With so many package holidays on the market, going for an all-inclusive wristband holiday can be tempting. However, opting for a remote getaway and a little more self-catering in style can be much cheaper- and much more relaxing.
Remote rentals often have almost everything you need to feel like a home from home. And depending on the style you have chosen, it can be like stepping into a different lifestyle for a while.
No matter the type of rental you have chosen, from a barebones cabin to luxury accommodation with mod-cons, there are ways for you to make it cheap and cheerful.
Book Early
There is a sweet spot when it comes to booking. For the summertime, which is typically peak season, you want to book between six and nine months ahead. There is a second period where the prices can be dramatically reduced about three days before, but you run the risk of not getting the one you want.
Book Midweek
Weekend breaks are often more popular because most of the population can accommodate travelling, checking in, and checking out at the weekend. But you give yourself more flexibility if you opt for a midweek break. Midweek breaks can often be close to off-peak prices.
And if you are flying rather than driving a midweek flight can be around 12% cheaper than weekends, sometimes more. Try to look at all of your possible options, including early morning flights.
Free Stuff
Even the most remote of locations will have something somewhere that is free to do. One of the big issues with city breaks or resorts is that there is a lot to catch your eye and then spend money on. Most of the time, the extras are food, drinks, and souvenirs that are often lost.
Things about things like walks, sleeping under the stars, swimming in local fresh waters, and looking for unusual free attractions nearby. You never know what gems you’ll find.
Drive
Driving to a remote location is often the best idea because it can be tricky to get from an airport into the mountains or far outside the city limits. If there happen to be car rentals nearby, that is a great option, or buses that go near the village or town you are close to – that could work too!
Working out how much fuel you will need and the number of hours on the road ahead of booking can help you make that decision quickly. And you can create a savings pot to cover fuel and a car check-up before you leave.
Food
One of the biggest expenses when you go on holiday is meals out, drinks, and stopping regularly for coffee. And while that is a treat you should deny yourself completely, it stacks up in terms of cost pretty quickly. A cool box can be filled with fruit and some other perishables; tins and dried food also travel well.
Meal planning can really help here; just remember, if you are going to be more active than usual, extra snacks are a good idea – and always check the water quality of the location before you go so you know if you need to pack extra water.
Use this to help with the meal planning: Download My Free Family Meal Planner – thriftychap!
