Why pay for holidays ever again..?
Who we are:
Club La Costa Resorts & Hotels is recognised as one of the largest resort developers in Europe, owning and managing 22 first class resorts in Spain, Tenerife, Florida, Turkey, Austria and the Uk. Club La Costa, is a leading holiday accomodation provider, famous for quality, choice and flexibility.
What we do:
More than 50,000 Club La Costa club members enjoy our holidays which are excellent value for money. Our resorts are found in superb locations, at top holiday destinations with stunning views and plenty of things to do and see.
Would you like the chance to win a free two-week high luxury holiday every year for life?
Holidays
Top Tips For Saving Money On A Holiday
1- Book Early
This may seem obvious but the holiday industry is like any other business affected by supply and demand. The best time to book is 11 months before you’re due to travel when the flights will have just been released.
2- Book Late
The rules of supply and demand also apply in the last few days before the departure dates. If there are any unsold seats or hotel rooms, you could bag yourself a bargain!
If you are booking a flight and a car, or flight and accommodation, by packaging the two deals, an agent can offer you a much better deal than if you were to book separately or even online.
4- Share the cost
A holiday home that sleeps 12 people isn’t usually six times more expensive than one that sleeps 2. So why not share with family and friends?
5- House swap
There are many websites that specialise in house swapping, and although you might think you live in a horrid suburban time-warp, to an American visitor this could be the ideal quaint historic corner of Britain they’ve been searching for. Find out more on www.homelink.org.uk
6- Surf for a deal
There are some great comparison websites online, so why not compare flights,
create your own holiday and book online. Or just use is it for research and then contact your local high street travel agents and haggle for the best deal. Check out websites such as www.travelsupermarket.com and find yourself the best deal that suits you.
7- Sign up for special offers
Most airlines and travel agents has a service that allows you to hear about the big first. So choose your favourites and sign up. It only takes minutes to do but could save you big money!
8- Go youth hosteling
Despite the name, youth hostels have many family rooms, and are cheaper alternative to pricey hotels. Check out www.yha.org.uk
9- InterRail
Whilst you might have thought that it is just for gap year students that is not the case. There are many European and country specific rail schemes. Go on www.interrail.net or www.raileurope.co.uk to find out more information.
10- Collect newspaper tokens
Many newspapers have a travel club or travel discounts that involve collecting tokens. Some of them have fantastic offers to save you money, but remember to always read the small print!
11- Careful how you tip
According to a country by country guide from M&S Travel Money, British families could save £135 a year by reading up on the tipping etiquette of their destination.
In France the law requires service to be included in the restaurant bills (usually around 15%) so don’t add any extra!
In Italy, no additional tip is required on restaurant bills as it comes under the automatic “coperto” cover charge. “Tips are also not expected in bars or taxis,” says the M&S guide.
In Spain, 5-10% is customary in restaurants, while in Turkey it is closer to 5%, except in up market eateries. However at a Turkish bath you should tip 15%.
The US is the world capital of tipping. The accepted rate is 15-20% in restaurants, while bartenders expect $2 per drink, per round. Room service is $9 a day, “and it is common practice also to tip the concierge/doormen and tour guides around $20.” Taxi drivers will expect at least 10%.
12- Car Hire
If you hire a car for at least two weeks a year, it’s worth taking out insurance to cover the extras demanded by rental firms at foreign airports. It’s the only way to beat the “super collision damage waiver (CDW)” car hire sting that typically adds around £30 a week to a car hire bill.
Go to a website such as Insurance4carhire.com which, for an annual premium of £49 (Europe) or £65 (worldwide), will cover you for this.
