Travel Insurance Tips and Budget Holiday Advice

Taking a few simple steps to make your holiday budget go that little bit further can help pensioners overcome their ever increasing travel insurance costs.

Worrying new research from comparison website moneysupermarket.com revealed over 70s now pay almost twice as much on average for single trip travel insurance on a European holiday than those aged under 65. This problem actually gets even worse for holidaymakers in their 80s and 90s, who are often charged more than three times as much.

Only recently, a couple in their late 80s hit the headlines after their annual premiums skyrocketed from just £168 to more than £1,000. But scare stories like this shouldn’t put you off from taking that relaxing dream holiday or making the most of that well earned retirement, especially when there are so many easy ways to save money and travel smartly.

Here are a few handy hints and tips to help make a holiday budget stretch that little bit further:

Shop around It’s really easy, even for silver surfers, to shop around on the internet to find the cheapest deals and special offers. The best deals on flights, hotels, cheap travel insurance and much more are often a few clicks away.

Book ahead If you have your heart set on a dream destination, the sooner you book the better the chance you’ll get the cheapest flights and accommodation of your choice. And don’t be afraid of asking for a discount for booking well in advance.

Avoid the weekend getaway Flights on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays can cost up to four times as much as during the week. If you are happily retired and don’t have to worry about booking time off work, make the most of this by flying on a less in-demand day.

Travel off-peak Similarly, travel prices go through the roof during school holidays. There are plenty of bargains to be found for those willing and able to travel out of peak season.

Stock up on snacks Take your own food and drink to the airport, especially if you have to check-in hours ahead of your flight. It’ll save you having to pay inflated airport prices and you’ll also be able to relax without all the hustle and bustle of queuing.

Make lunch your main meal Take advantage of restaurants trying to tempt in the lunchtime trade. Many offer cheap deals, such as a three course meal plus a drink, which can be half the price of a similar meal at the same place later that evening.

Fend for yourself Or try self catering to keep down in resort costs. Rather than eat out at pricy restaurants every day, raid the local supermarkets for fresh produce and cook yourself up a value for money treat.

More the merrier Why not have a group holiday with family and friends? As well as sharing good times with people that you enjoy being with, it’ll help cut costs on car hire, taxi fees and other expenses. You might also be able to get group discounts on accommodation or any trips and activities you fancy checking out.

Ask for upgrades Many hotels, especially during off peak times, will have plenty of more luxurious (and more expensive!) rooms available. Politely see if you can get an upgrade; you’ve got a better chance if your holiday is to celebrate a special occasion such as a birthday or anniversary.

Lap up local knowledge Make the most of your hotel concierge. Where’s the best place to get a value for money meal? Are there any special events going on that might be of interest? Where are we likely to get ripped off? They’ll have the answers to these questions and much, much more.

Article written by Chris Owens from the travel insurance team at moneysupermarket.com

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