11 Smart Summer Holiday Money‑Saving Tips to Make Your Break Go Further (2026 Guide)
Summer holidays are a chance to reset, explore and enjoy time with the people who matter — but travel costs can rise quickly. This guide brings together 11 practical, budget‑friendly tips to help you save money on packing, travel, food, activities and everyday holiday spending. Whether you’re staying in the UK or heading abroad, these simple ideas help you make the most of your break without stretching your budget.
1. Make a Packing List (and Stick to It)
A simple packing list can save you money before you even leave home. It stops you forgetting essentials and buying them again, and it helps you avoid overpacking something that often leads to unnecessary baggage fees. Pack only the clothes you genuinely enjoy wearing, not the “just in case” items that never leave the suitcase. Kids rarely need a brand‑new outfit for every day, so choose practical pieces you can mix and match. Leaving a little space for souvenirs also prevents last‑minute cramming on the way home. For inspiration, MoneySavingExpert has a helpful checklist: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/travel/holiday-checklist/
Tip: Lay everything out on the bed before packing. Seeing it all together makes it easier to remove duplicates.
2. Avoid Baggage Fees With Smarter Packing
Airlines charge for almost everything now. Sharing a suitcase with your travel partner and taking one side each can cut costs, as long as you weigh the case before leaving home. Make full use of your hand‑luggage allowance and keep bulky items like jumpers or trainers there to save space. Rolling clothes instead of folding them can also make a surprising difference. You can check the latest hand‑luggage rules on GOV.UK: https://www.gov.uk/hand-luggage-restrictions
3. Check Your Mobile Phone Settings Before You Travel
Roaming charges can be expensive, especially outside the EU. Before you travel, check whether your network includes EU roaming, turn off background app refresh on many of your apps and download maps, playlists and films so you can use them offline. Switching to Wi‑Fi for entertainment apps can also help keep data use low.
4. Pack One Travel Adaptor (With Multiple USB Ports)
Most gadgets now charge via USB, so one adaptor with several ports is usually enough for the whole family. It saves space, avoids buying multiple adaptors abroad and keeps everything in one place. Using hair bobbles or elastic bands to tie up cables stops them tangling and makes them easier to find.
5. Use a Separate Travel Bank Account
A dedicated travel account can make holiday spending much easier to manage. It helps you avoid foreign transaction fees, protects your main account if you lose your card and keeps your UK bill money separate. Many UK debit cards now offer fee‑free spending abroad, and MoneySavingExpert keeps an updated list of the best options: https://www.moneysavingexpert.com/credit-cards/travel-credit-cards
Tip: When paying abroad, choose local currency, not GBP, it usually gives a better exchange rate.
6. Research Local Transport Before You Go
Transport costs vary widely between destinations, so it’s worth checking your options in advance. In many cities, both in the UK and across Europe, a weekly travel pass works out cheaper than paying for individual journeys. Some places offer family tickets, tourist passes or discounted evening fares. A little research can save a surprising amount over the course of a week.
7. Save Money on Food
Food is often one of the biggest holiday expenses, but small changes can make a big difference. For UK staycations, taking a cool box for picnics and stocking up on snacks before days out helps avoid high prices at attractions. Abroad, local supermarkets usually offer better value than tourist‑area shops, and buying large bottles of water or simple snacks can keep costs down. In many countries, lunchtime menus are cheaper than evening meals, so shifting your main meal to midday can save money without sacrificing quality. Even on all‑inclusive holidays, taking reusable bottles and planning ahead for excursions helps you avoid paying extra.
Tip: If you’re self‑catering, cook breakfast and lunch, then treat yourself to dinner out it balances enjoyment and cost.
8️. Set a Daily Budget for Kids
Children often get swept up in the excitement of holiday treats, and small purchases can add up quickly. Setting a simple daily allowance gives them independence while helping you keep spending under control. It also avoids the constant “Can I have…?” cycle that can take the shine off a day out.
9️. Look for Free or Low Cost Activities
Many destinations offer brilliant free experiences that are just as memorable as paid attractions. Beaches, parks, nature trails, local markets and sunset walks cost nothing and often become the highlight of a trip. In the UK, many museums are free to enter, and local tourism websites usually list free events, festivals and community activities, so checking before you go can help you plan days that don’t rely on expensive tickets.
Tip: Search “free things to do in [destination]” — you’ll often find hidden gems.
10. Use Cashback and Discount Apps
Before booking anything from meals to attractions it’s worth checking cashback sites and discount apps. Many offer savings on UK days out, theme parks, restaurants and even travel. A quick search can reduce the cost of activities you were planning to do anyway.
11. Plan Your First and Last Day Carefully
The first and last days of a holiday are when people tend to overspend, often because they’re tired or unprepared. Packing snacks for the journey, planning a simple first‑night meal and keeping a small “travel day” budget can help you avoid impulse buys at airports or service stations. A little preparation keeps everything calmer and more affordable.
Looking Ahead: More Ways ESLCU Can Support Your Holidays
If you’re already thinking about your next break, your Credit Union account can help you plan ahead in a way that feels manageable. Saving little and often in a PrizeSaver account can build a pot for spending money with the added bonus of monthly prize draws. And if you do need to spread the cost of a few holiday essentials when you get home, a small, fair‑rate loan can take the pressure off without derailing your budget.
Keep an eye on our website over the coming weeks too. We’ll soon be introducing an exciting new ESLCU membership benefit that includes discounts on a wide range of extras for holidays, days out and short breaks away. It’s another way we’re working to make life a little easier for our members.