Best Money Saving Budget Travel Hacks

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On the JJ Barnes Blog, as the summer approaches and we start thinking about holidays, these money saving budget travel hacks will help keep the cost down without taking away from the fun.

Summer’s knocking, and I don’t know about you, but my mind’s already wandering to sandy beaches and sun-drenched adventures. But, let’s be real, those dreamy getaways can quickly turn into a nightmare for our wallets. I’ve been there – staring at flight prices that make my eyes water, and wondering how I’m going to afford anything more than a staycation.

This year, though, I’m determined to make it happen without sacrificing the fun. So, with the help of Jason Higgs, Senior Deals Strategist at Bountii, I’ve been digging deep, collecting all the best money-saving travel hacks I can find, and I’m sharing them with you!

Let’s ditch the guilt and embrace the wanderlust, without breaking the bank. Join me as we explore how to make those summer holiday dreams a reality, on a budget that actually works.

Money Saving Budget Travel Hacks

Use a No Foreign Transaction Fee Credit/Debit Card

Right, let’s talk about those sneaky bank charges that can turn your dream holiday into a financial headache. You know the ones I mean – those pesky foreign transaction fees. Honestly, they feel like daylight robbery! Imagine this: you’re finally ordering that delicious gelato in Rome, or picking up a quirky souvenir in Barcelona, and every time you tap your card, your bank is taking a little slice of your holiday budget.

Now, in real terms, many banks here in the UK will slap a 2.75% to 3% foreign transaction fee on every single purchase or ATM withdrawal you make abroad. Let’s break that down into proper British money. If you’re spending, say, £100 a day on your travels (which is easily done!), that’s £2.75 to £3 disappearing into thin air, just for the privilege of using your own money. Over a two-week holiday, that could easily amount to a staggering £40 to £60 – that’s a decent meal out, or a couple of exciting excursions, just vanished!

And it’s not just the big purchases; it’s the little ones too. That coffee here, that bus ticket there, they all add up. Before you know it, you’re looking at your bank statement and wondering where all your spending money went. It’s absolutely infuriating.

The worst part is, it’s so easy to overlook these fees when you’re caught up in the excitement of travel. But trust me, they’re a real drain on your budget.

To avoid those pesky foreign transaction fees, consider using a credit or debit card designed for international travel.

Here are a few popular options:

• Barclaycard Rewards Credit Card: Offers 0.25% cashback on all purchases, including those made abroad, and has no foreign transaction fees.
• Halifax Clarity Credit Card: This credit card is specifically designed for overseas spending and has no foreign transaction fees.
• Santander All in One Credit Card: Charges no foreign transaction fees as long as you pay in the local currency. It also offers up to £10 a month cashback on all purchases.

To avoid getting this high foreign transaction fee, consider using a credit or debit card that does not ask for foreign transaction fees such as Chase Sapphire Reserve, Capital One Venture, or some travel cards from various banks like Citi and Bank of America.

This allows you to pay in the local currency directly at the best interbank exchange rate without incurring any extra fees from your bank.

-Jason Higgs, Senior Deals Strategist at Bountii

Get a Travel-Friendly Bank Account

Forget those eye-watering foreign transaction fees and the sting of poor exchange rates from your high-street bank. Opening an account with a digital bank like Revolut, Wise (formerly TransferWise), or N26, which are designed specifically for international travel, can genuinely save you a significant amount of money. These modern banking solutions offer a suite of benefits that traditional banks simply struggle to match.

Firstly, and perhaps most importantly, is the near-elimination of foreign transaction fees. Most digital banks operate on a model that doesn’t penalise you for spending your money abroad, meaning you can tap, swipe, and withdraw without that nagging worry of hidden costs chipping away at your holiday fund. Secondly, ATM fees, which can be a real pain when you’re abroad, are often significantly reduced or even completely free. Many digital banks offer free withdrawals globally, or at least charge very minimal fees, allowing you to access your cash without feeling like you’re throwing money away. Then there’s the exchange rates. Digital banks typically offer much more competitive rates than your standard bank, meaning you get more bang for your buck, or more euros for your pound.

Beyond the financial advantages, digital banks are designed for convenience. Their user-friendly mobile apps make managing your money on the go a breeze. You can track your spending, transfer funds, and even freeze your card with just a few taps. If you’re planning a trip abroad, opening an account with a digital bank isn’t just a smart move, it’s practically essential for the savvy traveller. It’s about taking control of your finances and enjoying your holiday without the stress of unexpected charges.

Remember to load your account with the currency you need before you travel, use your digital bank card for all your purchases, and withdraw cash from affiliated ATMs to maximise your savings. And of course, keep a watchful eye on your spending through the app. While digital banks are fantastic, it’s always wise to have a backup plan, like a small amount of cash or a second account, just in case.

These accounts allow free ATM withdrawals abroad, no foreign transaction fees, and let you hold and exchange multiple currencies at the interbank mid-market rate.

-Jason Higgs, Senior Deals Strategist at Bountii

Avoid Currency Conversion at Hotels/Shops

Ah, Dynamic Currency Conversion (DCC), a seemingly helpful feature that’s often a wolf in sheep’s clothing for travellers. You’re standing at a shop counter in a bustling Marrakech souk, or perhaps a chic Parisian boutique, ready to pay for your treasures. The card machine asks a deceptively simple question: “Would you like to pay in GBP?” It sounds convenient, doesn’t it? Knowing exactly how much you’re spending in your familiar currency. But here’s the catch: choosing to pay in GBP through DCC almost always guarantees you’ll get a significantly poorer exchange rate than if you’d opted for the local currency, whether it’s dirhams or euros.

Here’s why: when you choose DCC, the merchant or their payment processor, rather than your bank, handles the currency conversion. They apply their own exchange rate, which invariably includes a hefty markup. This markup is their profit, and it can be considerably higher than the interbank rate or the rate your own bank would offer. So, while you might think you’re getting clarity on the price, you’re actually paying a premium for that “convenience.”

Think of it this way: you’re essentially letting a stranger at the point of sale dictate the exchange rate, rather than trusting your own bank, which usually has a more competitive rate. It’s akin to buying your travel money at the airport kiosk just before departure – you’re paying for immediacy, not value.

The best practice is to always, without exception, choose to pay in the local currency. This empowers your own bank or card provider to handle the conversion, typically at a much fairer rate. Even if you’re using a card that charges a small foreign transaction fee, the overall cost will likely be lower than if you’d succumbed to DCC.

Don’t be fooled by the perceived simplicity of seeing the price in GBP. A moment of hesitation and a simple “no” to DCC can save you a surprising amount of money over the course of your trip. Train yourself to politely decline DCC every time, and you’ll be keeping more of your hard-earned pounds in your pocket, where they belong, ready for your next adventure.

While this may sound convenient and easy, you should always decline to use DCC. The merchant sets their own exchange rate which is usually 3% to 5% worse than the daily rate your bank or card issuer would charge.

-Jason Higgs, Senior Deals Strategist at Bountii

Be Flexible with Travel Dates

In a world where flight and hotel prices fluctuate like the British weather, being adaptable with your travel dates is your secret weapon. It’s not just about saving a few quid; it’s about potentially slashing hundreds off your holiday costs.

Think of it like this: airlines and hotels operate on a supply and demand basis. Peak travel days, typically Fridays and Saturdays, and popular holiday periods, command premium prices. But if you’re willing to shift your departure or arrival by even a single day, or better yet, a mid-week flight, you can tap into a wealth of cheaper options. That’s because airlines often reduce prices for flights on less popular days to fill empty seats.

Imagine you’re eyeing a trip to the sun-drenched beaches of the Algarve. A flight on a Saturday might set you back £300, but moving your departure to a Tuesday could see that price drop to a much more palatable £180 or even less. That’s a saving of £120, enough for a fantastic dinner out or a couple of exciting excursions. And it’s not just flights; hotels often follow a similar pricing pattern, with mid-week stays being significantly cheaper than weekend bookings.

The same principle applies to the time of year. Avoiding school holidays and peak tourist seasons can lead to substantial savings. Consider travelling in the shoulder seasons – the periods just before or after the peak – when the weather is still pleasant, but the crowds are thinner and the prices are lower. You’ll not only save money but also enjoy a more relaxed and authentic travel experience.

To maximise your savings, use flight comparison websites that offer flexible date searches. These tools allow you to see price variations across a range of dates, making it easy to spot the cheapest options. Similarly, many hotel booking sites offer flexible date calendars, so you can compare prices and find the best deals.

Use tools like Google Flights and Skyscanner to look for the most affordable combination of dates and times to fly. Travel during shoulder seasons or off-peak times when prices are lower.

-Jason Higgs, Senior Deals Strategist at Bountii

Book Flights with Long Layovers

Let’s delve into the art of strategic airport hopping, a travel hack that can significantly reduce your flight costs, especially when your dream destination boasts an infamously expensive airport. You know the drill: you’re planning a trip to, say, the idyllic Greek islands, but flights directly to those smaller, tourist-centric airports are eye-wateringly pricey. Instead of resigning yourself to a hefty bill, consider the savvy traveller’s approach: the “hub and spoke” strategy.

The concept is simple. Identify a major, well-connected airport hub that’s relatively close to your final destination. These hubs, often served by numerous airlines, tend to have a higher volume of flights, leading to more competitive pricing. Think of places like Amsterdam Schiphol, Frankfurt Airport, or even major UK hubs like London Heathrow or Manchester Airport, depending on where you are travelling.

First, search for flights to this major hub. Focus on finding the most affordable options, even if they involve longer layovers. These layovers, while seemingly inconvenient, can actually be a boon, offering opportunities to explore a new city or simply relax in a comfortable airport lounge. Once you’ve secured your cheap flight to the hub, the next step is to look for low-cost carriers that operate routes from that hub to your final destination.

This is where the real savings kick in. Airlines like easyJet, Ryanair, Wizz Air, and others specialise in short-haul, budget-friendly flights within Europe and beyond. By booking these flights separately, you can often save a substantial amount compared to booking a direct flight to your final destination.

However, a word of caution: when booking separate flights, ensure you leave ample time between your arrival at the hub and your departure on the low-cost flight. You’ll need to factor in potential delays, baggage collection, and navigating through the airport. Missed connections due to tight schedules can negate any savings you might have made.

Furthermore, be mindful of baggage allowances and restrictions with low-cost carriers. They often have stricter rules and charge extra for checked baggage, so packing light can save you even more.

This method requires a bit more planning and organisation, but the potential rewards are significant. It’s about being a strategic traveller, thinking outside the box, and leveraging the competitive nature of the airline industry to your advantage. By mastering the “hub and spoke” strategy, you can unlock access to otherwise expensive destinations, making your travel dreams a reality without breaking the bank.

This ‘hacking’ of flight routings can provide major savings over booking a more direct flight. Just make sure you have enough time to make your connection.

-Jason Higgs, Senior Deals Strategist at Bountii

Use Travel Rewards Credit Cards

In the UK, just like anywhere else, travel rewards credit cards are your secret weapon for unlocking free flights, luxurious hotel stays, and those coveted upgrades that transform a good holiday into an unforgettable one. It’s not just about spending; it’s about spending strategically.

The premise is simple: you use a travel rewards credit card for your regular purchases – groceries, petrol, online shopping – and in return, you accumulate points or miles. These rewards can then be redeemed for a variety of travel perks, essentially turning your daily expenses into future adventures. But here’s where the magic lies: it’s not a “one-size-fits-all” approach. To truly maximise the benefits, you need to be flexible, do your homework, and leverage the right tools and strategies.

Firstly, flexibility is key. Being open to different travel dates, destinations, and airlines can significantly increase your chances of finding reward flight availability or hotel room redemptions. Remember those flexible dates we discussed earlier? They are doubly important when using points. Secondly, research is paramount. Understanding the nuances of each travel rewards programme is crucial. Some cards offer better earning rates on specific categories, while others provide more flexible redemption options. Compare the earning potential, redemption values, and any associated fees of different cards to find the one that aligns with your travel goals.

For instance, some cards might offer bonus points for spending on travel-related expenses, while others might provide exclusive access to airport lounges or travel insurance. Utilise comparison websites and read reviews to gather insights from other travellers. Also, knowing when airlines release reward seats is vital. Some airlines release them almost a year in advance, so planning ahead is crucial.

Leveraging the right tools and strategies is the final piece of the puzzle. Use flight and hotel search engines that allow you to filter results by reward availability. Sign up for email alerts from airlines and hotel chains to stay informed about special offers and promotions. And don’t forget to explore the partnerships between airlines, hotels, and credit card companies. These partnerships often provide opportunities to transfer points or miles, unlocking even more redemption options.

Furthermore, consider the long-term benefits of travel rewards credit cards. If you’re a frequent traveller, the cumulative value of the rewards can be substantial. However, it’s essential to use credit responsibly and avoid carrying a balance, as the interest charges can quickly outweigh the benefits.

The savings you can potentially get from redeeming rewards can immediately offset the annual fees you have to pay on premium travel cards. Just be sure to pay your balance in full each month to avoid interest charges. In no time, you can stretch your travel budget significantly further on your next international trip.

-Jason Higgs, Senior Deals Strategist at Bountii

About Bountii

Bountii is a team of bargain hunters, deal finders, and savings enthusiasts. We’re passionate about finding ways to help customers cut costs without cutting corners on quality. Our experts verify and update our deals regularly, ensuring that our readers get access to only the most current and valuable offers. Jason Higgs is the Senior Deals Strategist, a seasoned professional in the world of online retail and e-commerce, with a passion for uncovering the best deals and discounts the internet has to offer.