Being in debt doesn’t mean you aren’t entitled to a holiday – but it does mean you need to choose your destination, accommodation and travel carefully. You’ll be pleased to know you don’t need to pay high hotel prices when there are cheaper alternatives. Discover how to debt proof your holiday.

You are probably tired of so called “budget holidays” and “budget flights”, because when you consider all the additional costs, such as fees, exchange rate and taxes, the only thing it does for your budget is break it.

Even if you have debt, you deserve a holiday. Financial problems can create a lot of stress and we all need to unwind, even if we are watching every penny. A holiday debt management plan will help you get the break your need without adding to your problems.

Debt Plan Your Holiday

Booking flights

Supermarket incentives

Shoppers at Tesco may be aware that their clubcard gives them the opportunity to acquire air miles. If you spend £85 a week in the popular supermarket chain you can be rewarded with 1,000 air miles per year.

If you do most of your grocery shopping at Sainsbury’s, their Nectar card also includes an air miles incentive programme.  If you haven’t already signed up for one of these then why not start now.

Does it go very far? How far you travel on air miles will depend on the annual value of your shopping bill. If you are in debt, however, you are probably spending no more than necessary on weekly groceries. Even so, you can still bag yourself a bargain through reward schemes – for instance a return flight to Rome will cost around 700 air miles. Every little helps!

Budget airlines

Easyjet and Ryanair are synonymous with budget airlines and both offer seats at fantastic value. It pays to keep a close eye on special deals and offers, which run periodically throughout the year. You could end up buying ticket for tax only. It also helps if you are prepared to travel midweek, as weekends are invariably more expensive.

While both of these airlines dominate the low cost market, they do not always present the best value or even price. Do shop around online using the likes eBookers, Expedia and Opodo, you may find that you get an even better deal.

Also, remember that a lot of the destination airports that Ryanair and Easyjet use are in the middle of nowhere. Remember to factor in addition travel costs at the other side.

Holiday accommodation

House exchange

It isn’t for everyone but many people are able to travel to far flung destinations such as Australia by swapping homes with likeminded travellers. By visiting website such as www.homebase-hols.com and HomeLink.org.uk. you can become a member for as little as £30.

If another member would like to swap houses with you and it seems like a fair exchange, most people make an arrangement on a rent-free basis. You must be a homeowner to take part.

Holiday rentals

Hotel prices can be out reach for most people concerned about debt management, but that doesn’t necessarily have to rule out your preferred holiday destination. A quick Google search will provide a wide range of rental accommodation for your place of choice and self-catering means you do your own cooking – ideal for staying within budget.

Out of season will ensure you get the best deals.

Travel Advice

Eastern European destinations such as Hungary, Bulgaria, Poland and Latvia offer great value for money as well as stunning scenery. Meals out are affordable and drinks are also much cheaper than at home making these destinations popular with debt free wannabes.

Keep an open mind in regard to holiday destinations. If you are nervous about trying somewhere a little different, then get in touch with your adventurous spirit and grab yourself a bargain.

If you would like to get out of debt by lowering your monthly loan repayments, find out how a debt management plan can help you. Alternatively you can call our approved advisers free advice line on 0800 014  7863