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Why I choose AirBNB over hotels every time
I have been lucky to travel a lot over the past few years and I choose Airbnb over hotels for the majority of trips. From Plymouth and Bath in England to Barcelona, Thailand and Mauritius, here are some common reasons why I have chosen Airbnb for business trips by myself or family holidays:
- Cost: Airbnb listings can sometimes be more cost-effective than hotels, especially if you are travelling with a group and can split the cost of a rental property. 10 days in Mauritius for £1100 for a family of four, with three bedrooms, lounge, diner, kitchen, bathroom and space….or 8 days in Thailand for a two bed, two bath, sea view penthouse for £1200. We really saved money and this allowed us to have holidays in places that would be out of our reach
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Savvy travel tips for your budget
Exploring new horizons doesn’t have to come with a hefty price tag.
With some smart planning and a bit of creativity, you can embark on unforgettable adventures without breaking the bank.
Here are five thrifty travel tips for you if you are looking to adventure on a budget:
- Embrace off-peak adventures:
Consider planning your trips during off-peak seasons. You’ll not only avoid crowds but also discover lower prices on accommodations and transportation. Plus, quieter destinations often offer a more intimate experience.
- Discover staycations:
Your home turf might be hiding incredible gems. Explore local destinations with staycations, which can be more affordable and just as rejuvenating as far-flung journeys. Think cottages in the countryside, coastal escapes, or city breaks.
- Navigate with public transport:
Opt for public transportation when traveling within your chosen destination. Buses and …
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New railcard to extend child fares to 16 and 17-year-olds
A new railcard will be launched this year to let 16 and 17-year-olds buy half-price train tickets, the Government has announced.
The new 16 & 17 Railcard will go on sale on Monday 2 September, in time for the next academic year.
The railcard will allow 16 and 17-year-olds to buy train tickets at child prices – which are 50% of adult fares – until their 18th birthdays.
Currently, under-fives are generally allowed to travel for free with a paying adult, those aged five to 15 get a 50% discount on most fares, while those who are 16 and above may be eligible for the 16-25 Railcard, which gives a third off most fares.
How will the new railcard work?
16 and 17-year-olds who buy the railcard will be able to get 50% off …
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Choosing the right car insurance first time for young drivers
I have a learner driver in the house so am gathering information about insurance.
I have contacted some industry resources to see what they have to say. You’ve probably heard about a black box, so I got the guys at insurethebox, who make the black boxes, to give me their thoughts and this is what they have to say:
So you’ve passed your test and bought a new car. Well, maybe it’s not new, new, but it’s your first car and you’re ready to hit the road. Not so fast! Now it’s time to choose your car insurance. It’s tempting to just go for the cheapest, but that’s not always the best option.
New drivers are three times more likely to crash in the first three months of their policy, compared to the final …
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The 6 types of holidays to experience at least once in your life
I save my pennies so that I can holiday somewhere nice. In the last year, we’ve been to Spain and Mauritius. I believe that with some careful planning, a great holiday is achievable for us all, and a getaway can be beneficial for both your mental and physical health.
However, rather than settling for the same old holiday every year, visit a new destination to enjoy a completely different experience.
To ensure you experience many unique getaways throughout the years, which will allow you to look back on life with a big smile on your face, take a look at the six types of holidays to enjoy at least once in your life.
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A Luxurious Family Beach Holiday
Almost everyone will need to immerse themselves in a little peace and relaxation at some point in …
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Guide to tipping while abroad
I am often confused by local tipping customs, so asked foreign currency provider, Travel Money Club to share its insight on this custom across some of the most popular tourist destinations for Brits.
Firstly, it is often unclear whether you should tip or not whilst abroad, it is an unspoken rule and part of local customs and etiquette so no one actually tells you what is acceptable in each country. Tipping too much or in a situation where it is not expected or necessary can also mean you end up spending more than anticipated on holiday.
It is always best to tip in cash rather than add to a card payment as that way you know the member of staff that served you will most likely receive it, and if paying by card, always opt …
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Young persons railcard valid for people up to 30 from 2018
Some awesome news from the budget. The government has said people up to 30 years-old will now be able to buy a £30 railcard for discounted train travel.
The move – set to be announced tomorrow – would be an extension of the current young person’s railcard for those aged 16 to 25.
The so called millennials’ card will be available from spring next year, and offer up to a third off non-peak fares.
That’s a bummer as the new railcard is unlikely to be much use for regular commuters, as railcard discounts are restricted at peak times, usually before 10am, but for regular travellers after this time and weekends, it will save quite a few pennies.
The card is part of a series of Budget measures aimed to attract younger voters after a resurgence …
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Monarch crisis – what compensation can travellers get?
The collapse of Monarch airlines has caused another holiday meltdown, leaving thousands of travellers stranded. Monarch has caused the CAA to step in and rescue over 100,000 people from abroad but has also left many half term and winter sun-seekers without a holiday.
But when does your travel insurance kick-in with a crisis like this, and are there ways to protect yourself from the continuing travel issues the UK is facing? Can you buy travel insurance to protect yourself?
I am not an expert here, so I asked Stephen Howard, director of Postcard Travel Insurance, to advice on what compensation consumers are entitled to and how to claim:
What if I bought a package holiday via Monarch?
Firstly, the package travel industry in the UK is regulated, protecting the traveller.
Anyone who booked a package …
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How to make money from your car
So I am a big fan of the shared economy, where you can make money from renting out things you own, think JustPark or AirBNB.
Now can that be done with a car? I asked Richard Laughton CEO of easyCar Club to share some ideas on how to make money from your car.
Most of us own or need access to a car, but is your car working hard enough for you? A huge 96% percent of the time cars are sitting unused, providing great potential to make some extra cash when you’re not driving it. A car can be considered a ‘hidden asset’, capable of bringing in revenue in a number of ways. Here are five ways that could help you earn some extra cash.
Using your car for ads:
One easy way to …
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20% off Family & Friends Railcard this half term
National Rail has announced 20% off its Family & Friends one year Railcard from 3-20 February – perfect for fun trips this February half term.
The sale means that the Railcard, which saves a third off most adult rail fares and 60% off kids’ fares, will be available for just £24, for a year’s unlimited usage – helping family and friends enjoy fun-filled trips, without breaking the bank.
To take advantage of the sale visit: familyandfriends-railcard.co.uk/sale and use code: FEB17, but remember to wait till 3 Feb before trying!
For cash-strapped parents needing inspiration this half term, Family & Friends Railcard has compiled five exciting trips for families:
Get back to nature
There are plenty of opportunities for children to learn about nature this half term, and have fun getting up close with some …
