UK Ferry Tickets

I don’t know about you but I am absolutely dreading watching the news from day to day at the moment. It all seems like doom and gloom with financial markets going under and banks closing or merging. As such, we are all intent on simply surviving and not thinking at all about how we are going to be able to afford to go on holiday next year. Food and fuel comes before a holiday but considering a self-drive break could indeed help you to take a holiday without breaking the bank.

With self drive breaks there are absolutely no expensive flights or hotels to pay for so it fits into the average budget much easier. Of course, it also helps that you can control the amount of money you spend when on holiday as well. The tips below highlight that and point out the areas that you have to look at to save money and effectively budget for your self drive holiday: 

1. Look at fuel economy – On a self drive holiday, fuel is usually the one expense that costs individuals far more than they may have originally planned for. A heavy car obviously uses more fuel so the further you travel with your luggage, the more you will end up paying. As such, always estimate how much you think you will use and double it. This allows for any extra expense without causing you problems.
2. Watch your mobile phone charges – An easy rule here. Just don’t use your mobile phone abroad. It costs a fortune to call your mum, for example, and let her know you’re OK, or even take a call from her. Take advantage of add ons that are offered by the networks or just take your mobile for use in the event of an emergency. Just think twice before you pick it up!
3. Choose from the many ferry deals out there – There are hundreds of ferry deals available for you every year. They are incredibly cheap and excellent value for money so shop around so you can save money where possible.
4. Practice food economy – Eating in restaurants is really nice when you’re on holiday. Trying out all of the beautiful French or Italian restaurants and eating the local delicacies are usually high on the list of priorities. However, this isn’t something you want to be doing if you’re trying to save money. Instead, find sandwich shops for lunch or, better still, find the local supermarkets so you can prepare your own food.
5. Choose camping instead of a hotel (if you already have the equipment) – Hotels are more expensive than campsite fees and so if you have the camping equipment, it is worth it. However, if you do not have camping gear or are unable to borrow it then you would be better of in a hotel because the outlay could be huge. You have to weigh up the expenses before committing either way.

If you bear all of the above in mind then you will find that you save money when on a self drive. As such, this may well put it within your budget next year.

Guest Article by Louise Crowley

Wednesday, October 8th, 2008