Holiday budgeting tips

Walk everywhere

Pack your comfiest pair of shoes and take plenty of suncream, because the cheapest way to get around is to walk. Not only is it completely free, walking is also the best way to explore. If you take a bus or taxi you might miss the best hidden spots of your destination. By travelling on foot, you’ll stumble across winding lanes, family-run cafes and off-the-beaten-track restaurants, which you’d probably never find if you were stuck in traffic.

Good to know

You can save money by booking our excursions before you travel, rather than in resort. Plus, most of our daytrips and activities include transfers, so getting from A to B is completely hassle-free.

Enjoy a leisurely lunch

Food, glorious, food – it’s an important part of your holiday. Make sure you try traditional dishes, local recipes and recommended wines while you’re away to get the most authentic experience. Opt for an All Inclusive resort and all of your meals are part of the package. But if you decide to visit local bistros and bars, try eating your main meal at lunchtime, as lunch menus are usually cheaper than dinner menus. Restaurants are often less busy at lunchtime, too, meaning you can take your pick from their best tables. But the golden rule for a cheap lunch is to keep your distance from the main attractions. Once you’re a few streets away from Tourist Central, prices will significantly drop. Why dine in a tourist-trap restaurant when you could save money eating in an authentic taverna? Lots of places offer a set menu during the day, too, so you can fill up at lunchtime and head back to your hotel for dinner in the evening. Or, better still, head to a bustling night market and tuck into some freshly-cooked street food.

Take a pre-loaded multi-currency card

The ultimate way to save is simple – budget in advance and leave your credit card at home. It might sound daunting but it’s completely possible with our Multi-Currency Travel Money card. Before you travel, work out a daily spending allowance, plus a little extra for emergencies. Our exchange rates are fixed when you buy your travel money, so you won’t get caught out by changing rates or nasty transaction fees. Simply load money onto your card and you’re ready to go. You can even check your balance while you’re away using the TUI Travel Money App, to make sure you’re sticking to your budget. And, you can load extra money too.

Good to know

If you’re partial to a spot of souvenir shopping, it’s easy to go over your luggage weight allowance on your return journey. Take some handheld luggage scales with you, so you can weigh your suitcase before you get to the airport. That way, you can repack if needed and avoid being charged extra.

Check the tipping situation

When it comes to tipping, it pays to do your research before you go away. Each country has different expectations so, without proper guidance, you could end up paying more than necessary. It’s worth noting that most restaurants in Europe include a service charge in their bill. It’s particularly common in Spain and Italy, so check the small print before you pay. Further afield, restaurants in Egypt and Costa Rica also include a service charge in their bills. Of course, if your meal is top-notch and you’re feeling generous, nobody will mind if you throw down a few coins – it’ll just be an added bonus.

Ready to stick to your budget?

Give your bank account a break on your next holiday. Take a look at our All Inclusive holidays for some inspiration, and have a read of our articles on how to book a cheap family holiday and how to get a great deal to save money on your next getaway.

Pssst. Head to the Discover homepage for our latest articles.

Author: Sarah Reeves