Weekend getaway without breaking the bank

If a weekend getaway is just what the doctor ordered but the bank manager has other ideas, don’t despair! It is possible to enjoy a weekend break without breaking the bank: you just need a little know-how.

Last-Minute Offers

If you’re booking a break at short notice and are flexible about where you stay, you can take advantage of the many discounted offers available online.

While once upon a time the local travel agent would be the first stop for anyone looking to get away, surveys reveal that around 80% of us now prefer to use the Internet to book our breaks.

There are few people who haven’t heard of Lastminute.com, the pioneer of online discounted travel retail, however, with so many rivals in today’s market, how do you know who can give you the best offer?

If you don’t have time to search multiple websites, your best option is to use one of the travel meta-search engines that allow you to search flight and/or hotel prices from multiple companies with one search form. Popular choices include Momondo, Kayak, Skyscanner, Trivago and Travelsupermarket.com.

Alternative Accommodation Options

If you’ve checked the last-minute hotel offers and the cheapest are still out of your reach you still have a few options.

The YHA provides clean and comfortable dormitory and private accommodation across England and Wales in a huge variety of buildings that include mansions and lodges. Additional hostel options in both the UK and throughout the world can be found at Hostelworld.com, Hostelbookers.com or Hostels.com.

If you are planning a city break in the summer, cheap accommodation can be found in universities’ halls of residence. The University of Westminster offers cheap rooms in the heart of London from June to mid-September.

And, if money is really tight and you can get your hands on a tent, campsite pitches across the UK start from around £5 per night.

Travel Light

If you’re jetting off, keep costs down by travelling light. The fees for checking in bags can be more than your airfare with some budget airlines so if you can manage with just a change of clothes you can make substantial savings. You can always buy travel-size toiletries at the airport — or better still, use the complimentary items in your hotel room.

Once you have embraced a more streamlined way of living, why not go further and raise the funds for your bed, meals and drinks by selling off anything you no longer use or wear. According to recent surveys, each home in the UK harbours unwanted items worth over £3,000! Take your old stuff to a car boot sale for quick cash, or, if 6am starts are not your thing, selling clothes for cash is now easier than ever, thanks to dedicated sites on the net.

Follow these tips and you could soon be getting away for a weekend break that’s good for you and your bank account!