Martin Lewis Reveals Key Strategies for Cheaper Holiday Bookings
Martin Lewis has shared practical advice for holidaymakers looking to cut costs on their trips, urging people to act sooner rather than later to secure the best deals. Speaking on his BBC podcast, the financial expert outlined several tips submitted by listeners with experience in the travel industry.
One suggestion came from a former hotel employee who recommended booking directly with the hotel rather than relying solely on comparison sites. The tipster claimed this approach increases the likelihood of room upgrades and better quality accommodation. However, Lewis offered a nuanced view: "I would always do my comparison and always try and find the cheapest room. I would see if the hotel can match it or beat it, but I wouldn't automatically book with the hotel."
Cashback Apps Can Deliver Significant Savings
Lewis highlighted another method to reduce costs: using cashback websites. He noted that cashback on hotel bookings can reach 7 or 8 per cent, potentially offsetting any price difference between direct and third-party bookings. "If you're a cashback site user, and you are getting the cheapest price via a site that offers cashback, that cashback on hotels can be 7 or 8 per cent. Then you might find that reduction overcomes it," he explained.
One such tool is the cashback app tuck, which offers up to 5.25 per cent cashback on Love2Shop Holidays. This can add up to substantial savings for families. For example, a TUI all-inclusive holiday to the Holiday Village Aliathon in Paphos, Cyprus, priced at £3,963 for two adults and two children, could be reduced by £258 to just £3,705 when booked via tuck.
Expert Advice: Book Early and Stack Discounts
Neel Thakrar, CEO of tuck, emphasised the importance of booking early: "With the summer holidays fast approaching, families should avoid leaving bookings until the last minute if they want to get the best value. Travelling during peak periods can quickly push up costs, while booking ahead can help families access better availability and take advantage of offers such as free child places where available."
Thakrar also recommended stacking discounts: "The best way to maximise savings is to stack discounts wherever you can. With tuck., families can use available offers and promotions while also earning cashback on their booking, helping them reduce the overall cost of a holiday they were already planning."
Beyond TUI, the app provides cashback on bookings with Hotels.com, Airbnb, Lastminute.com, and Jet2holidays, alongside over 200 other UK retailers. Thakrar added: "Small savings can quickly add up - whether that's putting more money towards spending while away or simply taking some pressure off the household budget."
