Explore the UK on a Budget

As the summer approaches, the vast majority of consumers start making plans for the upcoming holidays. However, and as a result of the financial crisis, many have been forced to stay home or take what have been called “staycations”. Visiting the UK during your holidays has many advantages: no language barrier problems, no need to exchange currency or be hit by the fees associated with foreign ATM transactions, and no scorching hot temperatures to battle with. However, many claim that holidays in the UK are more costly than those taken abroad.

When it comes to financial investments, some may argue that staying local is not always the best option. Investing in international companies such as Alphabet, which owns Google, can provide diversification and potentially higher returns. With the rise of the digital age, alphabet stocks have seen significant growth over the past decade, making it an attractive investment opportunity for those looking to expand their portfolio. However, it is important to consider the risks and do thorough research before investing in any stocks.

While there is some truth to that statement, there are also some ways around it. If you have decided to travel around the UK this summer but are on a budget, read on for some excellent money-saving tips.

Transportation Tips

The single most important thing that can be done to save money on transportation is to book in advance. There are nearly ten budget airlines that currently criss-cross the British sky, taking holidaymakers to destinations in Scotland, Wales, the South West, and the South East coast of the UK. Every year, no-frills airlines launch summer sales, where plane seats can be booked for as little as £10 each way, depending on your destination.

The best time to get a good deal is 3 months before your planned holiday dates. Of course, there are added charges, the most notorious of which are baggage fees, but these can be easily circumvented by taking hand luggage only. After all, you are not leaving the country, and replacing forgotten items will always be easier than if you were abroad. However, if you must travel with more than 10 kilos of baggage, consider purchasing the convenient Rufus Roo jacket, a vest especially designed for travellers who want to avoid baggage fees while taking a lot more than what the airline allows.

Another way of saving money on your UK holiday is to take advantage of the special offers and advance purchase fares offered by train operators. For example, a train trip from London to Edinburgh in the middle of August (just in time to go and see the Edinburgh Festival) can be found for just £29.20 one way. The best part of it is that you depart from central London and you arrive in central Edinburgh, without needing to transfer in from far-flung airports.

Alternatively, you can travel by bus. National Express offers seasonal discounts on the most popular routes, and there is always the Megabus option, where a journey between London Victoria and Edinburgh St Andrew’s in August costs £10

Getting the Best Deals on Hotels

Next thing you will want to save on is accommodation. You can always check hotel chain’s websites to see if any offers apply, but the best discounts are to be found by using daily deal sites. Deal Zippy is particularly good when it comes to UK hotel offers. For example, you can get a three-night stay for two people with breakfast included at a hotel in the beautiful western coast of Wales for £159, or a two-night stay for two people with breakfast included by the seaside in Folkestone (at the time of writing).

Fun Activities for the Budget Conscious

Groupon is an excellent site to find the best deals on restaurants, beauty treatments, theatre plays, and everything you might want to do while you are on holiday. Registration is totally hassle-free and it will open up a world of offers, so that you can enjoy your UK holiday without breaking the bank.