Whether you're planning a weekend city break or a luxurious long-haul holiday, it's possible to get pocket-friendly deals on your favourite destinations, if you know how. We've handpicked 15 hacks for a cheaper holiday so you can have a better break for a lower cost. Discover our top holiday packing tips, how to reduce roaming charges and when the cheapest time to travel is... 

 

BOOK FREE LOCAL TOURS

 

Whether it's a free walking tour around the city, a guided tour around local sights or beach hopping with locals, you can find a wealth or free tours in most destinations. Companies such as Sandemans offer free walking tours in 18 cities around the world, or why not research the location yourself and tick off the top sights at your own pace?

 

SAVE ON SUNCREAM

 

Sun protection is really important and not something to be skimped on, but it’s not always necessary to buy fresh bottles every time you travel. Sun creams can still be effective up to two years after opening, so check the PAO (period after opening) number on the back. It’s worth marking the first use date on the bottle with a permanent pen so you don’t forget. If you do need new, look out for 2 for 1 daily deals in shops and supermarkets. Don't forget to pack it in your suitcase not your hand luggage! 

 

DON’T WORRY, BE ‘APPY’

Your smart phone can be your money-saving travel mate. Download our new Teletext Holidays app for amazing cheap city breaks, travel guides and maps right in the palm of your hand. You can also benefit from using Google Maps as a satnav on your device, simply download the destinations before you go and you can navigate easily without relying on a Wi-Fi connection.

 

WEIGH YOUR SUITCASES

 

Don’t get caught out with heavyweight excess baggage charges at check-in. Invest in a cheap suitcase scale to check weight before you set off - take a look at our space-saving travel hacks on how to pack a suitcase like a pro too. If you really do need everything that’s in your case, paying for extra weight in advance is usually cheaper than waiting until you’re at the desk, no matter how good your eyelash-batting skills are!

 

BEAT ROAMING CHARGES

 

Our smartphones are a holiday must for keeping in contact with home, finding great places to go (and how to get there), and posting plenty of sun-kissed photos to show friends and family, of course! But it’s easy to be caught out when it comes to cost. Keep mobile bills down when you're abroad by checking costs with your provider (and purchasing any travel add-ons) in advance, turning off your data roaming and using free Wi-Fi where you can. 

 

BOOK SHORT-HAUL FLIGHTS

 

The cost of flying can take up a big chunk of your holiday budget, so it stands to reason that short-haul flights will be cheaper. We've got a list of amazing sunshine holidays and cheap city breaks closer to home, or if you're feeling spontaneous, why not explore one of our top European destinations in one day? Gran Canaria, Tenerife, Malta and Portugal are great options for beach holidays, or you can pop to Paris or Amsterdam in an hour.

 

BOOK SUPER EARLY

 

Book an early bird break and you could be basking on a beautiful beach for bargain prices. If you know where you want to go next year, book your summer holidays as soon as the best price grabs your attention. This means that you’ll also have the best choice of hotels and flight times, which could make your holiday cheaper and more convenient. The 'don’t delay' approach works best when you're looking for popular holidays during peak times (such as school holidays), when demand is always likely to be high - so don't hold on to your passport for any longer than you have to!

 

…OR FASHIONABLY LATE

Alternatively, if you're flexible about when you fly, booking late is a great way to grab a bargain. We have a wide variety of cheap last-minute holidays available, plus prices can continue to drop right up until the day before you fly! If you don't have the kids in tow, book outside of school hols or check out the best winter sun holidays.

 

GO ALL-INCLUSIVE

 

If you want luxury holidays for low costs, all inclusive resorts are a great option. Pay for your hotel in advance and get all of your food, drink and entertainment included – meaning no nasty surprises or hidden costs. If you've got the kids on board, some of the best family holidays can be had on all inclusive beach and city breaks, as it means you can easily budget for your break without the worry of the inevitable - endless requests for snacks, ice-creams and drinks! And there’s no need to compromise on quality either as many hotels have several dining options, including buffet, a la carte and specialist restaurants.

 

SHOP SUMMER IN THE SALES

 

Being organised is the key to cheaper holidays, so you can start by being smart with your beach buys. Get your clothes, sunglasses, sandals and sunscreens for next year in the summer sales if you can. If you like to snap up holiday staples throughout the year, it's a good idea to start a holiday box - pop any of your pre-holiday purchases in a lidded plastic box and put it out of the way to stop the temptation of wearing them before you fly!

 

BE FLEXIBLE

If you’re an easy-going traveller, you’ll find that picking up cheap beach holidays is a breeze. The more flexible you can be when it comes to travel dates, destinations and hotel facilities, the better. If you're on a tight budget, why not take a look at our deals on cheap holidays under £100 and holidays under £200? If you have restrictions or very specific requirements, i.e. you need to travel on certain dates or you want your hotel to have a kids’ club/waterpark/spa etc, you might be better off booking your holiday as far in advance as you can to save any disappointment.

 

SIGN UP TO RECEIVE TELETEXT HOLIDAYS EMAILS

We make holiday savings simple. Our great-value getaways, destination deals, special offers and exclusives mean you'll be basking on a bargain beach break in no time. Keep yourself in the loop by signing up to Teletext Holidays exciting email newsletters. All of our emails are filled with inspiring content, affordable deals and gorgeous imagery - so you're sure to find a bargain holiday that ticks all of your boxes!