The Christmas holidays are a time to spend with family and friends, making memories that will last a lifetime. But while there is plenty of joy to be had during this special time of year, it can also be expensive. To ensure that your holiday season isn’t too hard on your wallet, read on for our top 11 money saving tips to keep in mind when you’re taking some time off.

How to save money when planning your trip

When you’re planning your Christmas holiday, first, try to book your travel and accommodation well in advance. This will usually get you the best deals and avoid any last-minute price hikes.

Second, think about alternative accommodation options such as Airbnb or couch surfing. These can be much cheaper than traditional hotels, especially if you’re travelling in a group.

Third, be flexible with your travel dates. If you can be flexible with when you travel, you’ll often find cheaper flights and accommodation rates. And finally, make sure to research all the costs associated with your trip before booking anything. This includes things like visas, vaccinations and insurance.

By being prepared and doing your research, you can save yourself a lot of money when travelling this Christmas.

How to book a cheap flight

With the Christmas holidays upon us, many of us are looking for ways to save money so we can enjoy our time off without breaking the bank. One way to do this is by taking a cheap flight. Here are a few tips on how to find and book a cheap flight:

– Use a search engine like Google Flights or Skyscanner to compare prices between different airlines. This is the best way to find a deal on your flights.

– You’ll find cheaper flights if you fly Christmas day, or New Years eve.

– Consider flying into an alternate airport. Sometimes, flying into a smaller airport that’s located further away from your destination can be cheaper than flying into the main airport.

– Sign up for alerts from airlines and search engines. This way, you’ll be notified when there are sales or special offers on flights that match your criteria.

– Book your flight early. Airlines typically release their cheapest seats about three months in advance, so booking early can help you snag a good deal.

How to save on accommodation

There are a few things you can do to save on accommodation when you’re on your Christmas holiday. One is to look for accommodation providers that offer discounts for long-term stays.

Another is to look for accommodations that have kitchenettes so you can prepare your own meals instead of eating out all the time. And finally, try to find accommodations that are centrally located so you don’t have to spend a lot on transportation.

Top 11 Money Saving Tips To Keep In Mind When You’re On Your Christmas Holiday

1. Make a budget and stick to it: This is probably the most important tip on the list. It’s very easy to overspend during the holidays, so make sure you set a budget and do your best to stick to it.

2. Shop around for deals: Take some time to shop around for the best deals on travel, etc. Don’t just go with the first option you see – compare prices and look for discounts.

3. Use cash instead of credit: It can be tempting to use credit cards for all of your holiday spending, but this can quickly get out of control. Try to use cash as much as possible so you can better keep track of your spending.

4. Avoid impulse purchases: It can be tempting to buy things you don’t really need just because they’re on sale or because it’s the holidays, but resist the urge! Stick to your list and only buy what you really need (or want).

5. Give homemade gifts: Home-made gifts are not only thoughtful, but they can also save you a lot of money. If you’re crafty, consider making some of your gifts this year instead of buying them.

6. Re-gift items you don’t want: If you receive a gift that you don’t really want or need, (Chocolate) re-gift it! There’s no shame in giving someone all that deliciousness.

7. If you’re doing a Kiwi road trip, consider that you don’t have to travel far to feel as if you;’re in a completely different world. Fuel is expensive in New Zealand, so plan shorter trips if you can.

8. Remove excess weight from your vehicle. Often, people carry around heavy items in their boots for no good reason. Remove these, it will help to keep your fuel costs low.

9. Use home exchange. Home exchange is an app, that allows you to swap houses with people. You won’t have to pay accommodation.

10. If you’re traveling overseas, don’t use roaming on your phone. Buy a local sim card and tell everyone to contact you on What’sApp before you leave.

11. If you’re going somewhere cheap, like Vietnam, then the cost of luggage on flights might cost you hundreds. Consider buying cheap clothing there and donating it as you leave.

Summary

Don’t use your credit card and get into debt that’s hard to pay off. Live within your means and if you really need some extra cash, ask us about our low interest, travel loans. 

Enjoy your holidays, be safe!