Tips for a budget-friendly vacation during peak season

9x tips

Once the children reach school age, the days of finding cheap flights outside school holidays and affordable accommodations during the off-peak season are over. Are you looking for tips for a budget-friendly vacation during peak season? If so, keep reading! In this blog, Jasmina shares her 9 tips for creating wonderful memories in the peak season without spending too much money!

For example, Jasmina flew to Croatia during the May holiday and paid about €250 per person for the flight and accommodation. She also regularly takes weekend trips for under €50 per person. Her next vacation is already planned, and soon she will be enjoying herself in Dubai. No, this wasn’t the cheapest vacation she has ever taken, but she still didn’t spend €900 per person during the school holidays, including a flight with Emirates and a hotel in a good location.

Tips for a budget-friendly vacation during peak season

♥ Good preparation
♥ Tips for booking
♥ Tips for traveling

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Good preparation - tips for a budget-friendly vacation during peak season

Good preparation is half the battle! Below are the best preparatory tips for a budget-friendly vacation during peak season.

Compare, compare, compare

Comparing prices is crucial if you want to save on your travel costs. I can’t stress enough how important it is to thoroughly compare before booking anything. It’s worth searching through different booking sites and not sticking to just one. Sometimes I book a hotel through Booking.com, but other times I find a charming cottage on Airbnb.nl that perfectly fits my budget. So, scour the internet and find the best deals available.

Make use of a price alert

Smart travelers set up a price alert on websites like Skyscanner.nl and Google Flights. This means you will be automatically notified when prices for your desired destination drop. It can help you find the perfect timing for booking your flights.

Are you flying with your baby for the first time soon? Be sure to read my blog with tips on flying with a baby and the best toys for the airplane.

Change airports

Consider departing from an airport just outside the Netherlands, such as Düsseldorf or Brussels. Alternatively, you could land in a nearby city close to your destination. Sometimes flying from these airports can save you tens or even hundreds of euros on your flight. It may take a bit of extra travel time, but the savings you achieve can make it worthwhile.

Tips for booking a budget-friendly vacation during peak season

If you’ve done your homework well, it’s time to start booking! With the tips below, you’ll likely find ways to save even more on your vacation during peak season.

Book well in advance

If you plan to travel outside of Europe, booking early is key to saving money. I recommend booking your flights 6 to 8 months in advance. This not only gives you a wide selection but also the opportunity to take advantage of early booking discounts and lower rates.

Book on Tuesday afternoon

Here’s a smart trick: book your trips on Tuesday afternoon. Just make sure to clear your cookies first and use an incognito browser to find the best deals. At this time, airlines and booking sites often seem to offer special promotions. It can make a significant difference in the final price of your trip. Bonus tip: did you know that traveling on a Tuesday is often cheaper than on other days?

Book a package holiday

If you’re really looking for an affordable option, consider package holidays. These are often significantly cheaper than booking a flight and hotel separately. My personal favorite sources for affordable package holidays are www.vakantiediscounter.nl, www.prijsvrij.nl, and www.sunweb.nl. They offer a wide range of destinations and accommodations for every budget.

Travel - tips for an affordable vacation in the high season

The groundwork is done, everything is booked, the fun can begin! You can also save a lot of money while traveling.

Bring your own food and drinks

If you don’t get meals during your flight, you can save money by bringing some food and drinks from home. Take an empty bottle that you can fill at the sink in the airport, pack some sandwiches, and buy snacks at the supermarket. This way, you won’t have to buy expensive airport meals.

Even when you’re on the road, you can save a lot of money by buying food and drinks at the supermarket instead of on the go.

Check the coupons

For affordable day trips at your destination, it’s always worth checking for discount offers on websites like www.socialdeal.nl, www.groupon.nl or www.tripper.nl. These platforms often provide coupons for restaurants, attractions, and activities, allowing you to save significantly during your trip.

House swapping

An innovative way to save on accommodation costs is to consider house swapping. You can exchange your home with someone else at your destination, which means you won’t have to spend money on accommodation. This can be a great way to explore new places without exceeding your budget.

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About Jasmina

I am married, a mother of a stubborn 5-year-old toddler, and have lived in Westland for 14 years, originally coming from Stadskanaal. I love food and even more traveling. In addition to being a blogger/content creator, I work as a virtual assistant (VA) and help companies with their marketing and office support. I do this location-independently, which is why I travel regularly.

Spain has stolen my heart because it is so child-friendly there. On every corner, there’s a playground, and in every little restaurant, your child is allowed to use the restroom when needed. Previously, I thought you really went on vacation only if you traveled far, but since becoming a mother, I seek adventure closer to home. Last year, I flew 5 times within Europe.

Do you want to travel more for less money? Then you should definitely follow my Instagram account @sparklesinside.nl. I have a hobby of finding the cheapest trips, and I often share them on Sundays in my Instagram Stories.