1) Planning

Some people like to plan everything to the smallest detail and others prefer to let themselves go with the moment and make decisions along the way. The problem is that improvisation can be expensive. So, if your intention is to save money, plan your holidays as much as possible. Planning can include travel, accommodation booking, itinerary, meals, and anything else you can anticipate. Also be aware that there may be monuments, museums, parks, or tourist attractions that close on a certain day.

 2) Setting a budget

Start by understanding how much money you have available for the holiday and how much you intend to spend. It is important to establish in your head that there can be no slippage. To avoid any temptation, avoid using a credit card. Also, get into the habit of checking your account balance regularly to control your spending because, with the ease brought by the various automatic payment systems, it is easy to lose track of what you are spending. If you want to focus on organization, you can make a list of fixed expenses – for example, the price of the trip, airline tickets, accommodation, etc. – and another list of variable expenses – meals, transport, etc. – and write them down as you spend so you can have greater control.

3) Compare prices

Before you decide and make a booking, research the different options, and compare prices. For travel and accommodation, there are specific search engines that you can consult. If you prefer to book your holiday through a travel agency, ask for estimate costs and promotions.  If you want to go to museums, exhibitions, entertainment parks or any other place that implies paying admission, check if there are promotions, discounts or even some free admission days. As for meals, check if you can cook on the spot where you are going, or which restaurants are close by where you can eat well and cheap.

 4) Book in advance

If you’re flying, buy your flights in advance to get access to the lowest prices. The same may apply to accommodation. If you are staying in a hotel, research the various offers and check if there are any promotions. Some search engines and mobile phone apps offer discounts if you buy online. If you are renting a house, you can even leave a “deposit” a year in advance to guarantee the place and pay a more reasonable price.

5) Go on holiday during the “low” season

Although there are still restrictions because of the Covid-19 pandemic, it is now possible to travel abroad and there are some destinations that, besides being considered safe, are at more attractive prices. If you have the chance, take holidays outside the so-called ‘high season’, for example in winter. A good way to save money on air travel is to book flights on weekdays – as a rule, it is more expensive to fly on Fridays and weekends. If you prefer to stay in Portugal, choose less touristy parts of the country – like the north or center of the country – and avoid the busiest months.

It may seem difficult to reconcile holidays with savings, but with organization and planning, it is possible to enjoy a few days of rest without spending a lot of money. Try it and see!