When
it comes to stretching the holiday budget, UK holidaymakers have a
few tricks up their sleeves. A survey of 2,000 holidaymakers by
foreign exchange and prepaid currency card provider ICE
plc (International
Currency Exchange) found that the top of the summer scrimpers’
tricks is sneaking food from breakfast to eat for lunch with 38%
admitting to this cost-saving exercise, whilst a shocking 32% don’t
tip in bars and restaurants to save some cash on holiday.
29% said they use the mini bar in their hotel as a fridge for shop bought drinks and snacks, rather than paying to eat or drink in their hotel and 11% have fibbed about their child’s age to pay less on tickets to theme parks and other activities. A further 11% sneak into nearby resorts pretending to be guests in order to use facilities, such as the pool.
“It’s clear from our survey that families are finding some cheeky ways to save money, as well as some more practical methods to stretch the holiday budget” says Tom Johnson, Head of ICE Online Business. “42% said they fly no frills and 36% avoid parking at the airport to save money. It was also encouraging to see that the majority (61%) buy their currency in advance to save on the cost of their holiday.
“Holidaymakers should always shop around online for the best currency deals and to secure the best rates. They should also consider applying for a prepaid card such as the new fee free ICE Travellers Cashcard. This makes it easier to budget and offers a secure way to look after your holiday spending money, rather than carrying cash.”
What have you done on holiday to save money?
29% said they use the mini bar in their hotel as a fridge for shop bought drinks and snacks, rather than paying to eat or drink in their hotel and 11% have fibbed about their child’s age to pay less on tickets to theme parks and other activities. A further 11% sneak into nearby resorts pretending to be guests in order to use facilities, such as the pool.
“It’s clear from our survey that families are finding some cheeky ways to save money, as well as some more practical methods to stretch the holiday budget” says Tom Johnson, Head of ICE Online Business. “42% said they fly no frills and 36% avoid parking at the airport to save money. It was also encouraging to see that the majority (61%) buy their currency in advance to save on the cost of their holiday.
“Holidaymakers should always shop around online for the best currency deals and to secure the best rates. They should also consider applying for a prepaid card such as the new fee free ICE Travellers Cashcard. This makes it easier to budget and offers a secure way to look after your holiday spending money, rather than carrying cash.”
What have you done on holiday to save money?
- Taken food from the breakfast bar to have for lunch -38.75%
- Not left a tip at a bar or restaurant - 32.20%
- Used the mini-bar for supermarket bought alcohol / food rather than use the hotel - 29.40%
- Requested a free late check-out to keep the hotel room for longer - 15.40%
- Asked reception to book taxis/restaurants rather than incur an in-room phone tab - 13.40%
- Used facilities in a nearby resort, without their permission - 11.65%
- Lied about my child's age to pay less admission fee in a theme park - 11.20%
- Used the swimming pool at a better hotel without their permission - 9.05%
- Used the complimentary beach or town shuttle service for another hotel - 7.65%
- Pretended you were on honeymoon or it was your anniversary/birthday to get a
- room upgrade - 5.55%
- Left a bar or restaurant without paying - 1.35%
- Other - 27.60%
What have you done to save money before going on holiday?
- Buy currency in advance - 62.10%
- Fly no frills - 42.45%
- Avoid parking at the airport - 36.30%
- Choose self-catering accommodation - 35.05%
- Use local transport rather than hire a car - 32.05%
- Go all-inclusive - 30.85%
- Choose a destination where the cost of living is low - 21.45%
- Choose a destination where the Pound offers better value against the local currency - 20.05%
- Booked last minute and opted for a mystery hotel - 8.95%
- Other - 3.30%.
