Five savvy tips to slash the cost of travel on your next holiday – from apps to schemes
Published: Invalid Date,
TELLY'S Race Across The World teams speed between checkpoints using the cheapest and fastest travel routes.
But you don't need to be haring around in the latest BBC series to want to save money.
Travel cheaply by doing your homework and, unlike the tech-free contestants, using websites and apps.
TOLL ORDERS: Motorway fees apply in Spain, Italy and France, while Belgium and Germany are largely toll-free.
France's toll roads can cost you up to £110 if you travel from Calais to the Spanish border. To cut costs, use Google maps and click the 'avoid tolls' button. If sticking to fast roads, search for the cheapest options at tollguru.com.
CITY SAVERS: Work out how to use public transport in a new city using the 'get me somewhere' function on the Citymapper app. To avoid extra charges, switch off mobile data and plan your route when you have access to wifi.
COMMUTE FOR LESS: Family travel expert Natalie Smith (@frugal_mum_uk) takes the train from the suburbs when visiting big cities.
She says: 'It's cheaper than parking, and less stressful. When we visited Rome, we got a 24-hour travel pass and travelled in from a town called Vitinia — seven Euros for adults, free for kids under 11.'
TICKET TO RIDE: Travelling by train is an adventure in a different country, but you need to know how to get the best value fares.
Research where you're going, looking for special explorer tickets and family passes.
In Italy and Spain, use local services instead of fast intercity routes.
You can compare routes at Rail Europe and Trainline, though watch for booking fees.
LOCAL SCHEMES: Natalie says she's been able to save more by getting free or discounted travel deals through tourist schemes in Austria, Germany and Switzerland.
Always ask at the tourist office or your accommodation for local travel tips.
All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
Deal of the day
6
SUMMER just got a lot more fun with the double swing and slide playset from The Range, down from £129.99 to £99.99.
Cheap treat
GET ready to bare a bit more skin with some Aveeno products reduced by a third at Boots including moisturising body lotion down from £6.29 to £4.72.
Top swap
6
GIVE yourself a glow with Charlotte Tilbury Hollywood Flawless filter, £39 from John Lewis, or get a radiant face with ELF Halo Glow filter, £15 from Boots.
Shop & save
CO-OP members can grab a super saver deal – two pizzas, a side and a four pack of Pepsi Max or Peroni – for £10 (£12 to non-members).
Hot right now
GET a free cuppa at any branch of Bird & Blend Tea this weekend, choosing from its new range of Earl Grey teas with flavour twists.
PLAY NOW TO WIN £200
6
JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle.
Every month we're giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers - whether you're saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered.
Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket.
The more codes you enter, the more tickets you'll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Daily Mail
25 minutes ago
- Daily Mail
How the ABC bungled a $4billion payday - as Aussie show among the biggest in the world makes major move
The ABC has been left red-faced after the UK channel that airs Bluey announced it is set to make even more money off one of Australia's most successful cultural exports. This week, the BBC revealed plans to transform Bluey into a full-fledged lifestyle brand, marking another major commercial leap for the animated juggernaut. Alongside the expansion of its already booming merchandise empire, a Bluey feature film is now in the works, set to be released in 2027 and distributed globally by Disney. In just 2024 alone, Bluey was the driving force behind a bumper $4billion in commercial profits for BBC Studios through global licensing, product deals, and themed experiences. That staggering haul is more than four times the annual budget of the ABC, which is funded by the federal government and Australian taxpayers. The ABC was among the original co-commissioners of Bluey, which first aired in 2018, but failed to secure any significant merchandising deals. Despite being developed and produced in Brisbane by Ludo Studio, most of the benefits of show's commercial success has flowed offshore. Since its debut, Bluey has become a global sensation, celebrated for its heartwarming storytelling, gentle humour, and uniquely Australian character. Bluey-branded merchandise ranges from plush toys and puzzles to camping gear, clothing, and even nappies. In 2024, a large-scale Bluey-themed attraction, Bluey's World, opened in Brisbane, and was recently named one of Time Magazine's 'World's Greatest Places' for 2025. In the same year, Bluey was the number one most viewed show in the United States, recording more than 55billion minutes of viewing time on Disney+. 'From a retail sales standpoint, we are generating about £2.7bn in global retail sales across our entire portfolio and Bluey is a really, really big chunk of that,' Suzy Raia, who heads global consumer products at BBC Studios, told The Guardian. Yet despite its deep Australian roots, the ABC has reaped little financial reward from Bluey's explosive global success. As reported by The Courier-Mail in February, the ABC made no attempt to secure merchandising rights during the show's early development. Then-managing director David Anderson was present at the meeting where Bluey was first pitched to the network. 'We don't make money out of Bluey,' Anderson told the ABC in 2023. 'What Bluey does is provide joy to children and families all over the country and now all over the world. And that would be priceless.' In 2024, ABC Chair Kim Williams addressed the Australian Press Club, warning of declining public funding for the broadcaster and calling for greater government support. Just a few months later in June, the ABC slashed at least 50 jobs in a round of budget cuts, under the new leadership of Managing Director Hugh Marks. Among the casualties was the long-running current affairs program Q&A, once a flagship forum for national political and cultural debate. In an email sent to ABC staff, Marks justified the changes were part of the ABC stepping back from 'areas that no longer align with our priorities'.
Metro
an hour ago
- Metro
I was Jet2 and Virgin cabin crew – here's 3 'secret' European destinations
Metro journalists select and curate the products that feature on our site. If you make a purchase via links on this page we will earn commission – learn more Most of us can only dream of being paid to travel, but for Helana Jackson, it's a reality. Working as cabin crew for Jet2 and Virgin Atlantic, the 30-year-old spent the early days of her career jetting off to destinations like New York, the Caribbean, Hong Kong, Canada, and Switzerland. These days, she works as a TikTok micro-influencer, having built a loyal following by sharing tips on hidden gems and adventurous locations. At Metro, we're passionate about promoting off-the-beaten-path destinations. We support sustainable tourism and want to do our part to put places actively seeking visitors on the map. We asked Helana to give us her top three European destinations that have lots to offer and a manageable amount of tourists. And spoiler: two are in Spain, one is in Italy. Fuel your wanderlust with our curated newsletter of travel deals, guides and inspiration. Sign up here. As she tells us: 'We're only here once. If you can, you've got to get out there and see the world.' La Manga is synonymous with the La Manga Club, a sprawling luxury resort and a playground for the rich and famous. But Helana says there's more to this region, if you're willing to scratch the surface. Located in Murcia, Spain, La Manga is a narrow spit of land that divides the Mediterranean Sea and the Mar Menor, Europe's largest saltwater lagoon. While huge numbers of visitors descend on the region for its white sandy beaches and clear blue sea each year, this paradise still has many unspoiled corners. One of these, Helana says, is Calblanque Beach, which is regularly featured in 'best Spanish beach' roundups by The Telegraph and Condé Nast. For Helana, the best time to visit is spring. She says there are fewer crowds, and the weather averages around 23°C to 27°C. In the summer months, La Manga sees highs of 34°C. Paddleboarding and windsurfing are popular there, but if you haven't got the time (or the funds) to complete a windsurfing course, wing surfing is a great introduction. It uses a handheld, inflatable wing to propel you and your board across the water. A 90-minute wingfoil class costs €70 (£61). Further down the coast in Cabo de Palos, the Islas Hormigas Marine Reserve is considered one of the best diving spots in Europe. When it comes to food and drink, Helana says La Manga is generally quite affordable. She recommends Fanático Beach, a beach bar with sunbed hire and live music, and La Mestiza, a beach restaurant with sunset views. Here, a draught Heineken beer is €3.60 (£3), while a glass of wine is €5.50 (£4). Looking for a twin break? La Manga is a 20-minute drive from Cartagena, Europe's sunniest city. Helana went to Cogne by chance. She searched for the cheapest flight available, booked a seat, and it turned out to be one of the most beautiful places she's ever visited. The village, in the Aosta Valley region of northern Italy, is flanked by snow-dusted mountains and forested slopes. On a clear day, Helana says you can see Mont Blanc. It's less than two hours from Turin, which Helana describes as Milan without the crowds. And it's cheap to get there; on Monday, August 25, a Ryanair flight from Stansted to Turin is only £18. Helana's highlights include Cascate di Lillaz, an 'otherworldly' waterfall that can be reached by an easy hike. She also recommends renting a bike and exploring the trails of Gran Paradiso National Park. But her favourite moment from the trip was her time at Hotel Belvedere, a chalet perched above the village. The journey there was breathtaking, along a winding road through the valley, and the food (homemade ravioli and local wine) was delicious and affordable. Back to Spain for Helana's final recommendation: Guadalest, a mountainous village in the Alicante province with 240 residents. There are plenty of reasons to be fascinated by this tiny patch of paradise. It may be a 30-minute drive from the infamous party town of Benidorm, but Guadalest is worlds away from the boozy mayhem. Forget Sticky Vicky — life is slow here. You'll be kayaking, hiking, and exploring ancient ruins rather than revelling on the strip. Helana's recommendations include a hike to the reservoir and the walking trail from Guadalest to Beniardá and Benimantell. The climb to Guadalest Castle, a 12th-century Moorish fortress, is a good choice for a combination of hiking and history. It's challenging, but your reward is a panoramic view of the whitewashed village below. Entry to the castle is €4 (£3.46), which includes access to the San Jose Castle ruins, the Alcozaiba prison, and the bell tower. There are plenty of museums in the castle grounds, such as the Micro-Gigantic Museum, Salt and Pepper Shakers Museum, and the Ethnological Museum. Though Guadalest is traditionally a day-trip destination — from Alicante or Benidorm, you can spend six to eight hours exploring the Valley and the Algar waterfalls for around £69 — Helana recommends staying the night. 'We were able to experience a slower, more authentic side of Spain.' Helana stayed at Casa Oliveta, a rustic guesthouse just a six-minute drive from the main village. Prices per night range from £130 to £160, depending on room type. In Guadalest, the evenings are calm and peaceful — perfect for watching the sunset and enjoying a relaxed dinner. More Trending The best spot for all of the above is Restaurant L'Hort, a traditional Valencian eatery nestled high up in the mountains. Helana concludes: 'Guadalest gave us a taste of mountain life, with natural beauty, culture, and tranquility all in one spot.' MORE: Aitana Bonmati makes England claim and reveals Spain targeted one Germany star MORE: Millie Bright praises England duo and makes Euro 2025 final prediction MORE: Plane nosedives into busy highway killing two in huge fireball
Daily Mail
3 hours ago
- Daily Mail
Pharmacist issues vaccine warning to Brits heading on holiday this year
Tourists heading abroad this summer have been urged to consider what vaccinations are recommended for their destination. Holidaymakers jetting off to tropical climates could be exposed to diseases their immune systems aren't used to. Though there aren't mandatory vaccines for some countries, Brits are advised to check any requirements before travelling. Boots pharmacist Claire Nevinson explained the urgency of travellers protecting their health when going abroad. 'It's important to take steps to protect our health when we travel abroad so we can focus on enjoying our holiday,' she said. 'Travel vaccinations may be recommended depending on where you are travelling, the activities you will be doing, and your age and general health.' The healthcare company revealed the most common diseases customers were seeking advice on included Japanese encephalitis, rabies and hepatitis A. More than a third of travellers are planning to jet off to long-haul locations this year, according to Boots, including with Thailand, India and China. Claire added: 'If you're travelling abroad this summer, you may be exposed to diseases we don't usually have in the UK. 'Travel vaccinations may be recommended for your trip as a measure to help prevent you picking these illnesses up. 'The childhood vaccination programme in the UK provides protection from several diseases, but it may also be necessary to consider boosters or other vaccinations if you're planning to visit certain parts of the world.' The pharmacist advised that holidaymakers should consider taking medications with them on their travels too. Claire recommended several items including antihistamines and pain relief, regardless of the destination. 'Whether you're jetting off or keeping it local this summer, it's always wise to pack a few healthcare products depending on the destination you're travelling to,' she said. 'A small first aid kit may be a good start. You could consider including pain relief medicine, antihistamine medicine to help relieve symptoms of hayfever and other allergies, plasters, antiseptic cream, insect repellent and of course broad-spectrum sunscreen with a minimum of SPF30. 'It's also important to make sure you have an adequate supply of any prescription medicines that you take. 'Additionally, I'd always check whether you might need medication to help prevent malaria. 'It is important that antimalarials are started before you travel to a place where you might be at risk.'
