For those who’re wanting to save cash on weekend journeys then you definately’re in the proper place as a result of I’ve a number of nice ideas and journey hacks to share! Weekend breaks are on the rise and extra folks than ever earlier than are ditching the normal 2-week vacation in favour of a number of shorter holidays all year long. However weekend breaks might be costly so hold studying to learn the way to chop the prices and revel in extra weekenders!
Weekend breaks are the very best. For those who guide a number of weekend breaks all year long then you definately continually have one thing enjoyable and thrilling to stay up for.
After I had a ‘regular job’ with annual depart, I didn’t take one huge vacation a 12 months as I most popular to unfold my depart all year long and have a number of weekenders. You probably have 28 days for annual depart, that could possibly be 28 lengthy weekend breaks!
Listed below are 52 weekend away concepts in case you want some inspiration!
The one downside with weekend breaks is the price can rapidly mount up and a 3-day weekender can find yourself costing virtually as a lot as a 1 week all-inclusive bundle vacation. How does that even occur? I’ve obtained to confess, bundle holidays might be nice worth and it’s typically the flights that value essentially the most so it is typically higher worth to go away for longer, however there are methods to chop the prices of weekend breaks.
I’ve some ideas up my sleeve that will help you lower your expenses on weekend breaks and have these a lot wanted mini breaks on a funds.
1. E book upfront
I typically consider weekend breaks as being spontaneous journeys away however for those who guide upfront you’ll often get a a lot better deal, particularly with flights. Generally it actually does pay to be organised!
I really like organising my weekend breaks upfront as a result of I benefit from the reserving, planning and organising a part of the vacation simply as a lot as the vacation itself! It additionally means you may guide the flights one month and the resort the following month and a few actions the next month so you’ve extra time to pay for issues and it doesn’t really feel like such an enormous chunk of cash in a single go!
I like to recommend reserving as far upfront as you probably can for the very best offers, particularly on flights.
Travel Hack Tip: I all the time use Skyscanner to search out the very best flight offers as it is so easy and consumer pleasant and also you see all of your choices in a single place.
2. Or on the final minute for reasonable staycations
Alternatively, for those who guide on the final minute you can too get a discount, significantly for those who’re staying in a personal vacation let within the UK. If attainable, contact the proprietor of the property instantly and ask in the event that they’re capable of give a reduction. It sounds cheeky but it surely’s typically higher for the proprietor to have somebody keep at a reduced fee than to have the property empty for days.
It’s possible you’ll do not forget that final 12 months we took a spontaneous weekend break to Aberdaron and we obtained this property at a discount value as a result of we booked it just some days earlier than.
Journey Hack Tip: This often solely applies whenever you’re staying within the UK as flights are not often cheaper when booked final minute.
3. Funds for transport and different logistics
Don’t overlook about the travel logistics like attending to the airport. That 6am flight from Stansted may appear low-cost, however whenever you realise you may’t get to the airport at 4am and must take a taxi or keep in an airport resort, you realise the prices are mounting up already. Flights at sociable hours might be dearer however they will nonetheless work out cheaper than an airport resort.
For those who personal a automobile, I often discover that driving to the airport is the most affordable choice for those who use a funds parking supplier equivalent to Purple Parking.
4. Use deal websites and packages to save cash on weekend journeys
I’m all about unbiased journey however reserving by a bundle vacation deal web site can typically be SO low-cost and really handy. For those who’re subscribed to my e-newsletter you’ll know I really like TravelZoo as a result of I typically embody an incredible discover from the location.
You’ll typically get all-inclusive holidays with transfers included for a fraction of what you’d spend your self. OK, generally the motels look a bit of ropey and also you wouldn’t wish to eat each meal there however for those who rent a automobile you’ll be free to discover.
5. Transfer your weekend to midweek
For those who’re fortunate sufficient to have a versatile working atmosphere, why not transfer your weekend break from Friday-Sunday to Sunday-Tuesday? Most locations will likely be a lot quieter, making every little thing cheaper. Flights will likely be your largest saving however motels, eating places, reveals and different actions can even have huge reductions for midweek friends.
Controversially, I really like working weekends so I’m completely happy to journey midweek and spend the weekend in my workplace. I get way more productive after I work on the weekend as a result of most individuals aren’t on-line and I’m not distracted by fixed emails and social media notifications.
6. Select enterprise motels on the weekend
For those who do journey Friday-Sunday, select a resort that will often be thought-about a enterprise resort. They’re often positioned within the enterprise district and sometimes embody huge chain motels like Hilton and Marriott.
These motels are often very nice. OK, they don’t have a whole lot of character and the décor is usually a little bland and the rooms a bit of small however they typically have nice areas, pleasant employees and discounted costs on the weekend when there are fewer enterprise travellers on the town.
7. Use Airbnb
I’m an enormous fan of Airbnb and I’ve managed to remain in some attractive locations. For those who’re on a funds, you may hire only one room in somebody’s home however I all the time hire an entire house. It’s not all the time loads cheaper than a resort however the comfort of getting more room and a kitchen is price it – particularly when it can save you cash by getting ready a few of your personal meals and even simply having a bottle of wine in your balcony as a substitute of a bar.
8. Take a look at metropolis passes
For those who plan to do a whole lot of sight-seeing then try your vacation spot’s metropolis cross. Most cities have them the place you’ll purchase a cross that provides you entry to all the highest points of interest and sometimes public transport too. A few of them even have reductions for eating places and bars.
Journey Hack Tip: Notice that metropolis passes are solely good worth for those who plan to do A LOT. For those who’re simply going to go to 2-3 points of interest then they’re not usually price it and it’s higher to pay for every little thing individually.
9. Do a free strolling tour
For those who simply wish to get a quick overview of your vacation spot then contemplate taking a free strolling tour. They’re run by passionate locals they usually’ll take you to the primary points of interest in a metropolis and provide you with some details about the historical past in addition to locations to eat and drink. It is an incredible alternative to get some native data and get restaurant suggestions. You might be anticipated to present your information a tip but it surely’s nonetheless a funds strategy to see someplace new.
10. Journey with simply hand baggage
I’m all the time amazed by how a lot I can get in my hand baggage and for those who’re going away for 2-3 days you actually don’t have to pay £40 to examine in a giant suitcase. Even once we’re travelling with each our boys, Sam and I by no means take checked baggage and we make do with 3 cabin sized suitcases between us (Joseph doesn’t get a cabin bag till he’s two as a result of we don’t pay for his seat).
I designed the superior Travel Hack Cabin Case with Cabin Max and it is enormous! There’s a model 2 popping out quickly with higher zips so look out for that. Numerous the critiques of this case mentioned it could be excellent if it had stronger zips so I’m very excited for V2!
11. Use public transport
There’s often a very low-cost, simple and dependable method of getting from the airport to town centre – it simply isn’t all the time completely apparent. I discover that TripAdvisor is an effective place to go for updated details about airport transfers and costs and Google Maps is finest for metropolis centre public transport choices.
For those who’re going to a funds airport outdoors of town centre, there’s often a shuttle bus into town they usually’re all the time actually low-cost.
The one time I don’t use public transport is once we’re within the UK. I’d like to advocate taking public transport within the UK but it surely’s virtually all the time cheaper and simpler to drive. Trains are very costly and sometimes unreliable (particularly on the weekend) so I’d all the time drive and for those who’re visiting I’d even advocate hiring a automobile.
12. Strive glamping
Do you know that glamping holidays might be so low-cost!? Glamping is a whole lot of enjoyable and is a funds strategy to keep someplace distinctive and memorable. They’re typically fairly luxurious too so that you don’t want to chop again on all of the little luxuries. Take a look at this submit about 10 distinctive glamping locations in North Wales.
13. Journey with 3 different folks
It is often most cost-effective to journey in a bunch of 4 folks. You’ll be able to cut up the prices of taxis, airport parking and residences between 4 and it turns into cheaper for you all.
There you’ve it. My prime ideas for saving cash on weekend breaks. Do you’ve any extra ideas so as to add to the listing?
