6 ways to save money during summer holidays

Summer holidays are synonymous with carefree, relaxation and new adventures, but they can often become a financial nightmare. So – how to save money during summer vacation?! Airfare, accommodations, food, and entry fees add up quickly, which can be stressful just thinking about planning a trip. But don't worry! With a little strategy and smart choices, you can cut costs and still indulge in guilt-free pleasures. Here are ten proven ways to keep your wallet full while you explore beautiful European destinations, such as the hidden gems of Albania, the sunny shores of Greece or the picturesque towns of Bulgaria. Follow our advice and experience an unforgettable summer without financial stress.

1# Choose a convenient destination

Consider vacationing in less visited European countries such as Albania, Greece, or Bulgaria. These destinations offer beautiful beaches and cultural attractions at much lower prices than popular tourist spots.

Albania: The hidden gem of the Adriatic

Albania, a country with a rich history and breathtaking nature, is becoming increasingly popular among travelers looking for authentic experiences without the crowds of tourists. Albania boasts long sandy beaches, crystal clear sea and affordable prices. Towns such as Saranda and Dhermi offer idyllic holiday experiences, while further inland you can explore ancient ruins such as Butrint or enjoy the mountain trails of Valbona National Park.

Greece: More than just Santorini and Mykonos

Although Santorini and Mykonos are the most recognizable Greek islands, you can save significantly by opting for lesser-known but equally beautiful destinations. Islands such as Naxos, Paros and Kefalonia offer picturesque beaches, authentic taverns and a rich cultural heritage. In addition, the prices of accommodation and food are significantly lower than on the more touristic islands. Cities like Thessaloniki offer an interesting mix of history, art and cuisine, without the sky-high prices.

Bulgaria: An affordable destination with surprising beauty

Bulgaria is famous for its beautiful Black Sea coasts, such as the Golden Coast, Sunny Beach and Sozopol, where you can enjoy sunbathing and water sports at affordable prices. In addition to the coast, Bulgaria is also rich in historic towns such as Plovdiv, one of the oldest cities in Europe, as well as impressive natural beauty such as the Rila Monastery and the seven Rila Lakes. Enjoy local specialties like banitsa and explore the picturesque markets without feeling like you're overpaying.

2# Reserve in advance

Flights and accommodation are often cheaper if booked a few months in advance. This allows you to access the best deals and avoid high last-minute prices.

Early booking: A smart decision for your budget

Booking flight tickets and accommodation in advance is not only a smart decision, but also financially beneficial. For example, research shows that booking your airline tickets ahead of time can save you up to 30% or more compared to buying at the last minute​​.

Price comparison: Book now or later

If we compare the prices of plane tickets for different European destinations, we can see significant differences. For example, a plane ticket from Ljubljana to Athens, if booked three months in advance, can cost around 120 euros. But if you book it just two weeks before departure, the price can rise to 200 euros or more. The same applies when booking accommodation. Booking a hotel in central Paris six months in advance can cost €150 per night, while the same room booked just a month in advance can cost €250 per night.

Early booking of accommodation

When booking accommodation, early booking is also key. Airbnb and Booking.com often offer discounts for early bookings. If you book six months in advance, you can also save up to 20% or more per night compared to the price you'll pay if you book just before now. In addition, early booking gives you a better choice of accommodation, as the best rooms and suites usually sell out quickly.

Tips for finding the best deals

• Use flight search engines: Websites like Skyscanner and Google Flights allow you to set up price change alerts, helping you keep track of the best deals.
• Book at the right time: The ideal time to book airline tickets is usually six to eight weeks before departure for domestic flights and three to six months for international flights.
• Flexibility in dates: Being flexible with your travel dates can save you a lot. Midweek flights are often cheaper than weekend flights. Also, off-season or early morning flights are usually cheaper.

3# Pack smart

Overweight baggage may result in additional costs from airlines. Pack only the essentials and use lighter luggage to avoid additional fees.

Baggage optimization: The key to savings

Packing for travel is an art worth mastering, especially if you want to save money. Extra baggage fees can quickly add to the cost of your trip, so it's important to pack smart and avoid unnecessary expenses.

Examples of airlines and their baggage fees

Budget airlines are known for offering low fares, but often charge high baggage fees. Here are some examples:

• Ryanair: This Irish low-cost carrier allows you to carry only a small piece of personal luggage free of charge, which must correspond to the dimensions of 40 x 20 x 25 cm. For hand luggage up to 10 kg, you have to pay an extra from 6 to 25 euros, depending on the time of the reservation. Overweight or extra luggage can cost from 25 to 50 euros per piece.
• EasyJet: With EasyJet, only hand luggage that corresponds to the dimensions of 45 x 36 x 20 cm is free. For additional hand luggage or larger pieces of luggage, the costs can be between 6.99 and 37.99 euros per piece, depending on the route and time of reservation.
• Wizz Air: This Hungarian low-cost carrier allows you to carry a small personal piece of luggage with dimensions up to 40 x 30 x 20 cm free of charge. Hand luggage up to 10 kg costs from 5 to 40 euros, depending on seasonal variations and destination.

Smart packing tips

• Choose lighter luggage: Use light suitcases or backpacks that won't add too much weight to your luggage.
• Pack multipurpose clothing: Choose clothes that can be combined in different ways to reduce the number of clothes you need to take with you.
• Use vacuum bags: Vacuum bags can reduce the volume of your clothes and thus allow more space in your luggage.
• Limit fluids: Carry only essential liquids in small quantities and use travel containers to avoid exceeding carry-on limits.

Practical examples

If you travel with Ryanair and exceed the hand luggage allowance, you can quickly run into additional charges. For example, if your hand luggage exceeds the permitted weight and dimensions, you will have to pay an additional 25 euros at the airport. If you're flying with your family, these costs can add up quickly. Similarly, with EasyJet, improper packing can mean additional costs of up to €37.99 per piece of luggage, which can significantly increase the total cost of the trip.

4# Avoid the tourist traps

Big cities and tourist attractions often have higher prices. Rather, opt for lesser-known but equally beautiful destinations where prices are lower. Visiting lesser-known cities in Italy or France can bring you big savings.

Exploring lesser-known destinations: A smart choice on a budget

Visiting big cities like Paris or Rome is certainly attractive, but these places are also known for high prices that can quickly drain your budget. However, you can save a lot by exploring lesser-known but equally charming places in Italy and France.

Italy: Hidden Gems

Instead of visiting Rome or Venice, consider traveling to less besieged but equally wonderful places. Cities like Bergamo, Matera and Lucca offer rich history, beautiful architecture and delicious cuisine at much lower prices. For example, accommodation in Matera, known for its ancient cave dwellings, can be half the price of accommodation in more touristy towns. In addition, local food is cheaper and often more authentic.

France: The charm of rural towns

France is synonymous with Paris, but smaller cities such as Annecy, Colmar and Aix-en-Provence are just as charming. These cities offer picturesque landscapes, historical sites and local markets without the crowds of tourists. For example, staying in Colmar, known for its fairy-tale canals and wooden houses, can be significantly cheaper than staying in Paris. In addition, local markets are full of fresh produce and delicacies that are affordable and authentic.

Additional benefits

Avoiding tourist traps brings additional benefits. Less touristy destinations often offer a more authentic insight into the local culture and way of life. Less crowds allow for more relaxed exploration and enjoyment of attractions such as local wineries, markets and cultural events.

Tips for avoiding tourist traps

• Explore alternative destinations: Instead of visiting the most popular tourist spots, look for lesser-known but equally attractive destinations.
• Connect with locals: Locals can offer you valuable tips and recommendations for places to visit that are not in the tourist guides.
• Avoid peak season: Traveling off-season gives you lower prices and less crowds. Spring and autumn are great times to visit many European destinations.

 

5# Affordable installments

Instead of eating at expensive restaurants, visit local markets and prepare your own meals. Local specialties at markets are usually cheaper and more authentic. Even visiting local shops for snacks can significantly reduce costs.

Local flavors at affordable prices

One of the best ways to save money while traveling is to explore local markets. In addition to saving money, this also allows you to taste the authentic cuisine of the region. For example, markets in Italy, such as the Mercato Centrale in Florence, offer fresh produce, cheese, meat and prepared meals at prices significantly lower than those found in restaurants​​.

Preparing meals independently

When you visit a local market, buy fresh ingredients and prepare your own meals. This is especially useful if you have a kitchen available in an accommodation such as an Airbnb or an apartment. Preparing breakfast, lunch or dinner can help you significantly reduce costs. For example, fresh fruit, vegetables, local cheese and bread are excellent choices for a light and affordable meal.

Snacks from local shops

Local grocery stores are another great source of affordable snacks. Instead of buying expensive snacks in tourist areas, visit local bakeries, pastry shops or shops. In France, for example, you can buy fresh baguettes and croissants at very low prices compared to the prices in cafes in tourist areas. You can also enjoy local tapas in Spain in smaller, lesser-known bars, where the prices are significantly lower than in popular tourist spots​​.

Examples of savings

For a better idea of the savings, let's compare the prices. Lunch in a restaurant in Paris can cost you between 15 and 25 euros per person, while a visit to the market for ingredients for a meal can only cost you around 10 euros for several people. Similarly, dinner at an Italian restaurant can cost between 20 and 40 euros, while fresh ingredients from the market can cost you a fraction of that price.

Tips for shopping at markets

• Early shopping: Markets usually open early in the morning and offer fresh produce at the best prices. By late afternoon, products are often sold out or less fresh.
• Negotiation: In many countries, price negotiation at markets is common. Don't be afraid to try to get a better price, especially if you are buying in larger quantities.
• Local specialties: Ask the locals about the best products in the market. They will be able to recommend the best offers and the tastiest local specialties.

 

6# Public transport

Use public transport instead of renting a car or taxis. In this way, you will not only save money, but you will also be more ecological. In addition, public transport is often an interesting experience as it gives you an insight into local life.

Advantages of using public transport

Public transport is one of the most efficient and economical ways to travel around cities and countries. Whether it's buses, trains, trams or metros, public transport offers many advantages.

Saving money

Renting a car and using taxis are often expensive. Fuel, parking and insurance costs can add up quickly. For example, a one-day car rental in major European cities can cost between 50 and 100 euros, while a day ticket for public transport can cost less than 10 euros. (Kiplinger.com)​​ (Ramsey Solutions)​. In many cities, weekly or monthly passes are also available, which further reduce the cost of transport.

Ecological aspect

Using public transport reduces your carbon footprint. Fewer cars on the road means fewer greenhouse gas emissions, which contributes to a cleaner environment. According to the European Environment Agency, public transport contributes significantly less CO2 emissions per passenger compared to cars (NerdWallet: Finance smarter)​.

An insight into local life

Public transport allows you to experience a destination like a local. Traveling by bus or train allows you to observe daily life, learn about the local culture and interact with the locals. In addition, you can discover lesser-known parts of the city that you would not otherwise visit.

Examples of efficient public transport systems

• Berlin, Germany: Berlin's public transport is very efficient and extensive. It consists of U-Bahn (subway), S-Bahn (city rail), buses and trams. The daily ticket costs around 8.80 euros and allows an unlimited number of rides with all means of public transport.
• Barcelona, Spain: Barcelona's public transport system includes the metro, buses, trams and trains. A single ticket for 10 rides costs around 11.35 euros, which is very affordable compared to renting a car or taxis.
• Ljubljana, Slovenia: The capital of Slovenia has an efficient bus system that connects all parts of the city. The daily ticket costs around 4 euros, which allows an unlimited number of bus rides.

Tips for using public transport

• Do your research ahead of time: Before traveling, check the timetables and maps of public transport on the websites of city transport companies. Many applications, such as Google Maps and Citymapper, offer accurate information about public transport in real time.
• Buy multi-day tickets: If you plan to stay for a long time, it is often worth buying multi-day or weekly tickets, which are more affordable.
• Be prepared: Always carry some change or a public transport card, as some transport operators do not accept cash.

 

Conclusion: Summer holidays don't have to be a financial stress. With a little planning and smart choices, you can enjoy a well-deserved vacation without putting too much of a strain on your budget. Take these tips and prepare for the most relaxing and affordable vacation ever.