When booking an overnight or short stay away, planning the hotel comes first, but you’re losing out on savings of up to 45% by missing one thing.
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This year, it’s expected that more and more people will be taking day trips and booking a hotel as part of their travel plans.
Recent data from YouGov shows that 36% of people questioned say they would be taking a day out, with 25% planning a short breaks and 18% having an overnight stay as part of it.
With plans in place, people start to book their hotels a month in advance for an overnight stay and two to three months in advance dor a shorter break.
But, people are overlooking one thing as part of their holiday plans and it’s costing you up to 45% more for the mistake.
The cost of waiting
While hotels are booked up in advance, because people likely worry they won’t have anywhere to rest their head’s for the night, actually getting to the location is an afterthought.
But, when you’re travelling by train, putting off booking your travel is costing you.
One in three people don’t book their train tickets until a week before the trips, meaning they are losing on on the best value faress.
Why booking early matters
Booking travel early is just as important as making sure you have a hotel room reserved.
Here’s an example if we were to travel from Hull to London.
Booking next Friday for two adults and one child (we added our Railcard (got it free with Clubcard points, obvs)) costs £54.30.
However, being a little organised, and planning to book travel in advance saves money.
With the same number of people, same Railcard, same time and day of the week, and we’ve shaved £10 off the price by booking the prices two months in advance.
Easy!
LNER, who commissioned the research, shared that using their website or app can save up to 45 per cent on Advance fares.
LNER’s fixed-price Family Tickets can see savings of up to 65 per cent for travel between seventeen destinations for up to two adults and four children.
David Flesher, LNER’s Commercial Director, said:
“We’d encourage people to book early.
“Right now, tickets are on sale through the summer holidays for many dates well into September 2024.
“If you’re looking to travel between now and then, we encourage you to plan ahead.”
Other hidden costs
Making last-minute travel decisions can also have an impact on your finances.
Even booking activities at the location (instead of booking online and getting an early discount) will save you cash.
A bit of preparation in advance can also see you save.
Many people don’t consider getting travel insurance for a UK break.
However, I’ve found it only costs around £1 for a one-night break!
This gives you cover, which you likely won’t need – fingers crossed – but it gives you some peace of mind.
Plus, when you order it through Compare the Market, you get 2 for 1 meals at restaurants across the country, so you can make a saving eating out too!
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