The golden rules of affordable travel

Travel passes

Particularly for longer trips, it is a good idea to invest in a travel pass. Daily, weekly, or monthly passes are much more cost-effective than single fares and, with no need to wait in ticket machine queues, they are also more convenient. Many cities now offer travel cards tailored to tourists, including quick access to all the popular areas, different modes of transport and sometimes even airport transfers. If you’re city-hopping in Europe, a great option is the Interrail Pass, offering a range of rail routes across 33 countries. These passes can be limited to one country or include all and have options from as little as 3 individual journeys to 3 months of unlimited travel.

Avoid foreign transaction charges

Foreign transaction fees are the charges placed on card payments abroad for currency conversion. They are usually just a small percentage of the purchase, but for frequent travellers, they can quickly add up. Avoid these pesky charges by opening a credit card or bank account with low or even no foreign transaction fees. Monzo and Revolut are popular app-only banks which do not charge foreign fees, while Barclaycard and Natwest offer specific credit cards that cater for travel. Foreign ATMs often have the most extortionate charges, so if you plan to spend cash, make sure to exchange your currency at home.

View of Alfama neighbourhood in Lisbon, PortugalGetty Images

Choose attractions wisely

Once you arrive, the holiday buzz often means all thoughts of money go out the window. This is when you are at risk of racking up unnecessary expenses, so it is important to plan ahead. The most famous gallery in the city may be tempting, but often, if you dig a little deeper, you will find plenty of cheaper (or even free) options available, showcasing work which is just as impressive. Check if a place you want to visit offers free admission in the evenings or on Sundays. Of course, some attractions are worth the extra pennies, so set aside some time to map out a balanced itinerary. Once you have chosen your main event, fill the rest of your day with budget-friendly activities, like hiking, sunbathing on a beach or visiting a government-funded museum.

Visit cheaper destinations

While this may be stating the obvious, falling into the tourist trap of big-ticket places is one of the most common mistakes. One way to steer clear of this is flight-centric planning. Choosing your next holiday based on where offers the cheapest flights will prevent the shock of pricey air travel after settling on your destination. Affordable holiday options are neither few nor far, as the Post Office includes certain places in Portugal, Turkey and Cyprus in its Top 10 Destinations for 2024 Holiday Money Value report. It’s important to remember that cheaper does not always equate to worse – it may simply mean it is yet undiscovered by the travel crowds. Often the lesser-known locations are the most beautiful. They offer idyllic, unspoilt nature, authentic cultural representations, and, most importantly, the chance to see impressive sights which are not overrun by tourists.