Martin Lewis has explained how to save on your holiday costs (Image: ITV)
Martin Lewis has told holiday-makers how they could make some big savings on their bookings. He shared the cost-saving tip on his BBC podcast, explaining a host of suggestions about how to get the best deal on your holidays.
He asked fans of the show who have worked in the travel industry to send in their ideas for how to cut your costs. One simple tip from someone who has worked for a hotel company was to book your hotel directly with them, rather than just going for the cheapest you find through a comparison site.
They said that this way, you are more likely to be upgraded and to get a good quality room. Mr Lewis said: “I would moderate that somewhat. I would always do my comparison and always try and find the cheapest room.
“I would see if the hotel can match it or beat it, but I wouldn’t automatically book with the hotel.” Yet he added that you can potentially save by booking directly.
He shared another way you could secure a cheaper price. Mr Lewis explained: “If you’re a cashback site user, and you are getting the cheapest price via a site that offers cashback, that cashback on hotels can be 7 or 8 per cent. Then you might find that reduction overcomes it.”
One such tool where you can get savings on your holiday bookings is cashback app tuck. You can use the app to get up to 5.25 per cent cashback on Love2Shop Holidays, which can add up to a big saving for a family holiday.
‘Get the best value’
You can book holidays through Love2Shop with major providers including TUI, Jet2Holidays or Easyjet Holidays. Neel Thakrar, CEO of tuck, said: “With the summer holidays fast approaching, families should avoid leaving bookings until the last minute if they want to get the best value.
“While most schools break up in the week of July 20, some families will be heading away sooner, with schools in some areas – including North Somerset – finishing as early as July 17 due to inset days.” He urged people to book their holiday now: “Travelling during peak periods can quickly push up costs, while booking ahead can help families access better availability and take advantage of offers such as free child places where available.
“When a family holiday can easily cost thousands of pounds, making the most of every available saving can make a real difference.” He shared an example of how a TUI all-inclusive holiday to the Holiday Village Aliathon in Paphos, Cyprus, was on sale for £3,963 for two adults and two children.
But by booking with tuck., you could save £258 on this cost, bringing the total price down to just £3,705. The cashback app is available at many major retailers and shops for your everyday shopping.
Stack your discounts
Mr Thakar said: “The best way to maximise savings is to stack discounts wherever you can. With tuck., families can use available offers and promotions while also earning cashback on their booking, helping them reduce the overall cost of a holiday they were already planning.
“And it’s not just TUI – through the app families can earn cashback with travel brands including Hotels.com, Airbnb, Lastminute.com and Jet2holidays, alongside more than 200 other UK retailers – so the savings don’t have to stop when you land, whether that’s holiday clothes, food for the trip or airport parking.
“Small savings can quickly add up – whether that’s putting more money towards spending while away or simply taking some pressure off the household budget.”