| Even though recent economic indicators point | | | | One little-known fact about these fares is that |
| toward a financial recovery, smart shoppers are | | | | the adults and children need not be from the |
| still looking for ways to save on household | | | | same family. If you can schedule your trip to |
| expenses. Especially when planning a holiday, | | | | coincide with that of friends with children, you can |
| consumers are looking for the best deals and | | | | benefit from these reduced fares. Generally, |
| discounts. While most travellers know about | | | | railcards offer a reduced cost compared with |
| advance sales discounts and online booking sites, | | | | individually-ticketed trips. |
| there are a number of lesser-known ways to | | | | Add Some Adventure to Your Holiday |
| reduce the cost of holidaymaking within the UK or | | | | Biking and walking tours eliminate most |
| abroad. | | | | transportation costs while offering a healthy and |
| What a Difference a Day Makes | | | | scenic alternative to traditional sightseeing holidays. |
| By planning your trip so that your flights occur in | | | | A number of companies offer individualised tours |
| the middle of the week, rather than near the | | | | to suit your fitness level and budget; |
| weekend, you can often obtain significantly lower | | | | accommodation ranges from discount hotels and |
| fares. Tuesday and Wednesday are usually best; | | | | hostels to luxury bed-and-breakfast retreats. |
| Friday and Monday should be avoided. Many | | | | Walking and biking holidays offer unique |
| airlines give a discount for round-trip reservations | | | | advantages to travellers, including lower |
| that include at least one weekend, so starting | | | | transportation costs, improved fitness, and the |
| your holiday in mid-week can make a large | | | | bragging rights that go along with these |
| difference in the fare you pay. | | | | adventurous holiday excursions. |
| Trading Spaces | | | | Upgrade to Downsize Costs |
| One increasingly popular method for reducing | | | | Ironically enough, many travellers can reduce their |
| holiday costs is to sign up for one of the home | | | | costs by upgrading their hotel room to one of the |
| exchange sites online; these sites match | | | | Club or Concierge options. These deluxe |
| holidaymakers and other travellers according to | | | | accommodation options offer many additional |
| location. For instance, if you want to spend your | | | | services for guests, often including an assortment |
| holiday in Scotland, but reside in London, the site | | | | of free breakfast, lunch, and snack buffets. By |
| would match you up with someone who is | | | | paying the additional cost for these rooms up |
| travelling to London from Scotland during your | | | | front, holidaymakers can reduce or eliminate the |
| desired time period. You would then spend your | | | | expense of dining out; in resort areas, this can |
| holiday in their home, while they reside in yours, | | | | make a significant difference in total costs. This |
| thereby eliminating hotel charges during the trip. | | | | option is especially useful when planning working |
| This method requires significant flexibility in terms | | | | holidays, since fax and internet services are |
| of times and destinations; your preferred location | | | | usually included in the cost of the hotel room. |
| may not be available during your scheduled | | | | When these additional expenses are factored in, |
| holiday, requiring either a change in your schedule | | | | luxury suites can often compete favourably even |
| or in your destination. Home exchange programs | | | | with cheap hotels in cost. |
| have a good track record of success, and | | | | Holidaymakers have a wide array of choices |
| represent a significant savings for most people. | | | | designed to make travelling more affordable; |
| Most home exchange services require a minimal | | | | planning an inexpensive holiday need not consign |
| yearly fee. | | | | one to cheap hotels and fast food restaurants. By |
| Think Young | | | | considering unusual transportation and housing |
| Special Family Railcards are available for adults | | | | arrangements, travellers can enjoy an exciting and |
| travelling with children in the UK; these fares are | | | | memorable holiday for far less money. |
| often cheaper than comparable adult fares alone. | | | | |