From spending money to free activities, discover practical ways to save on your next holiday without cutting corners on protection.

Booking a holiday often means saving hard and making careful choices so you can enjoy a well-earned break without overspending. From flights and accommodation to food, transport and activities, the costs can quickly add up — especially when you're travelling on a budget.

But saving money isn't just about cutting corners. It's also about planning ahead and protecting what you've already paid for. Unexpected delays, cancellations or lost belongings can turn a budget-friendly trip into an expensive one.

To help your money go further, we've rounded up practical holiday on a budget tips — along with why travel insurance is an important part of budgeting for any trip.

Plan your spending money before you travel abroad

Thinking about how you'll manage your spending money before you travel can help you avoid unnecessary fees and keep day-to-day costs under control while you're away.

Before you go, check the exchange rates you're likely to get and whether your bank charges fees for using your card or withdrawing cash overseas. Small charges can quickly add up over the course of the holiday, especially if you're travelling for more than a few days.

Carrying some cash alongside a payment card can also make it easier to budget, as you can keep track of what you're spending day to day. It's always sensible to have a backup payment option too — particularly if your card is lost, stolen or unexpectedly blocked while you're abroad.

Buy a local SIM card to avoid roaming charges

Using your mobile phone abroad can quickly become expensive if you're hit with unexpected roaming charges. While some UK providers allow data usage in certain destinations, this isn't always the case — particularly when travelling outside Europe.

To keep costs down, turn off data roaming and make the most of free Wi-Fi in your accommodation, cafés and public spaces. If you want reliable access to maps, transport apps and booking information while you're out and about, buying a local SIM card can be a more affordable option.

Staying connected doesn't just help with budgeting — it can also make it easier to manage travel disruptions or access support if something doesn't go to plan.

Use affordable local transport on holiday

Taxis can be convenient, but relying on them for every journey can quickly push up your holiday costs. In many destinations, buses, trams and metro systems offer a much cheaper way to get around.

Although navigating public transport in a new place might feel daunting at first, many cities have easy-to-use travel apps showing routes, timetables and fares. Some also offer daily or weekly travel passes, which can help you save money if you're planning to explore.

Using local transport not only keeps costs down but also gives you more flexibility if plans change unexpectedly.

Dine like the locals or cook to save money on holiday

Trying local food is one of the highlights of travelling, but eating in tourist hotspots for every meal can be expensive. Asking locals for recommendations or heading slightly off the main attractions can help you find more affordable places to eat.

You can also search online reviews to find budget-friendly cafés, bakeries and restaurants that offer great value for money. If your accommodation has kitchen facilities, cooking some meals yourself can significantly reduce daily spending.

Simple choices like these can help stretch your holiday budget further, leaving more room for experiences you really want to enjoy.

Find free activities and attractions on holiday

Keeping entertained on holiday doesn't have to cost a fortune. Many destinations offer free activities, from parks and beaches to markets, festivals and scenic walking routes.

Some museums and galleries offer free entry on certain days, and many cities run free walking tours that let you explore key sights while learning about local history. Doing a bit of research before you travel can help you uncover plenty of budget-friendly options.

If you're staying in a hotel, ask reception for recommendations, or check social media for free things to do — platforms like TikTok and Instagram are full of travel inspiration.

Consider booking a package holiday

If you're looking to save money before you even travel, a package holiday can often offer better value than booking separately. Travel companies can secure discounted rates on flights and accommodation, which can make package deals more affordable overall.

Another benefit of package holidays is the peace of mind they can provide. Booking through an ABTA member means your holiday is financially protected, which can be especially reassuring when you're travelling on a budget and unexpected changes can be costly.

If you're comparing options, it's worth weighing up both the upfront savings and the level of protection included, so you can choose a holiday that suits your budget and gives you confidence before you travel.

Protect your holiday budget with travel insurance

When you're travelling on a budget, there's often less financial flexibility when the unexpected happens. Unexpected medical costs, cancelled flights, travel delays or lost and stolen luggage can quickly outweigh the savings you've made by planning carefully.

Travel insurance helps protect your holiday costs by covering you for these unforeseen circumstances, so you're not left paying out twice. Whether you've booked months in advance or found a last-minute deal, having the right cover in place can give you peace of mind that your trip — and your budget — is protected.

Before you travel, check you have the right level of cover for your trip and any activities you've got planned.

Get an ABTA Travel Insurance quote today: www.abtatravelinsurance.com