Make your holiday budget go even further with Canvas Holidays
To help you get the most from your holiday, we have put together a handy list of tips that will help your budget stretch as far as possible whilst on holiday in Europe.
Before you goWhile on holidayBook early - Book your holiday early to take advantage of the best special offers.
- Book early to secure your first choice of dates, accommodation and campsite.
- If you are planning a fly-drive holiday, booking early is important as the flight prices tend to increase closer to the departure date.
Midweek travel - Ferry supplements and flight prices are less if you can travel midweek.
- If you are unable to travel midweek look at choosing an off-peak departure time as this tends to be cheaper. Please remember that you must arrive on-site before 10pm.
Fly-drive- To ensure that you are not missing out on the low cost airlines special offers, sign up for their e-newsletters.
- Buy your drinks and snacks before you board. On board the plane a bottle of water can cost you euros instead of cents.
- Book your airport parking in advance – paying on the day can cost you up to 50% more than booking before you go.
Low season travel - Travelling outside the school holiday dates will save you money on your accommodation and travel costs, plus you can take advantage of quieter resorts.
Eating out - Eout for less. Eating out in France will be cheaper this summer as VAT cuts are introduced in restaurant and cafés. Customers will enjoy savings of around 10% - helping you get more for your Euro. This is great news, letting you enjoy great value delicious food – make sure you visit a local restaurant and taste their traditional dish.
- Eating out is one of the most pleasurable parts of being on holiday, but it doesn’t have to be expensive. Try having your main meal of the day at lunchtime rather than in the evening - fixed lunchtime menu’s are usually just as good, but priced cheaper than the evening menu.
- Try ordering the ‘Menu of the day’ – this is usually a good value two or three course meal cooked using local ingredients, and is better value than ordering ‘a la carte’.
- If you are eating out in big cities look for restaurants that are located in side streets and away from the main tourist attractions.
- When ordering wine, ask for the house wine. It is generally of good standard and will be cheaper than buying a named bottle. It is usually decanted into a glass bottle or jug, and served in quarter, half or full litres. A quarter litre is usually much cheaper than ordering one or two glasses.
- If you want water to accompany your meal, ask for a jug or glass, as this is cheaper than ordering expensive mineral water.
Eating in- A self-catering holiday is already one of the most budget friendly holidays; so make use of the excellent cooking facilities in your Canvas accommodation.
- Larger local supermarkets have a great range of products, and as at home often have special offers and two for one deals. Many also have a good café, ideal for a relaxing cup of coffee.
- Like at home, it is cheaper to buy multi packs – so buy large items such as bottled water in bulk.
- If you are taking your car, why not take essential items such as tea, coffee and washing up liquid with you from home?
- Visit the market for buying your local produce. It makes a free, fun day out for the whole family, and don't forget that you can always try your hand at bartering!
- When shopping for your food, try eating seasonal fruit and vegetables and go for local products.
- Before you travel home, stock up on your favourite foreign products such as cheese and wine, as they will be much cheaper than in the UK supermarkets.
Avoid using a credit/debit card - Most debit and credit card providers charge commission every time you use your card abroad. It is advisable to check with your own bank before you travel.
Mobile Phones - Before you travel check with your network provider that you are on the correct roaming tariff.
- Try to use your phone as little as possible and if you do need to phone home buy a payphone card as this will work out cheaper than calling from your mobile.
- Receiving a text is usually cheaper than receiving a call, so tell your friends and family to text rather than ring.
Activities and days out - Book a camping holiday with Canvas and take advantage of the wonderful on-site facilities on offer. With fabulous swimming pools, local beaches, excellent sports facilities, on-site entertainment and our free children’s clubs, you could entertain yourself and your family for your whole holiday for free, without even leaving the campsite.
- If you are going to be city sightseeing and visiting museums, make sure you buy any available city passes and/or museum passes, which give discounted entry to museums, attractions and public transport. Take a look at our Added Value offers and see how your holiday budget can stretch even further.
- Take advantage of any discount vouchers that you receive in your travel pack or that are available in the Canvas reception on-site.
- Buy themepark tickets from Canvas Holidays before you travel. Not only are they cheaper or the same price as public entry prices, but you will also save time queuing to buy tickets when you arrive.
- If you are having a family day out remember to take a picnic. It’s better value than eating in a restaurant and a great way to spend some quality family time together.
Petrol - Avoid buying petrol on the motorway – it’s more expensive than in the towns.
- Supermarket petrol stations are the cheapest option for buying fuel.
- Use the self service option if it is available. Many local stations will charge a few cents extra a litre if the attendant fills your car up for you.
Canvas Holidays have provided these tips as a guide only and cannot be held responsible for any inaccuracies contained within. Prices correct as of 05/05/2009.