Even in difficult financial times, it is possible to achieve an unforgettable holiday on a tight budget. Planning your holiday in advance is a great way to make sure you keep all of the potential costs to a minimum and these tips could help you to save even more money on your trip away.

Using exchange rates to your advantage

If you are planning to go abroad this year, the chances are that you are going to have to change your money. The strength of certain currencies against others changes constantly, so it is important to look at the strength of currencies in the destinations you are considering.

Often European countries which do not use the Euro are a good bet for a strong rate of conversion. While you may be able to pay for certain things in Euros, try to stick to the local currency as it is likely that you will see a much more efficient rate of exchange.

Where you exchange your currency will also affect the cost of your holiday and exchanging cash at the airport last minute is likely to see an awful exchange rate and high fees – making it advisable to convert your currency in advance of your departure.

Think about when you can travel

For many people, the time of year at which they can take their holiday is out of their control. This leads to inflated prices for popular times of year. If you are lucky enough to be able to dictate when you travel, be sure to travel outside of these peak travelling times to attain a huge saving.

Compare deals

It is likely that you will be able to receive similar packages from different providers for different costs. Spend some time looking around for the best deal and consider whether you can save a lot of money by making a simple compromise.

When using the internet, don’t just look at travel agencies but also think about consumer reviews and accounts of experiences. Sites like Top Travel Blogs may have the information you are looking for and could offer you more impartial advice.

Share where possible

As with most things, the more you buy, the better the price. Consider travelling with a big group of family or friends to keep costs to a minimum and remember you needn’t spend all of your time with the group once at the destination if you don’t want to.

Stay for as long as you can

Following the same principle as above, holidays become far better value for money the longer they are for. Of course, a two week holiday will be more costly than a one week holiday but you will get much better value for money on a longer trip. Discounts on accommodation and no change in the cost of your flight combine to see your money go further – and this makes it a great option for the budget conscious.