These five tips could save you some money when it comes to time for your next holiday.

Booking a holiday is already an expensive cost, so saving where you can will mean you’re left with a manageable amount of money rather than spending money where you don’t need to.

Travel experts at eShores conducted research where airport workers were asked to reveal the ultimate insider hacks.

These five tips will help you save and be savvy while still being able to enjoy a holiday.

1. Don’t get carried away at Duty-Free 

Whilst Duty-Free shopping can be exciting with the allure of free samples and tax breaks, airport workers caution that the deals aren’t always as good as they seem. 

The reductions shown are often based on marked-up RRPs. Take a moment to compare costs to the high street or the internet – often, the ‘deal’ isn’t that great. 

To avoid overspending before you’ve even started your holiday, resist impulse Duty-Free buys unless you’re confident you’re getting real savings.

2. Be aware of the inflated cost of miniatures – downsize at your own risk

Miniature travel bottles of shampoo, sunscreen and toiletries are extremely marked up per ml. To get more product for your money, buy full-sized products and decant them into reusable mini containers. 

You can also consider buying shampoos, suncreams and toiletries once you’ve passed security. 

Airport workers explain that there’s a common misconception that shops such as Boots are more expensive at the airport, when realistically, most of the prices and deals align with the high street. 

Most airlines allow you to take a shopping bag alongside your hand luggage, so stock up on essentials before you board to get more bang for your buck. 

3. BYOB (bring your own bottle) 

Food and drink are usually the items with the most inflated costs at airports. Most people don’t think to take their own lunch and can end up paying over the odds for an uninspiring sandwich at the terminal. 

One airport worker explains that it wasn’t until they started working post-security that they realised they were missing a trick by not taking a packed lunch.  

Check the rules at security at your airport – while liquids over a certain size aren’t allowed, solid food items in hand luggage are usually acceptable. 

Many airports also have water taps and stations, allowing you to fill a bottle for free. While you can’t take your own bottled water through security, take an empty bottle and fill it up once you’re gate-side.

4. Retreat from overpriced chaos in the airport lounge 

If you don’t want to pack your own food, consider booking a lounge. Whilst paying for a lounge may seem counterintuitive, if you’re waiting a while for your flight and are planning on having food and alcoholic drinks at the airport, it could ultimately save you money. 

Pre-booking the lounge at Manchester Airport, for example, is £40.99 per adult, and includes freshly prepared food, unlimited tea, coffee and soft drinks, and a selection of wine, beers and spirits, including fizz.

5. Earn on parking and shopping with loyalty schemes  

If you can’t resist the shops, look at loyalty schemes. Some airports have loyalty schemes allowing members to save and spend points when shopping around the terminal. 

For example, the Heathrow Rewards scheme rewards shoppers with points when shopping in participating shops, when parking or when exchanging money at Bureaux de Change. 

These points can then be redeemed against future airport purchases. If you’re a frequent flyer, it’s well worth exploring loyalty options at your local airport.