I met an old friend for lunch the other day and he mentioned he was visiting another friend of ours in Leeds around Christmas time. Not one to miss out I hinted that perhaps I could come as well.
After checking dates with Skint Mum (to make sure we didn’t have prior engagements) I confirmed with my friend that I could come. Woop woop!
Anyway, we started to plan what we would do and he then mentioned about the tickets. He said we might as well get them on the day as there is no variation of cost.
I just looked at him opened mouthed…
Now I don’t know if he was trying to wind me up, as he, of course, knows about Skint Dad, but I soon put him right.
As we weren’t at home I turned to the trusty thetrainline.com app on my phone. I knew that I would be able to get a good deal on tickets as only last week I’d booked some for our wedding guests on their site and made a huge saving.
Anyway, using thetrainline.com mobile app is really straightforward and handy if you need to book tickets on the go.
With the ability to easily search and book tickets 12 weeks in advance, I was able to grab a return ticket from High Brooms to Leeds leaving on the 20th December and returning on the 21st December for only £68.00. Compare this to buying the tickets on the day and the cheapest option would set you back £113.00 – a whopping £45.00 more!
After we’d both booked our tickets at the lower rate, my mate promised (as I saved him £45.00) to buy me lunch when we’re there. I’ll hold him to that!
I need to add that even though my friend is pretty savvy when it comes to money, he still didn’t think twice about buying train tickets in advance for a better deal. I suppose if you’re used to buying tickets on the day you travel; why would you think to buy them in advance?
Now though with generation smartphone and apps at the touch of a button, there is no excuse to maximise your savings wherever you are.
As well as being able to book tickets at a discounted rate on the move, thetrainline.com mobile app is packed with a wealth of additional features depending on what operating system you have.
To download the app you can visit www.thetrainline.com/app.
Do you have a favourite app that you use to save money on the go? Perhaps you can you recommend one? Let us know in the comments below.
Ricky Willis is the original Skint Dad. A money-making enthusiast, father, and husband to Naomi. He is always looking for unique ways to earn a little extra.
I mix and match my train tickets. I know the fares to London really well so will know when it’s worth buying in advance, using my Network Railcard to reduce my fares by splitting my ticket or what times I can use the cheapest flexible ticket. If you make regular journeys, it’s worth familiarising yourself with fare options…otherwise this app looks like a useful tool.
Coulndt do without my trainline app. I have literally stood in the ticket office and been quoted one price and gone on my app and saved by myslef tens of pounds by buying my tickets on the.
Tom
http://www.ideas4dads.net
Could not live without this App. Simple as that.
thetrainline app is by FAR the best one out there regarding train times. I live and work in Leeds Mon-Fri and trains are often delayed or worse, cancelled entirely.
I have tried the National rail app and found it to be clunky at best and doesn’t remember half the stuff I want it to (recent journeys etc). I also like the feature where it looks at stations around you and lets you plan journeys from there. Just those nice little touches and a far superior user interface make it the one to use for me.
Jon
http://www.themoneyshed.co.uk