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WORDS BYLINE: Vanessa Papas
A London-based travel blogger with a knack for finding bargains has shared how to explore the world without breaking the bank.
From securing cheap flights to nabbing first-class train upgrades for a fraction of the cost, Stephanie Parker, 39, of Big World Small Pockets, has tips and tricks to help you save time and money on your next adventure.
Eurostar Hack: Skip the Queue for Free
You'll love this hack if you’ve ever found yourself stuck in the long Eurostar queues at London St Pancras.
"It's called iProov - a free app that helps you speed through security at St Pancras International," she revealed.
"Just download it and register your passport, security and journey details, which takes less than 10 mins, and then you can whizz through priority check-in for your London departing Eurostar without having to pay for premium economy or business class!"
How to Bag Cheap Accommodation
One of the biggest travel expenses is accommodation, but Stephanie has a tip to ensure you get the best deal.
"Book late," she advised.
"If you don't have your heart set on one particular accommodation option, hold out as long as possible. Accommodation providers almost always drop prices nearer to travel dates to ensure they fill rooms. Empty rooms are lost money for them. Also, always use a comparison website to find deals, but then book directly with the accommodation provider and try to negotiate a 10% discount. The hotel won't have to pay commission to the comparison site if you book direct, so you can often negotiate a better rate."
Upgrading to First Class on UK Trains for Less
Who wouldn’t want to travel in style for a fraction of the price? Stephanie’s got a brilliant hack for upgrading to first class on UK trains without the hefty price tag.
"It’s another free app - Seatfrog," she explained.
"It allows you to bid for first-class seats on eligible train journeys via an in-app auction system up to 24 hours before departure. Sometimes, you can upgrade for less than half the usual price. And get access to first-class lounges at stations, too! First class carriages have better seats, free food and drink and better facilities, so it's often a great steal - especially if you don't have to buy expensive snacks/drinks at the station."
Flying Budget Isn’t Always the Best Deal
One of the biggest myths in travel is that budget airlines are always the cheapest option, but Stephanie notes that’s not always the case.
"This is especially true if you have large cabin luggage or checked luggage because sometimes flights with a regular airline, like British Airways, can be the same price. This is often because they have a more generous luggage allowance in their basic fare," she pointed out.
“When it comes to airline points, Air Miles, like Avios, are great, but only if you actually use them. Points expire, so watch these deadlines. Usually, Air Miles are more effective at lowering flight costs on short-haul fights rather than long-haul. I always splash mine on going back to Jersey to see my family rather than saving them for TransAtlantic flights."
Staying Updated on Travel Deals
Staying updated on the latest deals is essential, and Stephanie’s approach is surprisingly low-tech.
"I watch e-mail closely," she admitted.
"My inbox is a car crash most of the time because I'm signed up for so many travel services and sales! I also keep an eye on relevant accounts directly on Instagram and TikTok, where brands often share the latest deals."
Prioritise Memorable Experiences (and Splurge a Little)
While saving money is great, Stephanie believes in balancing budgets with making the most of your travels.
"I hand-pick a few experiences that I want to do on each trip and allow myself to splurge on those. After all, there's no point visiting a destination if you're not going to explore and enjoy it. That said, don't try to do it all. This is exhausting as well as expensive!" she noted.
"The act of travel is about spending money, so you might as well spend a bit more and have a really memorable experience. For me, these splurges normally include outdoor pursuits, landscapes, beaches, hikes, hot air balloons, road trips, etc, as well as strong cultural spectacles or spaces of importance that help tell the story of a place. I'm probably one of the only people that doesn't travel for food, so I save a lot there. Wine tasting, on the other hand, is another matter!"
When: 27 Sep 2024
Credit: @bigworldsmallpockets/Cover Images
**EDITORIAL USE ONLY. MATERIALS ONLY TO BE USED IN CONJUNCTION WITH EDITORIAL STORY. THE USE OF THESE MATERIALS FOR ADVERTISING, MARKETING OR ANY OTHER COMMERCIAL PURPOSE IS STRICTLY PROHIBITED. MATERIAL COPYRIGHT REMAINS WITH STATED PHOTOGRAPHER AND/OR SUPPLIER.**
2024-09-27
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