Unless you’re fortunate enough to be booking a luxury villa in Cannes for your next European holiday, the chances are that you’ll be looking for every opportunity to save a few pennies wherever possible. Here a five top tips to trim back on your holiday spending:
Currency
Changing sterling for Euros is easily done everywhere, however, getting a good rate isn’t, so getting a good deal on currency exchange should be the first thing you look for. Check out specialist providers like Currencies Direct for cash, or look for debit and credit cards that let you withdraw money (or buy things) with no commission for money when you’re out there.
Book Locally
Depending on where you’re going, if you need to use public transport, book ahead just as you would in the UK. SNCF in France, for example, has an English language website, so if you’re booking tickets, do it early and make the most of advance deals.
Toll Roads
Large swathes of Europe make you pay to use their motorways, thankfully there’s always another (less direct) route that is free. If you’re looking to save cash, and see a bit more of the countryside than miles and miles of hard shoulder, avoid the blue routes (unless you’re in Switzerland, in which case, motorways are green).
Research Your Route
Especially if you’re visiting some of the big cities, make sure you do a little research before you get there. For example, in most parts of Western Europe, the big museums and public attractions are free for under 25s, however, they’re not always keen to signpost the fact, so check ahead before you go. You can also usually get special deals on Metros and city buses which will save cash, and many cities operate Oyster-style systems, so keep an eye on that as a way of saving money.
Market Mayhem
Head to nearly any town and you’ll find a street market of some variety. In more touristy places you’ll probably pay just as much in the market as you would anywhere else, but there are always markets that are almost exclusively used by the locals, these are a great way of picking up high quality produce at low cost, and will give you a chance to practise your language skills and stall holders are almost always really friendly.
