19 Jun 2019
Posted by Barry Aldworth 
With the school summer holidays on the not too-distant horizon, many of us are allowing our minds to drift towards thoughts of jetting off to the sun and lazing by the hotel with a drink in hand. However, if you’re looking to enjoy your well-deserved break without doing too much damage to your bank account, we’ve put together a few last minute tips to help you build up your savings before you head abroad. Also, don’t forget that if you’re looking to buy travel insurance in Ireland before your holiday, AA Annual Travel Insurance is available from just €16.99* and to make matters even easier, you can complete the purchase of your travel insurance online from start to finish.
1. Avoid Waiting Until The Last Minute To Book
While you may come across a very reasonably priced last-minute deal on occasion, generally the earlier you book your flights and accommodations, the more you’re likely to save. If you’re chosen destination is likely to be popular with other tourists, for example almost 20% of Irish people plan on visiting Spain this summer, then it can be a good idea to book early and get ahead of the demand.
2. Consider Off-Peak Travel
If you’re travelling without children or going solo, consider taking your holiday outside of the peak-season between late-June and late-August. Due to the higher demand at this time of year, flights and accommodation costs will often be significantly higher than they will be outside of the summer window. Waiting until August or September could mean you get to enjoy your holiday at a significantly lower cost while still experiencing some sunny weather.
3. Set Some Saving Goals
When you calculate the cost of flights, accommodation, transfers, food, entertainment and travel insurance, the total cost of your holiday could leave your jaw on the floor. Instead of obsessing over the final figure, break it down into smaller weekly/monthly saving targets.
Similarly, it can be a good idea to look at your current expenditure and see if you can reduce any non-essential spending to help you save. Cutting back on dining-out or weekend sessions in the pub may be a case of short-term sacrifice in order to achieve a more enjoyable long-term goal.
4. Shop Around For Everything… Not Just Flights And Accommodation
We’ve all done it. It’s time to book the holiday and you spend hours comparing hotels or trying different flights time and date combinations to find the most affordable options, only to turn around and forget to do the same level of research with other holiday related expenditure. While the potential savings on lower cost items may not seem worth the same level of effort, ask yourself would you rather overpay on travel insurance or shop around, make some savings, and put that extra few euro towards a dessert or drink while on your holiday!
If you are looking to save on travel insurance, then look no further. With AA Travel Insurance you can get Annual over from just €16.99, meaning you’re covered for every trip abroad during a 12-month period.
5. Avoid Impulse Buys
We’re all guilty of building up a little collection of things we wanted at the time, but haven’t used once since we bought it. With the holiday season on the way, now is the time to be a bit more prudent with your spending. Before you buy anything, ask yourself if this is something you need or something you just want.
Now that you’re ready to enjoy your holiday, don’t forget to get a travel insurance quote before you leave. Not sure which kind of travel insurance to purchase? Read our new guide on AA Annual & Single Travel Insurance, its benefits and how they vary depending on a variety of factors.
*All prices correct as of 10/09/2019
