With holidays remaining a top priority, even in tight financial times, many Irish travellers are getting creative in finding ways to save money on their trips.
According to a recent survey by Multitrip.com, conducted by Opinium, an overwhelming 95% of holidaymakers have adopted various strategies to make their holidays more affordable. Here are the top five money-saving hacks that are helping people enjoy their getaways without breaking the bank.
- Travel Midweek (45%)
Nearly half of all respondents said they opt to travel midweek to save money. Flights and accommodation are often cheaper on days like Tuesday or Wednesday, making it an easy way to cut costs. By avoiding the busy weekend rush, travellers can take advantage of lower prices and enjoy a more relaxed travel experience. - Use Free Hotel Cancellation to Find Better Deals (34%)
A significant number of holidaymakers are using the flexibility of free hotel cancellation policies to their advantage. By booking accommodation that allows for free cancellations, they can continue searching for better deals right up until their travel date, ensuring they get the best possible price. - Go Self-Catering (34%)
Another popular way to save is by opting for self-catering accommodation. By preparing their own meals, travellers can avoid the often high costs of dining out. This not only saves money but also allows for a more personalised experience, with the option to explore local markets and cook up some of the regional specialities. - Fly at Anti-Social Times (33%)
One-third of those surveyed said they are willing to fly at less convenient times, such as late at night or early in the morning, to secure cheaper fares. Flights during these off-peak hours are often significantly less expensive, allowing for substantial savings on travel costs. - Wait for Flight Sales (33%)
Patience pays off for many travellers who choose to wait for flight sales before booking their trips. By keeping an eye on airline promotions and special offers, they can often find great deals that cut down on the overall cost of their holiday.
Other Creative Ways to Save
In addition to these top five tips, there are other clever ways travellers are saving money. Some choose to book last-minute trips (26%) to take advantage of reduced rates, while others (22%) admit to packing a lunch from the hotel breakfast buffet to save on eating out. Almost a fifth (18%) have confessed to wearing extra clothes or hiding items in their luggage to avoid paying for additional baggage.
Don’t Skimp on Travel Insurance
While saving on holiday expenses is essential, Jason Whelan of Multitrip.com stresses that skimping on travel insurance is a risk not worth taking. “Holidays will always remain a priority, and when budgets are tight, there are creative ways to cut costs. However, travel insurance is not one of them,“ Jason advises.
With annual travel insurance policies from Multitrip.com starting at just €19.95, there’s no reason to travel without coverage. “We advise all holidaymakers to purchase a policy as soon as they book their trip to ensure cancellation protection,” Jason concludes, adding that delaying the purchase of insurance doesn’t save money but instead leaves travellers vulnerable.
By implementing these money-saving strategies and ensuring proper travel insurance coverage, holidaymakers can enjoy their time away without worrying about overspending or unexpected costs.
More information: Multitrip.com
