Is there anything better than a summer holiday? Well, yes there is… a great value one!
Taking some time to unwind in the sun is one of the delights of the year, but once you start totting up all the costs, things can get very expensive indeed.
Fortunately, it’s still possible to bag a good value summer break, provided you take a savvy approach.
So with April one of the top months for booking sunshine escapes, we’re revealing the secrets of thrifty travel – courtesy of the friendly team at Plum.
The smart money app (available to download on App Store or Google Play) makes saving and budgeting easier using the power of automation.
And now they’re about to help make your holiday cheaper too, by revealing their top five tips to bagging the best deal on your summer break.
1. Consider different destinations
Where you go is one of the most important factors determining the cost of your getaway.
So if you want to save money, why not swap expensive destinations for cheaper ones elsewhere?
Many coastal hotspots charge sky high prices, but the Algarve in Portugal is renowned for its great value food and drink, with a three-course meal for two with wine costing just £40.33¹.
If you’re feeling the pull of the tropics, the likes of Bali, Vietnam and Thailand remain significantly cheaper than Antigua, St Lucia or the Seychelles, while Tokyo beats New York for big city buzz without the bill to match.
2. Travel at quieter times
If you’ve got the freedom to be flexible, travelling at cheaper times is another brilliant money saver. The school holidays are clearly a key factor here, but even if you’re unable to work around these, you still have several options.
That includes timing flights for the middle of the week when they tend to be less expensive, or starting hotel stays on Sundays – when rates are often lower.
Meanwhile, staycationers should keep an eye on rail company websites as they regularly put on cut-price deals during quieter times of the week.
3. Remember to factor in all your costs
Bagged a great deal on flights and accommodation? Well done! Just remember there are plenty of additional costs you’ll need to factor into your budget, from activities and airport transfers to the gifts you’ll buy for family back home.
Setting up a holiday fund is a great way to ensure you can cover all these costs and Plum makes it easier by automating the process of saving.
Its clever tech analyses your income and spending patterns before calculating a personalised amount to set aside each week without leaving you short.
Using the Splitter tool, you can ensure some of these automatic transfers are put in a specific Pocket earmarked for holidays – helping you build up a stash of cash to cover your travel expenses.
Worried you’re still not saving enough to cover your getaway? Then you can simply increase the size of your automatic deposits by enabling a different savings ‘mood’, from Eager (which boosts them by 25%) to Beast mode (for a hefty 75% spike!)
4. Watch out for hidden airline charges
When you’re comparing flights, it can be tempting to always go for the cheapest option – but this might not actually save you money.
Luggage allowances vary greatly between different airlines, with some including a hold bag for free with your ticket and others not.
Make sure you factor in these costs at the payment stage and keep an eye out for weight limits too – as they have become less generous over time and can easily catch you out.
While it may seem surprising, a ticket that costs slightly more in the first instance may actually be the best value.
5. Go as a bigger group
If you’re prepared to do a bit of extra organisation, gathering a large group of friends or family to join you in a rented villa could help you lower your accommodation costs.
There are loads of amazing options available on holiday rental sites, and once you’ve broken down the total into the price per person it can often be impressively cheap.
You may also be able to take advantage of group discounts from travel or activity providers too.
'I'm using Plum to save for my next trip!'
Rahim, 42, lives in North London and works for the manager of an international development charity – so it’s no surprise he loves to travel.
‘Last year I used my Plum savings to fund a birthday trip where I stayed in a rustic wooden cabin in a jungle in Malaysia,’ he says.
‘Part of my experience was hiking with the Orang Asli tribe which was awesome, a truly unforgettable experience!
‘I am now saving for my next trip, which will aim to tick one of my bucket list items such as exploring South America’s islands and forests, trekking the Himalayas, or journeying along the Silk Road in Central Asia!’
Rahim discovered Plum when he was looking for a tool to help him manage his finances – and has never looked back.
‘My favourite feature is the saving tool called The Brain which has been a game changer for me – it’s a clever tool that takes the guesswork out of saving,’ he says.
‘You can set automated rules, like putting money aside on payday or letting Plum decide small amounts to save each week, so that you barely notice.
‘And the best part is that I stay in control. Whether I want to take a chilled, normal, or eager approach, Plum adapts to my financial situation and goals effortlessly.’
Rahim reports saving £19,450 over three years of using Plum, (though individual results may vary) so it’s no surprise he’s keen to recommend it to others.
‘Plum is perfect for those who want an effortless way to build their savings without constantly thinking about it,’ he says.
‘It makes saving simple, automatic, and stress-free.
‘Whether you’re saving for a holiday, building an emergency fund, or just looking for better financial habits, it is a great companion for anyone!’
Start saving for your holiday NOW with Plum (available to download on App Store or Google Play)
T&Cs apply.
¹Post Office Holiday Money Report 2025 – https://www.postoffice.co.uk/travel-money/guides/holiday-money-report
Plum is the trading name of Plum Fintech Limited and Saveable Limited. Plum Fintech Limited is registered and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority (FRN 836158). Saveable Limited is authorised and regulated by the FCA (FRN: 739214)
