Traveling to the United Kingdom? Here’s How to Save Big on Getting There. International travel can be expensive, especially when you’re crossing oceans. Fortunately, there are many ways you can save money while traveling to the UK, no matter how long or short your trip is. Here are seven top tips and tricks for cutting costs without downgrading the experience.
Avoid Data Overages with the Right Plan
Traveling internationally means communicating long-distance—and that can quickly add up. Update your wireless plan to a prepaid phone service that includes international talk, text, and data to ensure you won’t see roaming and overages on your next bill.
A reliable long-distance plan can keep you in contact with friends and family. Plus, if you choose an unlimited data plan, you can use your smartphone for everything from navigation to entertainment without worrying about extra charges.
Track Flight Trends for the Best Deal
It’s tempting to book the first flight that seems to be a reasonable price. But by tracking trends over time, you can see how plane ticket costs fluctuate—and choose a strategic time to purchase. Using a tool like Google to track changes for your planned route can help you get a better deal.
Google Flights alerts send you an email or notification when the price of your trip changes. To set up a Google Flights tracker, you need to enter your flight itinerary and return and departure dates.
Book Ahead (And on the Right Day)
Booking ahead helps you avoid last-minute price jumps on airfare, while booking last minute may land you a discount on unsold hotel rooms. Of course, most people prefer to plan international trips ahead of time. With that in mind, aim to book your flight about a month to five months prior to your departure.
Fly out on Quiet Days (And Times)
When it comes to international flights out of the US, traveling on weekdays is typically cheaper than weekends. Try to choose a time that’s less desirable—like late night or early morning—to avoid a rush of travelers, too.
Skip Holiday Travel Whenever Possible
Not only is holiday travel stressful, since everyone is on the move, but it’s also more expensive than traveling in the off-season. In the US, the most expensive times to travel include spring break, summer, and Christmas holidays, Money Inc explains—and that includes trips abroad. If possible, skip the peak seasons for your destination to enjoy the cheapest and quietest holiday possible.
Pack Light to Save on Fees
Most airlines charge extra for checked bags these days, which can add $30 or more to your airfare costs. But you can avoid extra charges by packing light and avoiding excess luggage in the first place.
Smarter Travel recommends using smart packing strategies like bringing lightweight clothing, planning to wash while traveling, and making the most of all the space in your bag. If you plan well enough—and can wash clothes during the trip—then a carry-on only could save you on baggage fees.
Choose Offbeat Tourist Destinations
While the UK encompasses England, Scotland, Wales, and Northern Ireland, most people think of notable landmarks like Big Ben or epic castles like Edinburgh when they contemplate a vacation trip. But there are attractions outside city limits, too. Once you leave the city, you can find relaxing landscapes, amazing scenery, and even quaint villages to explore. Instead of sticking to the cities and bustling tourist districts, add some less touristy spots to your must-do UK list, and save some cash while seeing the sights.
Any type of travel can be expensive, but with these travel tips, you’ll save more on your international vacation than you thought possible. Of course, that means more spending money once you arrive in the UK—which may or may not be a good thing, given the cost of return baggage.
Photo via Pexels
