Practical ways to spend less on flights, trains, accommodation, money abroad, insurance and eating out, plus how to set a realistic daily budget for your trip.
Travel does not have to be expensive, but the savings rarely come from one big trick. They come from a series of sensible choices about when you go, how you book and how you pay. Here are twelve that work for most trips from the UK, followed by a simple way to set a daily budget.
Getting there
1. Be flexible on dates and airports
Prices vary widely by day of the week, time of day and school holidays. Use fare calendars on airline and comparison sites to see a month at a glance, and check nearby airports. Midweek flights are often cheaper.
2. Read the full price, including bags
Budget airlines often include only a small under-seat bag. Add up the cost of cabin and hold bags, seat selection and airport transfers before deciding which flight is really cheapest. Booking bags at the time of booking is usually cheaper than adding them later or at the airport.
3. Book UK trains early and use a railcard
Advance fares on many UK routes go on sale weeks ahead and can be much cheaper than walk-up fares. A railcard typically gives a third off many fares for eligible groups (16–25, 26–30, Senior, Two Together, Family & Friends and others) and often pays for itself in one or two journeys. Split-ticketing (buying separate tickets for parts of a route) is legitimate as long as the train calls at the stations on your tickets.
4. Consider the train or coach to Europe
For some routes, Eurostar or a coach can compete with flying once airport transfers and bag fees are included, and you travel city centre to city centre.
Where you stay?
5. Compare accommodation types
Hotels, apartments, guesthouses and hostels (many with private rooms) suit different trips. An apartment with a kitchen can save significantly on food for longer stays or families. Check the total price including cleaning fees and local tourist taxes.
6. Stay just outside the centre
Accommodation a short public-transport ride from the centre is often much cheaper. Factor in the cost and time of getting in.
7. Read cancellation terms
Cheaper non-refundable rates make sense only if your plans are firm.
Money abroad
8. Use a card with low foreign fees
Many standard debit and credit cards charge a foreign transaction fee on every purchase abroad and extra for cash withdrawals. Some cards and accounts charge none. Check before you go.
9. Always pay in the local currency
When a card machine or cash machine abroad offers to charge you in pounds, choose the local currency. The "convenience" conversion, known as dynamic currency conversion, usually uses a worse exchange rate.
10. Avoid airport currency exchange
Airport bureaux often offer poor rates. If you need cash, order in advance or use a cash machine at your destination with a suitable card.
While you are there
11. Eat like a local
Lunch menus are often much cheaper than dinner in many European countries. Supermarkets, markets and bakeries make good picnic stops. Tap water is safe to drink in many destinations; check before you go.
12. Get insurance and a GHIC at booking
It sounds like a cost, not a saving, but buying travel insurance when you book protects your money if you have to cancel. A free GHIC covers state healthcare in the EU at local rates. Check whether your bank account already includes travel insurance.
Setting a realistic daily budget
- Fixed costs first: flights or trains, accommodation and insurance, booked in advance.
- Daily spending: food, local transport, attractions and a small buffer. Research typical local prices for a meal, a coffee and a transport day ticket.
- Multiply by the number of days, then add 10–15% for the unexpected.
- Track as you go using a notes app or budgeting app, and adjust if you overspend early.
Free attractions, city passes for travellers who will visit several paid sights, and walking tours (where you tip what you think fair) can stretch the budget further.
Frequently asked questions
Is it cheaper to book last minute?
Occasionally, for package holidays with unsold places, but for flights and trains, booking ahead is usually cheaper, especially in school holidays.
Sources and further reading
Facts checked on 20 October 2026. Spotted an error? Tell us and we will correct it.