Travel expert's 10 tips to save money on your summer holiday

The summer holiday season is fast approaching, and whether you've been organised and booked your break months in advance or are a last-minute planner, UK airports will soon be bustling with eager travellers.

While many have already secured their summer getaways, Fred Harrington, CEO of discount site Bountii, has compiled a handy list of 10 money-saving tips to help Brits make the most of their holidays this year.

From choosing the best times to travel to making the most of your time abroad, Fred's advice covers a variety of topics. And they could make all the difference.

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1. Opt for off-peak travel.

This may seem like an obvious tip, but travelling during school holidays can significantly increase the cost of your trip. For example, a family of four could expect to pay around £746 just for flights during these peak periods, reports the Mirror.

If possible, try to plan your holiday for June, before schools break up, or even better, after they return in September. Not only will your holiday be cheaper, but less touristy destinations can also offer better value for money.

For families who are tied to the school calendar but still want to save some pennies, the last week of August offers the best value, with prices averaging 15.5% lower than the rest of the holiday period.

2. Take advantage of coupons and discounts.

Booking sites are often keen to work with customers and many offer fantastic discounts and coupons that can save you a tidy sum. While not every coupon is applicable to all holidays, it's worth making use of them when possible.

For instance, a pricier holiday could see you saving more than on a cheaper one, potentially allowing you to secure your dream getaway at a significantly reduced cost. Another tip is to remain flexible with dates and specific areas within your destination, as this could lead to further savings.

3. Make the most of comparison websites.

Comparison websites are a holidaymaker's best friend, aiming to secure you the best and cheapest deal available. Whether you're after hotels, flight prices or even package holidays, websites like Booking.com and Trivago compare all prices to get you the best deal.

If you're just looking for flights, Skyscanner has become a popular site for affordable fares.

When it comes to sorting out your travel insurance, websites like Go Compare and Compare the Market offer some great deals.

4. Think about an all-inclusive package holiday.

While it might not seem like it at first, sometimes all-inclusive holidays can be a slightly cheaper option. While dining out at local restaurants is a wonderful way to sample the local cuisine, it can sometimes turn out to be a more expensive way to spend your holiday.

While you might not be venturing out as much, the stress of deciding where to dine will certainly be eliminated. However, bear in mind that not all holiday packages include all-inclusive options, so you might need to do a bit of hunting to find the perfect deal.

5. Travel light to save on luggage costs.

Travelling with children often means carry-on luggage isn't sufficient. However, if you can manage it, you'll save a significant amount of money.

Many airlines offer free underseat or overhead luggage options. Remember, each airline has its own policies and prices, and what's available will also depend on who you're flying with.

If you must check in a bag, try to pack as lightly as possible. Bring only what you need instead of multiple outfits for each day.

Make a detailed list of necessities, roll your clothes to save space, and consider bringing travel-sized toiletries.

6. Engage in free or low-cost activities.

While jet skiing or snorkelling might sound exciting, these activities can be quite expensive. Instead, look for affordable yet engaging activities for the whole family.

Museums, galleries, and cultural landmarks are usually free and provide a great opportunity to learn more about your destination. If you're up for something more adventurous, boat trips and tours are relatively inexpensive.

7. Opt for walking instead of driving.

Another straightforward tip, but renting a car while on holiday can be quite costly, particularly when most destinations Brits visit are easily navigable on foot. Not only is it more cost-effective, but you also get some good exercise and have the opportunity to soak up more of your surroundings.

And if you need to travel a bit further, most places offer affordable public transport options.

8. Prepare some of your holiday meals.

If you haven't opted for an all-inclusive holiday and your accommodation has self-catering facilities, then cooking a dinner or two is another excellent way to save money. Yes, you want to make the most of your holiday and may not want to cook, but you can still savour local cuisine by visiting a local supermarket and preparing meals with local ingredients.

9. Bring your own entertainment.

While nights out are fantastic, especially in the sun, you might fancy a quiet night in one evening, and having something to keep you entertained is crucial. While many holidays abroad come with TVs, they're often not the easiest to operate, so if you're keen to watch TV, why not bring a tablet or laptop with you?

Or for those who prefer a games night, cards or small portable board games are perfect for enjoying on your balcony.

10. Make sure you're fully insured to avoid extra charges.

Securing travel insurance is crucial when jetting off overseas, as it provides protection should anything unexpected occur. To keep costs low, ensure you have a valid GHIC card, which could grant you access to state healthcare in certain countries at the same rate as residents.