Even when you plan the most lavish of holidays, you don’t want to be spending money when you don’t have to. And let’s face it, the more you manage to save by implementing a few of these tips and tricks, the more you’ll have to spend on the things you want to do. So eke out those Euros, conserve that Krona and be frugal with your Francs by taking some of the advice below.
Avoid Exchange Errors
Saving money on your European city break can start before you have even left the country. It’s important to choose the right option when changing your money to the local currency. Exchanging at the airport or paying on your credit card for each transaction are not good options and could leave you out of pocket from the get go. Instead, search around online for the best rates and pay in advance.
Sites like this are great for comparing rates and you can often save by picking up the money yourself (instead of having it delivered) or by using a supermarket that has a loyalty program you are already part of. If you would prefer to take your card rather than travel with large sums of cash, withdraw your foreign money from an ATM in bulk to avoid transaction fees every time you pay.
Surf And Save
If you have a good idea of the things you want to do whilst exploring your chosen city, buying tickets in advance is a great way to save. Simply go to the website and pay for entry online instead of at the attraction; you will often be able to see how much you are saving there and then. These days, most companies will give you the chance to print your tickets off at home, so you won’t have to worry about them getting lost in the post or locating the collection booth when you get there. A lot of the time, this means that you get to skip the queue as well. It’s a win win.
Look Out For City Cards
The most popular European destinations will offer city cards packed with discounts and privileges for the duration of your trip. They often include free or discounted travel on public transport, which can save you quite a bit over a few days, as well as free entry to certain popular attractions and even money off particular restaurants.
The best way to know whether it’s worth buying the card your chosen city offers is to go online and see which attractions it covers. If it includes things you would have done anyway then it’s definitely worth the investment. Often, these cards pay for themselves with the transport discounts alone. If you decide to travel with us, ask the team about adding a city card to your booking.
Pack A Picnic
One thing that eats away at your hard earned cash whilst you are on holiday is dining out every day. If your hotel doesn’t include breakfast, you could end up forking out for three meals a day at restaurant prices. Whilst it’s always nice to explore some of the local cafes and delis, consider taking a packed lunch if you are going out for the day. You can buy all the components from a supermarket and it will work out a lot cheaper than buying a sandwich on the go. This is especially true if you are heading to a zoo, theme park or anywhere else that can afford to hike up their prices due to a captive audience. If you are travelling with children, they will love this idea and revel in choosing their picnic preferences from the supermarket aisles.
Stay Outside Of The City Centre
Whilst a city centre hotel provides great access to the most popular attractions, you are often charged a premium for the privilege, especially during peak periods. Staying just outside of the city centre is likely to mean that you pay less per night and can still use the local transport to get in and out of the main areas when you need to. If you have already bagged yourself a city card (see above), you can do this without having to spend your hotel savings on your daily transport.
European city breaks are becoming more and more popular with Brits, overtaking beach holidays in 2014 as our most favoured type of break. If you would like to explore the continents best destinations in this way, call our helpful team today and we can tailor-make your perfect trip.
