This is the second in a series of three posts offering advice to holidaymakers heading off on holiday this summer. In this post I have added some useful tips that will save you money in the hope that you will spend less time worrying about money, and more time enjoying your holiday.

I have also included the answers to two questions that I am asked a lot; how much spending money should I take on holiday? Where are the best places to exchange currency? I explain how you can still enjoy expensive destinations like Venice, by changing your spending behaviour while on holiday.

Here is my list of travel money saving tips.

Stick to a daily budget

Before I travel I look at what I want to do. I look at the cost for entrance to tourist attractions that I want to visit. I research what public transport ticket options I can purchase and how much it will cost to get around. Then add in the cost of food, drink, and money for gifts etc.

I then have an estimated amount for spending money. It’ll not be exact, but it’s better than just pulling a figure out of the air and then finding that you cannot afford to do the things you had planned. In Oslo I saved money by purchasing a tourist pass that included transport and entrance to museums.

Book accommodation outside of the main tourist area

When I told friends that I was staying in a hotel away from the main island in Venice they told me that I was making a huge mistake. I stayed at a hotel in Mestre, a ten minute bus ride away, and the cost of the hotel was 45% cheaper than the main island. The bus service was regular, and reliable.

So, my advice is, if cost is the main factor in your holiday search, try not to stay in the main tourist areas. Look at places nearby with a good public transport network to where you want to visit. Finding a parking space in unfamiliar towns and cities can be a nightmare, so catching a bus is a lot less stressful.

Go local to find the cheapest restaurants and bars

I am using my trip to Venice as an example again, but, a few people told me to ‘get lost’ to find the best restaurants and bars. It’s true; you’ll pay up to 50% less by finding places that the locals use. Not only is the food cheaper but it tastes a lot nicer. You will also avoid those rip-off tourist restaurant menus and rates.

Remember you pay more in a restaurant with good views and location. Rather than paying a huge amount for a meal, go to a supermarket and create your own picnic. I sat eating my €2 sandwich on the Grand Canal while the people behind me, in the restaurant, paid €25 for a soup starter.

Change your spending behaviour

When I went to Kos a few years back, I was short of money because it was close to pay-day. So I planned my spending to make sure my money stretched to the end of they holiday. The daily lunchtime beer in a bar was replaced with a drink back on the balcony of my apartment.

Visit a supermarket that the locals use. Making a few sandwiches is much cheaper than eating at restaurants for breakfast, lunch and dinner. Rather than paying for a taxi, walk, or use public transport. Making a few changes to how you spend money is not going to ruin your holiday; it’ll mean less stress when you receive the bank or credit card statement.

Cut the bank card costs

I have a Nationwide account because within Europe, if I withdraw any money, I do not get charged. I also have a FairFX prepaid card, which I applied for online. There are no fees for adding money, but you will pay €1.50 to withdraw cash from an ATM. I take both when going on holiday.

There are loads of different options on debit and prepaid cards, so it is worth shopping around. While I am on the topic of cards, it is a good idea to speak with your bank prior to going on holiday to tell them that you will be using it abroad. I have heard of banks freezing accounts because of suspicious activity.

Best currency exchange rates

Finally, a question I am asked a lot is where the best places to exchange my money are. Unless you are exchanging large amounts of money I wouldn’t spend time searching for the best rate. If you do want to shop around, then compare the high-street with online. You tend to find higher rates online, they will deliver, but it can take up to two weeks.

Hopefully this post has provided you with some travel money saving tips for your next holiday.

• Holiday money saving tips and spending advice
• Weak pound influencing consumer’s choice of destination
• Five Money saving Holiday Tips
• Help finding the best Exchange Rates
• Ten Travel tips for your next Short Break Holiday

Please enter your email address to receive my free newsletter