likely to lower the price for a stay, especially if the arrival is within a 48-hour period. If the property hasn’t already had a last-minute discount applied to the price of the stay, it’s always worth contacting the marketing agent or owner to ask about a reduction. However, bear in mind that property owners still need to cover change-over costs like cleaning and water/electricity, so any very low discount requests would probably not be considered.
Tip #4: Look out for eleventh hour cancellations on social media. People may need to cancel their holidays at very short notice, and while this is disappointing for Travel Hospitality Services anyone affected, it does mean that some of the best properties can become available at the last minute. Many holiday retailers often post last minute cancellations on their Facebook and Instagram pages, so it’s worth checking in every now and then to see if your favourite holiday home is available (with the possibility of it being at a reduced price as well).
Tip #5: Consider self-catering accommodations. Instead of booking a hotel room, consider a self-catering accommodation such as a holiday cottage or apartment. With a self-catering accommodation, you can cook your own meals and save money on eating out. Many self-catering accommodations also offer amenities such as laundry facilities, which can save you money on laundry services.
Tip #6: Explore free activities and attractions. Many destinations offer free activities and attractions, such as parks, museums, and galleries. Research the destination before you go and make a list of the free activities and attractions that you’re interested in. By planning ahead, you can save money on entertainment and still have a great time.
Taking a budget break doesn’t mean you have to compromise on luxury or location. By following the tips provided by the experts, you can find yourself a really good deal and enjoy a much-needed break without breaking the bank. From choosing the right time of year to booking last minute and looking out for cancellations on social media, there are many ways to save money and still have a wonderful holiday. So, whether you’re looking for a romantic getaway or a family vacation, start planning your budget-friendly short break today and give yourself the well-deserved break you need.