The Travels Blog

How To Book Cheaper Holidays

How to get cheaper holidays and flights, it’s what everyone wants to know! Is there a way to get cheap or low cost holidays? Yes! Cheap holidays abroad can feel like a myth, especially when flight prices fluctuate daily, accommodation costs seem to rise overnight, and every scroll on social media shows someone sipping cocktails in Santorini like money isn’t real.

The truth is this: affordable travel is still very much possible if you know where to look, when to book, and how to avoid the common money traps.

Whether you’re working around annual leave, a student loan, or just trying to make your money stretch further, this guide pulls together the most realistic, proven ways to cut the cost of travelling abroad – without ruining the experience.

I’ve travelled across Europe on budgets that would shock most people, and the key is never one single trick. It’s a combination of smarter booking, flexibility, and knowing which expenses actually matter.

Below are 23 practical, UK-focused ways to book cheap holidays abroad, including where to search, what to avoid, and how to travel well for less.

Affiliate disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links, including Amazon UK affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, the site may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. This helps keep the blog running and content free.

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1. Use Flight Comparison Sites (Properly)

Flights are usually the biggest holiday expense, so this is where the biggest savings are made. Instead of Googling “cheap flights” and clicking the first ad, use proper comparison platforms.

Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Trip.com are all worth checking because they often show different results. Trivago and Lastminute.com can also surface package-style flight deals that don’t always appear elsewhere.

Key tip: search in incognito mode and compare prices across multiple days. Flying midweek is almost always cheaper than Fridays or Sundays.

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2. Be Flexible With Dates (This Matters More Than Destination)

If you can move your trip by even one or two days, prices can drop dramatically. Use the “whole month” or “cheapest month” features on Google Flights or Skyscanner.

Travelling outside school holidays, bank holidays, and peak summer weeks can cut costs by hundreds. Shoulder seasons (April–May and September–October) are ideal for Europe.

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3. Consider Package Holidays (Even If You Normally Don’t)

Package holidays aren’t just for families. Companies like Travelodeal, Lastminute.com, First Choice, and even Trip.com often bundle flights and hotels cheaper than booking separately.

All-inclusive packages can also save money on food and drinks – especially in destinations like Turkey, Egypt, and parts of Spain.

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4. Travel With Hand Luggage Only

A £30 flight can quickly double once luggage is added. Budget airlines make most of their money here.

Investing once in the right cabin-sized backpack or suitcase saves money long-term.

Amazon UK favourites:

• Hand luggage backpack (airline-approved) – Try this ryanair approved cabin bag
• Digital luggage scales -take a look at the SHANJE Luggage Weight Scale for Suitcases 110 Lbs Travel Accessories
• Packing cubes – 8 packing cubes less than £10!

Insert image: minimalist hand luggage flat lay

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5. Avoid In-Flight Extras

Bring your own snacks, refillable water bottle, and headphones. Airport food and plane purchases are some of the worst value expenses.

Most UK airports now have water refill stations after security.

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6. Travel by Train or Coach Where Possible

For destinations like Paris, Brussels, Amsterdam, or even parts of Germany, train travel can be cheaper and more comfortable than flying.

Overnight coaches and trains also save on accommodation for one night.

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7. Get Cheap Travel Insurance (But Don’t Skip It)

Never travel uninsured. Use comparison sites and annual policies if you travel more than once a year.

Make sure you also apply for a free UK GHIC card for European healthcare access.

VisitorsCoverage – Travel Insurance

EKTA– Travel insurance

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8. Use Private Sale Travel Sites

Websites like Secret Escapes, Voyage Privé, and Lastminute.com’s Top Secret Deals offer luxury hotels at heavy discounts.

Always cross-check prices on Trivago before booking.

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9. Book Cheaper Accommodation Types

Hotels aren’t the only option. Airbnb, aparthotels, hostels, and guesthouses often offer better value – especially for longer stays.

Message Airbnb hosts directly to negotiate on longer stays.

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10. Stay in Hostels (Even Private Rooms)

Modern hostels are clean, social, and often central. Private hostel rooms are usually much cheaper than hotels.

Use Hostelworld and then check the hostel’s own website for better prices.

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11. Travel With Friends

Splitting accommodation, taxis, and even groceries reduces costs dramatically. Group bookings often unlock discounts.

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12. Turn Off Data Roaming

Since Brexit, roaming charges can apply. Use Wi-Fi where possible or buy a local SIM or eSIM.

eSim’s to take a look at with great deals:
DRIMSIM eSim
Airalo eSim
Yessim

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13. Check Passport Validity Early

Many countries require at least six months remaining on your passport. Emergency renewals are expensive.

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14. Get Cheaper Travel Money

Avoid airport exchange desks. Use app-based banks that don’t charge foreign transaction fees.

Only carry small amounts of cash.

Or use travel cards such as Monzo!

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15. Research the Destination Before You Go

Knowing where locals eat, how transport works, and which areas to avoid saves money and time.

Travel blogs and updated guides are invaluable.

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16. Buy Travel Essentials in Advance

Pound shops and supermarkets are cheaper than airport shops.

Amazon UK essentials:

• Refillable travel bottles
• Universal travel adapter – Take a look at some travel adapters!
• Compact power bank – over 20’000mAH compact power bank

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17. Book Early (Or Very Late)

If dates are fixed, book early. If flexible, last-minute deals through Travelodeal or Lastminute.com can be incredible.

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18. Download Free Travel Apps

Google Maps (offline), Google Translate, Foursquare, and free walking tour apps can replace paid experiences.

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19. Travel Overnight

Overnight flights or coaches are cheaper and save accommodation costs if you can sleep through them.

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20. Consider a Staycation

The UK has incredible city breaks, countryside escapes, and coastal towns without flight costs.

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21. Take Your Student ID

Student discounts apply abroad too. Museums and attractions often offer reduced entry.

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22. Earn Money While Travelling

Seasonal work, hostel jobs, teaching English, and online income streams can offset costs.

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23. Focus on Experiences, Not Perfection

Budget travel doesn’t mean missing out. It means prioritising what actually matters to you.

Cheap holidays abroad aren’t about sacrifice – they’re about strategy.

Seasonal work, hostel jobs, teaching English, and online income streams can offset costs.

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24. Use Cashback Websites To Earn Cashback On Holidays!

Use cashback websites such as Topcashback and Quidco!

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Final Thoughts

Travelling on a budget isn’t about being lucky. It’s about knowing where to look, when to book, and which costs are worth paying for.

With the right planning, comparison tools like Trip.com, Trivago, Lastminute.com, and Travelodeal, plus a bit of flexibility, affordable travel is still very achievable

If you’re dreaming of your next trip, let this be your sign: you don’t need unlimited money, just smarter decisions.

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