In the event you’re trying to economize on weekend journeys then you definitely’re in the precise place as a result of I’ve plenty of nice ideas and journey hacks to share! Weekend breaks are on the rise and extra individuals than ever earlier than are ditching the standard 2-week vacation in favour of plenty of shorter holidays all year long. However weekend breaks may be costly so preserve studying to learn the way to chop the prices and luxuriate in extra weekenders!
Weekend breaks are one of the best. In the event you guide a number of weekend breaks all year long then you definitely always have one thing enjoyable and thrilling to sit up for.
Once I had a ‘regular job’ with annual go away, I didn’t take one huge vacation a yr as I most well-liked to unfold my go away all year long and have plenty of weekenders. If in case you have 28 days for annual go away, that may very well be 28 lengthy weekend breaks!
Listed here are 52 weekend away concepts in case you want some inspiration!
The one drawback with weekend breaks is the fee can rapidly mount up and a 3-day weekender can find yourself costing virtually as a lot as a 1 week all-inclusive package deal vacation. How does that even occur? I’ve acquired to confess, package deal holidays may be nice worth and it’s usually the flights that price essentially the most so it’s usually 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 can assist you lower your expenses on weekend breaks and have these a lot wanted mini breaks on a price range.
1. E book prematurely
I usually consider weekend breaks as being spontaneous journeys away however if you happen to guide prematurely you’ll often get a a lot better deal, particularly with flights. Typically it actually does pay to be organised!
I really like organising my weekend breaks prematurely 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 might guide the flights one month and the lodge the following month and a few actions the next month so you could have 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 prematurely as you probably can for one of the best offers, particularly on flights.
Journey Hack Tip: I at all times use Skyscanner to seek out one of the best flight offers because it’s so easy and consumer pleasant and also you see all of your choices in a single place.
2. Or on the final minute for affordable staycations
Alternatively, if you happen to guide on the final minute it’s also possible to get a discount, notably if you happen to’re staying in a personal vacation let within the UK. If doable, contact the proprietor of the property straight and ask in the event that they’re capable of give a reduction. It sounds cheeky however it’s usually higher for the proprietor to have somebody keep at a reduced charge than to have the property empty for days.
It’s possible you’ll do not forget that final yr we took a spontaneous weekend break to Aberdaron and we acquired this property at a discount worth as a result of we booked it only a few days earlier than.
Journey Hack Tip: This often solely applies once you’re staying within the UK as flights are not often cheaper when booked final minute.
3. Price range for transport and different logistics
Don’t neglect in regards to the journey logistics like attending to the airport. That 6am flight from Stansted may appear low-cost, however once you realise you possibly can’t get to the airport at 4am and must take a taxi or keep in an airport lodge, you realise the prices are mounting up already. Flights at sociable hours may be dearer however they’ll nonetheless work out cheaper than an airport lodge.
In the event you personal a automobile, I often discover that driving to the airport is the most affordable choice if you happen to use a price range parking supplier akin to Purple Parking.
4. Use deal websites and packages to economize on weekend journeys
I’m all about impartial journey however reserving via a package deal vacation deal web site can usually be SO low-cost and really handy. In the event you’re subscribed to my e-newsletter you’ll know I really like TravelZoo as a result of I usually embody an excellent discover from the location.
You’ll usually get all-inclusive holidays with transfers included for a fraction of what you’d spend your self. OK, generally the inns look a bit of ropey and also you wouldn’t wish to eat each meal there however if you happen to rent a automobile you’ll be free to discover.
5. Transfer your weekend to midweek
In the event you’re fortunate sufficient to have a versatile working setting, 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 greatest saving however inns, eating places, reveals and different actions may even have huge reductions for midweek company.
Controversially, I really like working weekends so I’m joyful to journey midweek and spend the weekend in my workplace. I get far 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 inns on the weekend
In the event you do journey Friday-Sunday, select a lodge that might often be thought of a enterprise lodge. They’re often situated within the enterprise district and infrequently embody huge chain inns like Hilton and Marriott.
These inns are often very nice. OK, they don’t have loads of character and the décor generally is a little bland and the rooms a bit of small however they usually have nice places, 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 beautiful locations. In the event you’re on a price range, you might hire only one room in somebody’s home however I at all times hire a complete residence. It’s not at all times so much cheaper than a lodge however the comfort of getting more room and a kitchen is price it – particularly when it can save you cash by making ready a few of your personal meals and even simply having a bottle of wine in your balcony as an alternative of a bar.
8. Try metropolis passes
In the event you plan to do loads of sight-seeing then try your vacation spot’s metropolis move. Most cities have them the place you’ll purchase a move that offers you entry to all the highest points of interest and infrequently public transport too. A few of them even have reductions for eating places and bars.
Journey Hack Tip: Word that metropolis passes are solely good worth if you happen to plan to do A LOT. In the event you’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
In the event you simply wish to get a quick overview of your vacation spot then think about taking a free strolling tour. They’re run by passionate locals they usually’ll take you to the principle 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’s an excellent alternative to get some native data and get restaurant suggestions. You’re anticipated to present your information a tip however it’s nonetheless a price range option to see someplace new.
10. Journey with simply hand baggage
I’m at all times amazed by how a lot I can get in my hand baggage and if you happen to’re going away for 2-3 days you actually don’t must 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 Journey Hack Cabin Case with Cabin Max and it’s large! There’s a model 2 popping out quickly with higher zips so look out for that. Numerous the opinions of this case stated it might be good 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 means of getting from the airport to the town centre – it simply isn’t at all times 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.
In the event you’re going to a price range airport outdoors of the town centre, there’s often a shuttle bus into the town they usually’re at all times 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 however it’s virtually at all times cheaper and simpler to drive. Trains are very costly and infrequently unreliable (particularly on the weekend) so I’d at all times drive and if you happen to’re visiting I’d even advocate hiring a automobile.
12. Strive glamping
Do you know that glamping holidays may be so low-cost!? Glamping is loads of enjoyable and is a price range option to keep someplace distinctive and memorable. They’re usually fairly luxurious too so that you don’t want to chop again on all of the little luxuries. Try this submit about 10 distinctive glamping locations in North Wales.
13. Journey with 3 different individuals
It’s often most cost-effective to journey in a gaggle of 4 individuals. You possibly can cut up the prices of taxis, airport parking and flats between 4 and it turns into cheaper for you all.
There you could have it. My prime ideas for saving cash on weekend breaks. Do you could have any extra ideas so as to add to the record?
