10 ways go out more while spending less money in 2012

 Family Money Saving, Holiday Savings, Money Saving  No Responses »
Feb 212012
 
Spending quality time with your family and friends over the Christmas holidays may have reignited a passion in you for the company of others. This could be the year to explore some new passions in your life, get out the house and spend more time in the company of people that you love. Why not consider a few new hobbies? In the UK we are spoilt for choice for exciting places to visit, art and history to enjoy and delicious food to indulge in. If you’re willing to do a little research, you will find a wealth of cut price options available to you. You don’t need to break the bank to have a good time. Here are ten options that offer great times, adventure or simply entertainment that should suit almost everybody’s budget.

 

photo credit - http://www.flickr.com/photos/revstan/4170152250/

England’s picturesque towns and cities boast world-famous parks and public spaces that are available to anyone. Take a walk through your city and discover it afresh on a cold winters afternoon.
Take in some culture
Most of our great cities offer great galleries. And often these are free, so you can get your cultural fix and have something to discuss with your companions.
Volunteer your time
There is a wide range of volunteering opportunities in the UK allowing you to learn new skills whilst helping those most in need. This could be the year to get stuck in and make a difference.
Start saving those Tesco Club-card points
Great deals on reduced admissions to attractions such as Alton Towers Thorpe Park and the London Zoo can be grabbed via the Tesco’s deals brochure.
Enjoy cinema at off-peak times
Cine world currently offers one pound tickets for selected Saturday morning viewings for both parents and children giving access to Hollywood at a bargain price.
Get your shopping done online
A new internet innovation is the use of shopping vouchers to cut costs on a wide range of goods and services. A great way to treat yourself without breaking the bank.
Free swimming lessons
During school holidays many local leisure centres offer free swimming for under 16′s.
Travel by train
British rail’s ‘four for two’ offer can give stunning savings on rail journeys. If travelling to the capital you ticket can also grab you some great two-for-one deals at attractions. These include and Madame Tussauds and the London Sea Life Aquarium.
Fine dining on the cheap
Restaurant vouchers are a great way to feed yourself in style at a fraction of the typical cost.
Stay away on a budget
Hotels often offer cut priced accommodation for those who are quick enough on the draw. Bag yourself a bargain £19 Travelodge room by signing up their mailing list and awaiting the next offer.
Our country offers a multitude of experiences with which to reinvigorate the life and gain fresh perspectives. Whether you’re looking for a fresh set of challenges for your life, want to contribute to society, are interested in learning new skills 2012 is yours to revamp, re-jig and revitalise your lifestyle.
 Posted by admin at 11:38 am  Tagged with: ,

Holiday money saving ideas

 Holiday Savings  No Responses »
Jun 022011
 

Money saving for familiesFly further, stay longer  

You may pay more for the initial flight, but once you get to some far-flung destinations, your money should go further.  It is now possible to stay in a boutique hotel in Buenos Aires for almost a third of the price than one would pay in Paris. 

 ’For example, seven nights at the uber-chic Hotel Costes in Paris would cost more than £3,400 per person, whereas a week in a high-end boutique hotel in the trendy Argentinian neighbourhood of Palermo would set you back just £1,218. Even when you take flights into consideration, which would typically cost £700 return to Buenos Aires, the savings are considerable.’ 

Cruising deals  

Cruising has been one of the biggest growth areas of travel in the past few years.  Companies such as Thomson are offering savings of up to 40% off the brochure price for cruises to the Canaries. The company promises all couples will save at least £100 on cruises booked online throughout January, with cruises now starting from less than £500 per person. 

   

Take advantage of the sales  

 The tourism industry launches its sales at the start of every year with the aim of getting Brits to book their summer holidays early.  on the High Street, these sales started early – having launched in December – and it’s been – and continues to be – possible to pick up some great bargains already for 2012. Given the economic slowdown, the sales are expected to hang around. 

Holiday in the UK  

The UK tourist indistry has received a boost due to the increase in Staycations.   It has been predicted that the number of families choosing to take their annual summer break in Britain next year could increase by at least a million. 

Change your holiday habits  

 The number of people taking a two-week long haul break has declined by 3% since 2003. But the frequency of short haul holidays has been on the rise. A return to the traditional two-week holiday could actually prove to be the cheaper option when compared with multiple expensive city breaks taken throughout the year. 

 Out of season holidays 

Although it may not always be possible with school holidays, but by holidaying out of season can be financially beneficial. 

Not only will you be treated to fewer crowds, you’ll get some great deals too.  Alternatively, swap the beach for the mountain, many people travel to Chamonix in the French Alps in the summer, as they do in the winter, and there’s a good reason for it – the resort is renowned for hiking and gastronomy, plus it’s only an hour’s drive from Geneva. 

Travelling to the southern hemisphere during British summer time is another way to save money by travelling ‘out of season.’ Travelling during Australia’s winter and early spring – June through September – offers significant discounts from peak period rates. Flights to Melbourne with Qantas for example start from around £624 return in June, rising to circa £1,150 return for flights in December.  

 Posted by admin at 2:36 pm  Tagged with: , ,

Rise of the Staycation

 Holiday Savings  No Responses »
Jun 022011
 

The Staycation or taking a holiday in the UK rather than going on h0liday abroad – has become a growing trend in recent years.  The Staycation has provided a boost to UK resorts, with there being an increase in the number of people taking up camping and using B and B’s in recent years.

Holiday experts are attributing the rise in the Staycation to the recession and the growth in austerity measures.

money saving holidays

The National Trust has seen growth in visitors to their locations, with National Trust properties in the south-west have also been welcoming growing numbers of visitors. Across the country, visitor numbers are up 20% this financial year compared with the same period last year.

National Trust properties in the south-west have also been welcoming growing numbers of visitors. Across the country, visitor numbers are up 20% this financial year compared with the same period last year.  Internet searches on Devon and Cornwall’s coasts were up by 75% in June compared with the same period last year. Blackpool, Brighton, Bournemouth, Torquay, and Newquay are among the resorts that have been doing well, according to the site, while wilder places such as the Northumbrian coast and the Western Isles of Scotland are also attracting interest.

That holidaymakers are eking out their cash is shown in another key Cornish indicator. Pasty sales have risen dramatically, because, according to the bakers, families are treating themselves to a picnic rather than a trip to the pub.

Another resort that seems to be doing well thanks to investment from the local authority is Boscombe, long seen as Bournemouth’s poor relation. It has invested millions in an artificial surf reef and though it is only half built, there were eight-foot waves there this week and surfers flocked there.

Festivals are also doing good business. The culture minister, Ben Bradshaw, is among those present at Latitude in Suffolk this weekend. The organisers of the Port Eliot festival in Cornwall, the beguiling mix of literature and music in one of England’s loveliest stately homes, have noticed that visitors seem to be booking in there for next weekend and using it as an exciting curtain-raiser for their summer break.

 Posted by admin at 1:43 pm  Tagged with: ,

Budget holidays with kids

 Holiday Savings  No Responses »
May 262011
 

Compare airline prices

Use the internet to research the different airlines that are travelling to your destination.  If you are flexible with dates, search other dates to compare the prices. Try many of the main well known websites.

Last Minute  or Early travel bargains

  • Take advantage of cheap early bird deals.  These deals can offer some great prices if you book at least 3-6 months in advance.
  • Sign up to travel websites, airlines and other newsletters to receive sale prices directly to your inbox

Holiday Accomodation

  • Check websites for hotels and decide what features you will need, child friendly, pool etc
  • Take into account bonus offers and their value. For example, Free breakfast deals, Pay 3 nights Stay 4, Kids stay free, Upgrade offers. These can save you a good amount of money- so check out which hotels offer these. Most travel brochures will have these deals printed below each accommodation venue.
  • Consideryour destinations local websites to book direct. This cuts out the surcharges from the “middle man”.
  • Get travel brochures from your travel agent or order online to compare hotels their facilities and bonus inclusions.

    money saving holidays

Save on Tours

When looking at tours compare organised tours Globus with independant travel options such as Eur0rail passes. These independent travel options  will cost a fraction of the price and will assist you to organise your prefered accommodation options for your location from camping to quality hotels. Many will offer traveller info on popular sights and allow you more flexibility and freedom with your travel plans.

 Posted by admin at 3:14 pm  Tagged with: ,

Family Holiday Saving tips

 Holiday Savings  No Responses »
May 262011
 

Holidays are so expensive for families, so here are 5 handy holiday money saving tips

Changing your Money

If you’re exchanging a few hundred pounds then I wouldn’t waste your time penny pinching, just head to the local post office or travel agent and get your currency. On the other hand if you’re want to change a lot of money, then I’d recommend visiting a few places to compare prices.

Of course you could check the internet for exchange rates to compare rates, but you could always check  this with a few travel agents and your local post office to get the best rate for your money.

Getting around

Rather than renting a car, why not use the local public transport system. It’ll be cheaper, and it’s much more environmentally friendly and I always think its safer to get a local to drive anyway. So why don’t you get to know your holiday location by jumping on a bus or tram and find out where all the attractions are.

Another good form of transport to find your where around is your legs! Just be careful where your walking and don’t wander around alone at night. It’s free and much healthier for you than sat in a car or a bus.

money saving holidays

Mobile telephone

My advice to save money is, leave the mobile phone at home. If you need to speak with a family member or a friend then use a local telephone box, which is much cheaper. We’ve all heard the scary stories of  huge mobile for a few calls made when abroad, so avoid any scares.

Sun tan oils etc.

Sun cream, deodorant from my own experience has been much cheaper to buy abroad than in the UK. Once you’ve checked into your holiday accommodation, head to a supermarket where the locals shop and you’ll find it’s much cheaper and if your travelling light your deodorant, creams etc won’t be seized.

Additional costs for your holiday

Don’t assume that it’s cheaper to get to your holiday accommodation by the tour operator – compare it with local taxis, and in resort airport transfer companies.

Bear in mind that on a tour operator coach you’ll have to visit all of the hotels in the resort, so it might be quicker and less hassle to find your own way there. With regard to in-flight meals, if it’s only a few hours flight, take your own sandwiches or buy them at the Airport

 Posted by admin at 3:06 pm  Tagged with: ,

Top ways to save on your summer holidays

 Holiday Savings  1 Response »
Jun 022010
 
money saving holidays

money saving holidays

 

A few weeks ago Teletext holidays asked more than 1,000 parents throughout the UK for their best advice on how to save money on a peak season getaway. As a result the firm has combined the results with some of its own insider knowledge from its own travel experts to create a list of the top 30 money saving tips for family holidays. 

1. Hunt for vouchers: If holidaying in the UK, the internet can be a great place to search for money off and “two for one” vouchers to family restaurants. 

2. Free child places: Every year holiday firms offer thousands of free kids places and they’re even available on some long-haul trips to Florida and The Caribbean. You may have to book early, normally January or February to secure these. 

3. Kids eat free: For holidays in Florida or anywhere else in the US look at mykidseatfree.com which allows you to search for restaurants with special offers for little ones. 

4. All-inclusive: Families who don’t opt to go all-inclusive spend on average around £420 on holiday buying groceries, eating out, drinks, ice-creams and attractions. More hotels offer all-inclusive options now which means all food, drink and many activities are covered in the cost – so you don’t even need to take a purse out with you in the evening. 

5. Peak season savings: Some holiday companies do offer peak season savings on family holidays. Look out for their advertised exclusives and family savers. For example Disneyland Paris is offering up to 40% off plus up to two children under the age of 7 “stay and play” for free, if you book before the end of June. (terms and conditions apply) 

6. Eat where the locals eat: Not only will it be better value, you also get a chance to introduce the kids to the real local culture. Ask reception staff at the hotel or holiday reps for advice.

 Posted by admin at 5:34 pm  Tagged with: ,

Cheap children’s activites for a rainy day

 Family Money Saving, Holiday Savings  No Responses »
Aug 312009
 

rainy-dayWith the weather changing I thought I would write a quick post with some of my favourite rainy day activities that don’t need to cost the earth.  I have linked to some websites for you so you can get lots more ideas but the 3 below are my favourites.

Homemade play dough

This is really easy to make and the making is part of the fun.  Try and split the dough into a few pieces if you have more than one child and they can each make their own colours.  It keeps well in a sealed container in the fridge, you may need to knead it and add a little more flour when you take it out.

Your will need:

  • 3/4 cup of salt
  • 1 cup of flour
  • 1 tablespoon of oil
  • 3/4 to I cup of boiling water from the kettle.

Mix the dry ingredients together and add the water.  Start with 3/4 of a cup of water and add more as required.  Add a few drops of your favourite colour to the water or you can knead it in later if you want a few different colours.

paper snowflakePaper cutting

There are lots of sites with templates for you to use.  I would suggest starting with little people or snowflakes and see how it goes!  Paper aeroplanes are also ever popular. 

http://www.scissorcraft.com

http://www.papersnowflakes.com

http://www.activityvillage.co.uk/origami_for_kids.htm

http://www.paperairplanes.co.uk - Lots of instructions and videos for the little ones to watch. 

 

fimbles sportsSports Day

This is my daughters favourite rainy day activity.  We set up an obstacle course in the house, they make a slide off the spare bed and generally get rid of excess energy. 

Before you start you can do some arts and crafts and can print out a great set of badges and medals from cbeebies and their fimbles site here.  You can colour them in and decorate the winners trophy.

Some of our favourite games are:

  • An obstacle course with a blanket to crawl under, chairs to climb over and stairs to bump down on bottoms.  You can tailor this to the age of your children and their abilities.
  • Skittles with empty plastic bottles and beanbags.
  • Beanbag throwing into baskets and pots.
  • Musical pots and pans (if you can stand the noise!)
 Posted by admin at 10:52 am  Tagged with: , , , ,
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