Published : 7 years ago, on 11/11/2017

It may feel like it’s far too early to start planning your next summer holiday, but with Brexit expected to have continued effects on the exchange rate and a predicted increase in prices by 9%*, it is worth thinking about your holiday now.

As long as you’re a little money savvy, you can still travel to some of the most popular destinations with a few tricks and swaps. To give you a helping hand, Louis Bridger, general manager at International Currency Exchange has shared his advice to how to save money in five of the most popular summer holiday destinations.*

1. Mallorca

Known for it’s beautiful beach resorts and stunning limestone mountains, citrus groves, and impressive architecture, it is no surprise Mallorca is one of Britain’s most popular holiday destinations. With 2.23 million Brits holidaying in Mallorca each year* the prices in popular hotspots can spike. However, with a few hacks you can save some well needed holiday cash.

Avoid expensive taxi fares by using public transport to travel around Mallorca. Likewise, if you are staying in Palma, try the ‘The Palma Pass’. This makes exploring the Majorcan capital a lot easier and cheaper as it includes public transport and the airport bus, entry to top sights including the cathedral, and discounts on sightseeing tours as well as at shops and restaurants.

If you are planning on going to one of the waterparks, it is always worth buying tickets online in advance to save money as well as avoiding lengthy ticket queues. Or, if museums are more your scene, admission to EsBaluard, the contemporary art museum in Palma, is pay as you feel on Fridays.

2. Tenerife

Tenerife is another popular destination for Brits, and it is not hard to see why, with huge beaches, year-round sunshine and city-sized resorts ticking most boxes when it comes to holiday must-haves.

To save money on this gorgeous island, be savvy with your meal times. Eating your main meal at lunchtime will see many restaurants offering set menus for great prices. Likewise, if you wish to eat later on choose a restaurant away from seafront, where prices tend to be higher.

When it comes to getting around the island, Tenerife has a very good bus service which is reliable and cheap. Buy a pre-paid Bono card for either €15 or €25 and you’ll get up to a 40% discount on the usual fare.

For major attractions, make sure to buy online to save money. If you’re going to both Siam Park and LoroParque, buy a twin ticket online and save up to 15%. It is also worth remembering that entry to all the museums on the island is free on Sundays.

3. Algarve

With its idyllic beaches, dramatic coastline and endless leisure opportunities, it’s no surprise that the Algarve has become one of the most popular holiday hotspots in Europe.

To keep it cheap, explore further away from the main tourist hubs and keep your eyes peeled for small, family run restaurants and set menus.

To save further cash, make the most of Algrave’s golden beaches and impressive architecture for free. For a cheap day out, head to the IlhaDeserta; a privately owned island that buffers the Ria Formosa natural park from the power of the Atlantic. You can explore the only uninhabited island near Ria Formosa, known for its remoteness and its unspoiled nature, for a cheap but fun excursion.

4. Ibiza

Ibiza may be a small island but it’s got a lot to offer. A destination renowned for decades as the party destination, Ibiza has lots more to offer than just world renowned DJ sets, with plenty of beaches and cultural hotspots to explore.

Due to the island’s size, your main travel cost will be from the airport. To save some cash, swap a taxi for a short bus ride which will drop you off right outside the port for a fraction of the cost.

If you are there for a party, make sure you book your nightclub tickets online before you travel. You’ll find that they are between 5 to 20 euros cheaper online and you can often purchase an earlybird ticket which will be discounted further.

5. Orlando

With its huge theme parks, attractions and incredible weather, a trip to Orlando can quickly become very expensive, with theme park access, accommodation, dining and getting around to think about, on top of flights which will already have taken a big chunk out of your holiday savings. However with some little swaps you can save yourself a fortune.

When it comes to accommodation, although package hotels and tickets may be tempting, hotels away from the International Drive area are often significantly cheaper.

Likewise, when you are visiting the parks, you’ll often find that the food served onsite is often vastly overpriced. All the parks let you bring in your own food and soft drinks so why not take a picnic? This way you can eat whilst you queue for the rides too, to truly make the most of you trip!

For more information about International Currency Exchange go to: https://www.iceplc.com/