Britons heading off on summer holidays are being warned that it’s often the small travel costs, rather than flights or hotels, that end up blowing the budget.
From buying travel insurance too late to relying on a GHIC card for medical cover, experts say a handful of common mistakes could leave holidaymakers paying far more than they need to.
Blue Light Card, rewards and discounts service for those working, and retired from, the emergency services, NHS, social care sector, teaching community and the armed forces, has revealed five money-saving habits to try this summer.
1. Buy travel insurance as soon as you book
“One of the most expensive mistakes travellers can make is waiting until the last minute to buy travel insurance,” says Steffie Brader, Everyday Money Saver Advocate at Blue Light Card.
“I always arrange cover as soon as I’ve booked a holiday because travel insurance doesn’t just protect you while you’re away – it can also protect you if something unexpected happens before you travel and you’re forced to cancel.
“It’s also worth considering whether annual multi-trip cover might work out better value than a single-trip policy. If you’re planning more than one or two trips in a year, an annual policy could work out cheaper overall – and it removes the risk of forgetting to arrange cover before a last-minute trip.”
Brader also recommends checking whether you’re eligible for discounts before buying a policy. For example, Blue Light Card members can currently save 18% on Holiday Extras Travel Insurance.
2. Don’t forget the hidden holiday costs
Flights and accommodation may grab the headlines, but airport parking, airport hotels and other travel extras can quickly add hundreds of pounds to the overall cost of a holiday.
“Many people budget for flights and accommodation but forget to factor in the extra costs that come with travelling.
“Looking at your journey as a whole before booking can help you avoid unexpected costs and spot opportunities to save.
“Travel extras such as airport parking and airport hotels are often where costs start to creep up, but booking ahead and checking for discounts can make a real difference.”
Blue Light Card members can access discounts on airport parking and airport hotels through a number of travel providers.
3. Don’t rely on a GHIC card alone
Many travellers wrongly believe their free GHIC card offers the same protection as travel insurance.
Brader warns that isn’t the case: “A GHIC card is useful, but it shouldn’t be seen as a replacement for travel insurance.
“It can help with access to state healthcare, but it won’t usually cover the costs that come with cancellations, lost luggage, travel disruption or emergency repatriation.
“It’s best to think of GHIC as a complement to travel insurance, not a replacement for it.”
4. Compare prices before you book
Whether it’s travel insurance, flights, accommodation or travel money, Brader says shopping around can make a significant difference.
“Whether it’s travel insurance, accommodation, flights or travel money, I never book the first option I see.
“Spending a few extra minutes comparing prices, what’s included and any available discounts can make a real difference to the overall cost of a trip.
She points to travel money deals, including buyback guarantees, as one example where comparing providers can save money if you return home with unused foreign currency.
5. Read the small print
It might not be exciting, but reading your policy documents before you travel could prevent expensive surprises later.
“Most people don’t enjoy reading policy documents, but it’s one of the simplest ways to avoid unexpected costs,” she says.
“Knowing exactly what’s covered before you travel can save a lot of stress – and potentially a lot of money, especially if you’re travelling with expensive belongings or planning activities.”
How do you save money on holidays? Tell us in the comments below…
