How to save money on your holidays

When it comes to the summer holidays, it may be tempting to feel like you are taking a break from the dreary business of saving money.

Don’t fall for it. Thanks to unscrupulous airlines, airports, tour operators and hotels, the journey to your holiday destination may be strewn with expensive traps, hidden charges, and over-priced goods or services.

However, this doesn’t mean you can’t relax. We have listed below an easy to follow and essential checklist to help ensure you still have money still in your pocket by the time you arrive back at the airport and head home.

Book mid-week and check one-way prices

You may have booked your holiday already but if you haven’t, be clever about when exactly you book. According to seasoned travellers, the best time to book your trip online for the cheapest ticket price is Wednesday night after 10pm.

But whenever you book, make sure it’s not early in the week, particularly Mondays or Tuesdays, when everyone is back at work and dreaming of escape.

Checking out the price of one-way tickets instead of returns can save you money as it can sometimes cost less to get to your destination and back, simply because demand for seats for the flight back to your home may not be as high as the outward trip.

Travel light and check-in online

You have probably heard this piece of advice many times, but the value of heeding it is greater than ever, as airlines heap on more and more baggage charges.

Ryanair has done away with airport check-ins completely, but even if you use the web check-in service, it will cost €5 each way.

If you need to check-in baggage, Ryanair will allow up to two bags with a combined weight of no more than 15kg, but will charge €15 per bag.

Infant equipment will also incur a fee of €20 (for booster car seats or travel cots), although buggies are carried free of charge. €10 if booked online.

On Aer Lingus shorthaul flights, the airline allows you to check-in bags weighing no more than 20kg, but charges €18 for each bag one-way, although this charge falls to €12 if you check-in online. As with Ryanair, buggies are free of charge.

Take out an annual travel insurance policy

If you take a number of trips/holidays in the year it is cheaper to take out an annual travel policy than a policy to cover each trip.

Don’t even open the mini bar

If you don’t open it, then you won’t know what’s in it so you won’t be tempted to drink a half bottle of bubbly which would cost triple the amount you could buy it in a supermarket for.

Reserve airport car parking online

Long-term parking at the airport is pricey but not if you book online in advance, and at least 12 hours before you head for your flight.

If you book online with Dublin Airport Authority, the long term car park offers spaces from as low €5.50 per day (if you book online) but if these are sold out, the rate rises to €7.50. If you don’t book online, the charge is €9.50 a day.

Quickpark.ie has a special offer of €7 per day if you book online. There's a shuttlebus from the carpark which also has 24 hour supervision and CCTV.

Mobile calls overseas

The European Consumer Centre (ECC) advises mobile phone users to always check the costs of international roaming services with their phone service provider.

“There are several mobile networks in each country, and when you arrive at your destination, you will probably be automatically connected to one, but not necessarily the cheapest one for you,” says Ann Neville, manager of ECC Dublin.

Before your trip, check with your mobile provider or go to the AskComreg.ie website so you can select the best network available as soon as you arrive.

Neville also suggests buying a local SIM card, which means you can make calls at local rates, particularly if you are regular visitor to the country. However, you need to check that your phone is ‘unlocked’, otherwise it may not accept SIM cards not supplied by your operator.

Organise your own sightseeing

Don’t sign up for tours that collect you, take you to the tour and supply you with a lunch. Instead with a bit of planning you can book tickets for your trip and catch a bus or hire a car for the day.

Don’t buy food or drink on the plane.

Food and drink on board an airplane can be quite steep and not very tasty. Bring a roll from home or a deli and buy a drink once you are inside the security point of the airport. If you buy it before the security check point your drink will be thrown in the bin.

Take care with car hire

As many consumers in Ireland have found to their considerable cost, hiring a rental car can prove far more expensive than they could possibly have expected.

The European Consumer Centre (ECC) always recommend that you make sure you understand the terms and conditions of the car rental agreement and to pay particular attention to the extent of your financial liability in the event of damage or accident.

More info on Car Hire here

Information correct as of 1st April 2010

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