For a lot of us at the moment, hopping on a plane to warmer, more adventurous climes isn’t on the table right now. Whether that’s because you’re not comfortable, don’t or can’t work with the quarantine rules on your return, or the place you want to visit isn’t letting tourists in, there are plenty of valid reasons to steer clear of an airport for the time being. Instead, the majority of us are opting to stay in the UK and check out what our backyard has to offer.
However, over the last year or so, we’ve realised that there’s a reason we often go abroad for our holidays – and it’s not just the weather. Staycations in the UK are notoriously expensive, with hotels, cabins, cottages, and even camping pitches ramping up their prices, trains and other transport options being as costly and sporadic as ever, it’s making it increasingly unaffordable to have a longer holiday in a nice location such as Devon, Cornwall, the Lakes or the Highlands. So, how do we get around this and have the much-earned break that we all need after this year without breaking the bank?
Book Ahead
This is a no-brainer. Unlike going abroad where flights tend to be cheaper six weeks before you fly, trains and accommodation don’t really work that way. Even if you’re flying domestically to your destination, the prices rarely change too much because they know they’re going to fill that route with commuters or tourists.
Especially if you’re looking at popular destinations like Cornwall or specific seaside towns, then you’re going to want to get in quick. Accommodation, in particular, is being snapped up very quickly, even with the ramped-up prices, as are camping pitches with the number of families and individuals trying to get cheaper deals on their holidays, or who’ve invested in a campervan over lockdown.
Split Your Tickets
My biggest hack whenever I’m traveling around the UK and I don’t want to drive for whatever reason is to use a train ticket-splitting app. There are loads of them online, but the one I use is TrainPal. Basically, you put in your location, dates, and times like normal ticketing sites and it’ll find the route and see if splitting the tickets on the same route makes your journey cheaper.
Sometimes this means having an extra change, but a lot of the time it’s the exact same route, on the exact same train, except the tickets are grouped together in smaller chunks to make them cheaper. For instance, I went from Liverpool to London the other week, fairly last minute, and saved £80 by splitting the tickets and that included the fast direct train on the way there.
Go As A Group
Of course, the easiest way to lower costs is to go as a group. Unfortunately, solo travel for the most part, especially if you’re using AirBnBs and hotels, comes at a premium due to single supplements. With there being a load of cottages, yurts, treehouses, beach houses, and all kinds of places cropping up in beautiful parts of the UK, filling the place and splitting the cost makes the holiday instantly more affordable, with the added plus of carpooling to your destination. There are some hostels in the big cities and around some National Parks, but they’re not always super cheap.
Embrace Local
One of the massive benefits of going to any destination is to experience local culture. Even though you might not be jetting off to the other side of the world, there are still local traditions, foods, and quirks to be discovered. Rather than just hitting the shops or sitting in chain pubs and restaurants, check out the local independents and go on excursions with them directly.
When you book through a third party, there’s normally a fee that’s passed on to you, or that the vendor has to pay so by going direct you’re probably going to get a better price. Also, especially if you’re by the seaside the produce that you’re going to be getting is so fresh that it’s worth the extra cost. If you’re going to splurge anywhere, try and make it on the independent local businesses because once flights start ramping up again, they’re going to feel the difference.
Avoid the Hotspots
Again, another typical one, but if you can avoid the Newquays and the Blackpools and Windermeres of the country. They’re going to be super busy, overly expensive, and probably booked out – especially if you’re looking to go during the school holidays. If you go a couple of towns over, you’re likely to have a similar experience but without the price tag or the hoards of people.
Alternatively, just go somewhere completely different. Look at a map and pick. If you want a beach holiday – we’re an island – just see where else is going to check those boxes. Want to be in the mountains or forests – there are loads of national parks to choose from. Get off the beaten path and you’re more likely to save money and enjoy the lack of other travelers.
There are tonnes of amazing places to visit in the UK, some are definitely more affordable than others, it’s just a matter of having a look and planning in advance. Of course, all the typical budget traveling tips apply; if there’s a hostel that’s always great, eat big at lunchtime on the cheaper menu, and stick to traveling at off-peak times. So, get the map out and let’s explore.
