, staycations are something of a big deal right now. Their popularity has been soaring for the last few years, but more recent events mean that for many of us, they are our primary means for a holiday.
Something that surprises a lot of British holidaymakers is the sheer cost of staying in their own country. Many bemoan the fact that it’s generally more cost-effective to catch a budget flight. However, there are ways and means to combat this, and through today’s article, we will outline several to help you on your way.
Avoid the peak areas
It often grabs the headlines, but unsurprisingly, London is classed as peak UK area. As such, if you want to avoid paying the hefty prices, it stands to reason that you’re better off avoiding here.
However, London isn’t the only destination that falls in such a category. For example, if you are aiming for school holidays (more on this later), then coastal destinations often tend to be on the pricy side as well.
The best advice is to compromise and find somewhere that is “close enough” to the action. Basingstoke is a prime example; it doesn’t have super-high prices, yet it has all of Hampshire’s attractions within a short drive.
The school holidays will hike your price
If you are going to be holidaying in the UK, then the school holidays are something that you really need to consider. To put it bluntly, if you will be visiting somewhere popular, you’re going to have to expect to pay a premium.
This can be a tricky one because the dates of the school holidays change from year to year. However, a nice way to find out when they are is by checking out the government website. The fortunate thing is that they can vary between locations. For example, in some areas of the country, children receive a two-week break through October, while in other places, it’s just the one. It’s finding hacks such as this one that can help you shave the cost of holidaying in the so-called most expensive periods of the year.
Don’t go for the flash
One thing that is often forgotten when it comes to saving money on a staycation is to not go for the flash. It doesn’t make sense to book into a 4-star (or 5-star, if you are that way inclined) hotel if you’re not going to be spending much time in your room. It’s far better to find something more affordable and less luxurious because you can save cash this way.
At the same time, this doesn’t mean that you should settle for a shabby, run-down hotel either. If you will be spending the majority of your time away from the room, then it’s always best to get something that’s going to offer you a comfortable bed and a clean bathroom. It’s all about weighing up exactly what you will be doing on your trip. Is it a relaxing getaway? Or is it going to be a jam-packed, action-filled adventure?