13 Cost Effective Travel Tips

Our summer survey found that 76% of people asked were still planning on finding money for their foreign holiday, despite the squeeze on consumer spending.

 With this in mind, we’ve taken a look at 13 simple cost-effective ways to help save some money on your next holiday abroad.

1. Best time to book

If you can be flexible with your dates and destinations, then booking last-minute could be the best way. Last-minute holidays limit the destinations available but you can get a great deal.

Also Travelling outside of popular times such as school holidays can reduce the overall cost of a holiday. However, if you’re set on the destination and dates, then booking in advance can see a greater saving.

2. Turn off your electrics at home

And we don’t mean make sure you don’t leave the lights on (but don’t). With the recent price rise in gas and electricity prices, save some pennies for turning the heating up when your home.

Household items such as TV’s, microwaves and kettles still draw power even when plugged in but not in use. Where possible turn off all electrical items from the wall and make sure TV’s and DVD players aren’t on standby.

3. Apply for a GHIC

The GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) replaces the EHIC (European Health Insurance Card). Both cards provide treatment at state-run hospitals and GPs within the EU at the same cost as locals. The EHIC card is no longer issued since the UK’s departure from the EU but it is valid for 5 years. If your EHIC card has expired, you apply the same way for a GHIC card.

 Remember, that this is not a substitute for Travel Insurance and will only provide medical cover at the same costs as locals within the EU. It is also worth being aware that some EU countries won’t accept a GHIC card and it isn’t valid on a cruise. We strongly advise having a Travel Insurance policy that will provide cover for any pre-existing medical conditions to avoid being responsible for any large medical bill.

4. Turn off mobile data

If you’re not connected to free Wi-Fi then it’s best to turn off your mobile data or activate airplane mode to stop any unexpected charges. Check with your network provider before you travel as most will offer roaming bundles to help keep costs at a minimum if you need to be reachable whilst away.

5. Make your own travel size toiletries

It’s just as easy (and cheaper) to make your own travel size toiletries. Purchase some travel bottles and fill them up with your everyday essentials. Don’t forget if you’re taking hand luggage that these need to be sealed in a clear bag.

6. Don’t accidentally invalidate your Travel Insurance

We all rely on our Travel Insurance for peace of mind. But it is extremely important to be aware of the terms and conditions of your policy which can be found within the policy wording of your Travel Insurance documents.

 Certain things we all do on holiday can invalidate your Travel Insurance such as leaving your luggage in a hotel storage room as well having an accident whilst under the influence of alcohol.  Also not declaring all pre-existing medical conditions can invalidate your Travel Insurance policy if you take ill on holiday due to this condition or any linked conditions.

7. Make sure you leave room for souvenirs

If you are looking to make purchases whilst on holiday, make sure you have the space before you go. Depending what souvenirs you buy, you could end up over your luggage limit and having to face extra charges or worse leaving them behind.  

8. Book airport parking

If you’re travelling to the airport by car, book your parking in advance. You can save up to 10% on participating parking and hotels with our partner APH (discount will be applied automatically.) Exclusions apply.

9. Separate Luggage

If you’re travelling in a couple, family or group make sure to split your items amongst all cases should the worst happen and a case goes missing. This way everyone has some essentials to see them through. If you’re a solo traveller pack a change of clothes and some essentials in your hand luggage.

At Just Travel Cover we offer ‘Smart Luggage’.  Smart Luggage is an insurance policy that covers your checked luggage, if your luggage doesn’t arrive at your destination airport and is deemed lost after 48 hours you will receive £550*. If your case is reunited with you after this time, you also get to keep the money. Smart Luggage is available from as little as £3.50 per person. Find out more on Smart Luggage here

10. Be careful of unofficial websites

Especially if you’re applying for a visa for the USA, always use the ESTA official website.

Gov.uk sign posts any official sites under the foreign travel advice for each destination. They cover wide range of topics from entry requirements, local laws and customs, health and money advice.  

11. Check Government Guidance

Always check government guidance before you travel here. If you travel against government guidance it can invalidate your Travel Insurance policy. If you have been advised by the government to not travel to your destination, you usually can claim a refund or move the dates through your travel operator.

12. Covid pass

Check gov.uk for the latest travel entry requirements for your destination. If you require a Covid Pass, download the app and your pass before you travel to avoid any potential data roaming charges.

13. Download anything else you may need

Entertainment

Download any movies, TV shows and Music to be able to watch/listen offline and save on data roaming charges.

Maps

There are a number of useful maps you can use offline when abroad.

Google Maps

You can download maps from a specific search area you want, by tapping the three horizontal lines in the top left screen and selecting offline areas. Your map will then be stored in the ‘offline areas’ in the main menu, allowing you to get ‘lost’ in your new favourite city.

Nvamii

Navmii is recommend for those who may be driving abroad. It has pre-loaded maps and route planning for over 200 countries. Simply search in your phone’s app store for Navmii Offline GPS to get your road trip off to a flying start.

Maps.Me

For those who like to explore, this user generated app provides so much more detail find information on hiking trails, cash points, restaurants and so much more.

Citymapper

Citymapper has over 100 cities and will provide you with various transport links within your chosen city. Simply search for your destination and it will provide the various modes of transport from bus, tram, metro, subway and rail to get you there.  Again, it is best to download and save an offline version at home or on hotel Wi-Fi if available to avoid charges.

It is also worth noting that the offline versions will not provide you with traffic updates and route times will be based on no traffic. To get real time updates and ETA’s you will need to connect to your data and depending on your provider may incur charges.