The guide
How to plan a cheap trip from the UK
Nine habits we use to keep complete trips (flights, stay, transfers and fun) under £300.
- 01
Be flexible on where, fixed on budget
Start with a total budget, not a destination. Search 'everywhere' on flight sites and let the cheapest routes from your airport pick the shortlist.
- 02
Travel in shoulder season
May, June, September and October often have summer weather at half the price. Avoid UK school holidays where you can.
- 03
Fly midweek with cabin bags only
Tuesday and Wednesday flights are usually cheapest. Budget airlines make their money on bags and seats, so pack light and skip seat selection.
- 04
Book stays with free cancellation
Lock in a good-value room early, then keep checking. If the price drops, cancel and rebook. Guesthouses and apartments beat hotels in the Balkans and Eastern Europe.
- 05
Plan transfers before you land
Airport taxis are the easiest way to overspend. Check public buses and trains, or pre-book a shared transfer at a fixed price.
- 06
Use a fee-free card and pay locally
Use a card with no foreign transaction fees and always choose to pay in the local currency. 'Pay in GBP' is a poor exchange rate.
- 07
Eat where locals eat
Lunch menus, markets and bakeries cost a fraction of tourist-square restaurants. Make lunch your big meal.
- 08
Book one paid highlight, then go free
Pick one paid tour that matters most to you. Fill the rest with free walking tours, beaches, hikes and viewpoints.
- 09
Families: rent a whole apartment
Our prices are per person for 2 adults sharing. Families often pay less per person by booking an entire apartment with a kitchen and buying breakfast at the supermarket. If you are tied to school holidays, book flights as soon as the dates are released.