Everything is more expensive this year both at home and abroad. A new report[1] has just revealed that the average price of package holidays across five top destinations is up more than 30%, with the holiday costs to some of Brits’ most favoured destinations - Spain, Turkey, Greece, Portugal and Cyprus - up by nearly 12% compared to last summer.
Whether you are planning days out, a staycation or holidaying abroad, Metro Bank has some tips to make this summer more affordable. “Following our top tips can help keep your summer fun filled but more affordable this year,” said Metro Bank’s consumer guru Mona Patel. “Whether you are planning days out, a staycation, or are even off abroad, there are always ways to save money.”
Metro Bank Summer Tips:
- Online Deals
Whatever your plans this summer, check out sites like Wowcher.co.uk which offers deals on UK or foreign city breaks, theatre tickets and theme parks or Groupon.com for everything from afternoon tea to spa breaks – on average you can save 30% using specialist sites.
- House swap for a free holiday
Sites like LoveHomeSwap allow you to swap your home with any of 10,000 worldwide properties on their site. All these sites charge a fee – LoveHomeSwap will give you a 10-day free trial with membership costs varying from £8 - £12 per month.
- airbnb
If you are planning to stay with relatives or travel this summer why not airbnb your property and offset some of the costs? airbnb not only verify guests and offer insurance protection, but they also connect you to a local Superhost to guide you through the process. Typically, fees are a flat service fee of 3% of the reservation subtotal when you get paid. airbnb also collect a fee from guests when they book. In many areas Airbnb also collects and pays sales and tourism taxes automatically on your behalf. One caveat – check that your mortgage provider has no objections. Metro Bank for example lets its residential mortgage customers rent out their properties on airbnb or similar sites for 90 days without impacting the terms and conditions of their mortgage.
- Foreign Transactions
Choose your credit and debit cards wisely. Always check with your card issuer what additional charges will apply on foreign card transactions before you travel so you can plan and budget accordingly. In Europe Metro Bank’s debit and credit cards have no fees at all whether withdrawing cash, or when paying by card in shops and restaurants.
- Cheap Arts
Want to see a West End show or London attraction? Sites like todaytix or TKTS London offer same day cut price theatre or attraction tickets. There are more than 25 free museums and 10 free art galleries in London alone. Search for free activities near me to find out what is in your area. Check out cinema offers. For example, Vue is currently staging Mini Mornings where tickets for kids' films cost from £2.49 for both children and adults – a fraction of the normal ticket prices.
- Off-Peak Travel
Public transport is much cheaper if you travel off peak. In general, off-peak hours begin at 09:30 from Monday to Friday in cities and large towns and at 09:00 everywhere else.
[1] TravelSupermarket research June 2023