Top holiday planning tips for summer 2014

With summer holidays fast approaching, Caxton FX, a leading international currency card provider, has compiled their top money-saving tips for holiday planning.

Before you book:

1. Use flight comparison websites

There are a number of websites that help you bag cheap flights – compareandfly.com offers 24/7 monitoring ensuring customers see the live rates and know exactly the price they are getting. In addition, the website offers regular competitions and destinations guides to assist with holiday planning.

2. Choose a villa over a hotel

For families, or those travelling in a group, renting a villa or apartment can be cheaper than a hotel. Websites such as ownersdirect.co.uk, homeaway.co.uk and villarenters.co.uk offer great rates on properties all over the world. Alternatively, airbandb.co.uk is a great option for city breaks with properties in fantastic locations.

Planning the holiday:

3. City passes

For those heading on a city break, many cities offer passes with cheap travel on public transport and discounted entry to major attractions. It is also worth checking the local tourist office for free activity suggestions or discounted attraction entry.

4. Travel guides

Instead of buying a guide, use a local library for destination guides and phrase books. For those who prefer not to weigh their bag down with paperbacks, many tourism boards offer free downloadable apps packed with local tips and information.

Holiday essentials:

5. Organise currency in advance

Avoid purchasing currency at the airport and consider pre-loaded currency cards. Many bureau de changes offer poor rates and high commission charges; Caxton FX offers free ATM withdrawals abroad, free transactions and competitive exchange rates with their Global Traveller Card, US Dollar Traveller Card and Euro Traveller Card. Currency cards also offer travellers added security over carrying around cash.

Pre-flight:

6. Bring your own plastic bags for the airport

Some airports provide free plastic bags for liquids to use when passing through security. However, other airports including Manchester and Stansted, and some European ones charge up to £1 for plastic bags. Before travelling, it is also worth checking out Gov.uk for advice on the type of plastic bag to bring.

Whilst abroad:

7. Mobile phone costs

Using a mobile phone abroad can come at a high-cost especially if you use the data roaming services on your smartphone; however there are ways to save holidaymakers from a hefty bill. Before you travel, download the free ‘Wi-Fi Finder’ app which directs users to the nearest source of internet. Many cities now offer free Wi-Fi spots, making ‘Wi-Fi Finder’ a handy travel tool. Instead of texting abroad, use messaging apps such as Skype or Whatsapp, which are free to use when connected to Wi-Fi.

8. Live like a local

Venture off the tourist strip and dine in local restaurants which tend to be cheaper. A recent survey on the costs for tourists in Brazil during the World Cup revealed beer can cost a staggering £21. However, the survey also suggests savings can be made by visiting local bars where beers and cocktails can cost as little as £1.50.

For further information on Caxton FX, visit caxtonfx.com.