Travel has always been one of life’s greatest pleasures, but with the rising cost of flights, accommodation, and everyday expenses abroad, getting the best value for money is more important than ever. With a bit of planning and a willingness to adapt, you can explore the world in 2025 while keeping more money in your pocket.
Embrace last-minute bookings
Waiting until the last moment to book a holiday might have once seemed risky, but today, it can be a savvy way to grab a deal. More Brits are favouring spontaneous trips, prompting tour operators to introduce flexible payment schemes and last-minute discounts to fill empty seats and hotel rooms. Airlines and package holiday providers slash prices in the weeks leading up to departure rather than letting spaces go unsold.
If your schedule allows, keep an eye on flash sales and unsold package deals. Major booking platforms and airline apps offer alerts when prices drop, allowing you to secure heavily discounted rates without constant searching.
Explore emerging budget-friendly destinations
Heading to classic hotspots like Paris or Santorini often means paying a premium, but shifting your focus to emerging or less overly populated travel destinations can dramatically reduce costs. Cities like Sarajevo offer an affordable yet culturally rich experience, with dining, attractions, and accommodation priced far lower than in Western Europe. A pint of beer for just £1.69 and a full three-course meal for around £12 means your travel budget stretches further without sacrificing quality.
Other destinations like Albania’s coastline or Poland’s lesser-known cities, such as Łódź, provide stunning scenery, history, and vibrant nightlife at a fraction of the cost of more traditional European getaways.
Utilise prepaid travel cards
Foreign transaction fees and fluctuating exchange rates can quietly erode your travel budget, but prepaid travel cards offer a way to avoid unnecessary charges. These cards allow you to load money in advance and lock in exchange rates, removing the uncertainty of last-minute conversions.
Prepaid cards also protect against fraud and theft – since they’re not directly linked to your bank account, any loss or unauthorised transaction is less damaging. When choosing a card, compare fees, exchange rates, and ATM withdrawal allowances to find the best option for your spending habits.
Be mindful of additional charges
Even small fees can add up over the course of a trip, making it crucial to stay aware of hidden costs that could impact your budget. As of February 2025, Uber will introduce a 1.5% conversion fee on rides paid in your home currency while travelling abroad. This charge is easy to avoid – simply switch your payment method in the app to pay in the local currency.
Likewise, using a credit card that offers no foreign transaction fees can prevent unnecessary expenses. Some banks now provide travel-friendly cards with fee-free spending and cashback on international purchases, making them a better alternative than standard debit cards.
By keeping up with changing travel trends and making a few simple adjustments, you can enjoy incredible trips in 2025 without overspending.
