Holiday trends tend to fluctuate in line with economic conditions, which is why families were less likely to travel abroad in the immediate aftermath of the great recession.
While Brits are now increasingly likely to holiday abroad, however, the statistics suggest that families are eschewing the traditional two-week excursion in favour of shorter weekend breaks both at home and overseas. This is being inspired by more flexible booking methods and a tougher economic climate, along with the continued rise of no-frills airlines.
In this article, we’ll offer some advice on how to enjoy cheaper weekend getaways this summer, without compromising on the quality of your experience overseas.
1. Be Proactive and Seek Out Cheap Transport Options
If you’re looking for a weekend getaway on these shores, you can save money by exploring the diverse range of transport options available throughout the UK.
When travelling to coastal locations like Devon, for example, you can reach your destination by train, coach and car, enabling you to plan your trip depending on cost considerations and your starting point.
The train offers a particularly affordable option in the modern age, thanks to the diversification of off-peak tickets and the intense levels of competition that exist between private operators.
Travelling by train also allows you greater flexibility through off-peak and open return tickets, which enable you to get the most out of your weekend break without breaking the bank!
2. Be Flexible on the Destination (Where Applicable
Occasionally, you may be motivated to travel by a specific location or a famous historical landmark.
However, if you simply want to get away and unwind for a couple of days, you may be able to save cash by being flexible on your final destination and tailoring your trip in line with your budget.
The reason for this is simple; as focusing on a single destination restricts your pricing options and the range of deals on offer.
In contrast, maintaining an open mind enables you to review the full range of promotions available in the real-time market, informing your choice of destination in the process.
3. Plan your Trip with Finances in Mind
By now, it should be clear that flexibility is central to your chances of booking an affordable and enjoyable weekend getaway.
This principle should also be applied to the time of travel too, as avoiding the school holidays (if possible) and booking between Saturday and Monday can help you to reduce your overall spend considerably.
This requires careful planning, and this type of approach can also help you to identify cheaper locations and eateries in your destination of choice.
By targeting areas immediately outside of the primary tourism regions, for example, you can identify far cheaper bars and restaurants that are regularly frequented by locals. This will really benefit your wallet, as entities in tourist-centric areas tend to charge a premium for their products or services.