A travel expert has revealed their tips for saving money on your next holiday, whether you opt for a luxury getaway abroad or a cosy staycation in the UK.

For booking holidays for next year or the rest of this year, Daniel Clarke, Travel Expert at Parklink, has shared his tried and tested advice to help keep holiday costs down during the festive period. 

He explained: “The key to holidaying for less is to plan in advance where possible, be as flexible as you can and do your research.

“If you just visit a travel agent and pay their ticket price with all the trimmings you are likely to pay a much higher amount than if you take your time to find the better options.

“The more money you save on the planning stages of your festive holiday means you will have extra cash to spend on mince pies and mulled wine whilst you’re there!”

Expert tips to keep costs down when planning your next holiday

Book directly with the hotel

Daniel’s first tip is to avoid going through travel brokers and agents, as these will likely have an added cost. He explains: “To save money, contact the hotel or accommodation directly to see if they can offer a better price. They may offer a lower rate as they haven’t had to pay any fees or commissions.

“If you can’t find the contact details using search engines, you can try using Google Lens to search for the hotel using a photo – this little trick often helps identify the official website or allows you to see listings at different prices.”

Choose the right time for your holiday

If you’re not tied to term time, Daniel suggests that you can reduce costs by heading on holiday during term times and mid-week which are often priced lower than long weekends. 

Be mindful of your location

Booking accommodation in a city centre can be quite costly – especially if it hosts a seasonal Christmas market and this is the time of year you’re hoping to jet off. Daniel suggests instead staying further afield, somewhere well connected by public transport or with safe parking.

Opt for self-catered accommodation

“‘Accommodation only’ holiday homes and apartments are a cheap way to stay in your chosen location and can be just as enjoyable as staying somewhere catered,” explains Daniel. 

“Having the option to choose and make your own food and eat out at restaurants and cafes of your choice can considerably lower the cost of a holiday. Part of the fun can be exploring local supermarkets and market stalls, consider taking a flask of soup for lunch, cheaper than eating out and also means you can experience new views and locations.”

Be sure to travel light

Whether you’re flying, driving or taking public transport to your destination, Daniel argues that you should always travel lightly. He pointed out that many airlines will charge extra for checked luggage or a large carry-on.

Check for cashback

There are various cashback sites now offering incentives to book travel, and sometimes these can add up to considerable amounts.

Before booking flights, accommodation, tours, car hire, and even ordering foreign currency, check whether the retailer is listed, and see if you can earn a percentage back to make savings overall.

Opt for a staycation

Daniel’s final tip is to opt for a staycation rather than jetting off abroad. He argues: “Although travelling by plane to a new destination has big appeal, exploring closer to home within the UK can provide the new and interesting change of scenery you are desiring, and you are saving the cost of airfare straight away.

“The UK has over 10,000 hotels, nearly half a million holiday homes, over 300 hostels and 3000 campsites, which means there are plenty of options for all budgets.”