Saving money on holiday

Travel comparison websites compare deals from a range of different providers.  This could not only save you time, but may also save you money.  For example, TravelSupermarket.com claims to save holidaymakers on average £150¹ .  Other popular sites include dealchecker.co.uk, travelrepublic.co.uk and skyscanner.net.   

2. Last minute getaways

If you don’t mind leaving it to the last minute to book your holiday, consider a late deal.  For example, laterooms.com, trivago.co.uk and booking.com can offer late hotel deals, while some providers, such as lastminute.com, offer ‘top secret hotels’ at a discount rate.  What’s the ‘secret’?  You won’t know the name of the hotel until you’ve booked.  However, typing the hotel description into a search engine can often reveal the name.

3. Get a good travel insurance deal

A good travel insurance policy will offer you peace of mind in case you get sick or injured, allowing you to relax and enjoy your holiday.  Check with your bank or building society to find out if they already offer a policy for free.  Many of Nationwide’s main FlexAccount customers* qualify for free comprehensive European multi-trip travel cover**, which can also be upgraded to meet your personal needs.  Plus, our travel insurance has been rated 5-star by independent financial research company Defaqto, reassuring our customers of the quality of the product.  Click to find out if you qualify.

4. Get a local SIM card

Using your phone abroad can be costly, so check with your provider if they have any special travelling arrangements.  Alternatively, consider getting a pay-as-you-go SIM card when you land; this will cap your costs, and calls and data are likely to be cheaper than your UK operator. 

5. Dynamic currency conversion

Holidaymakers may be persuaded to pay in sterling instead of the local currency when using their credit or debit card abroad.  While this may seem attractive, you’ll be allowing the foreign merchant to process the currency exchange at potentially a poorer rate, which may therefore cost you money. 

6. Use the right card for foreign spending

Using plastic to pay at shops is often the most convenient and safest way to shop, but not all cards cost the same.  Nationwide’s Select Credit Card – available to qualifying main current account customers – offers unlimited commission-free purchases abroad²  and charges interest at 12.9% APR Representative (variable).  Click to find out if you qualify. 

Nationwide also offers a Credit Card, which charges interest at 15.9% APR Representative (variable), and offers commission-free purchases abroad, but based on a 5:1 earning system.  For example, if you spend £5 in Sterling, you will earn an allowance of £1 commission-free purchases abroad³ .  If you prefer to use a current account, then the FlexAccount and FlexDirect charge just 2% commission for non-sterling purchases and an additional £1 when making a non-UK ATM withdrawal⁴. 

7. Plan your travel money

It’s always best to carry some cash when on holiday, even if you plan to use cards for the majority of your spending.  For the convenience of getting your foreign exchange at the airport, you may end up getting a worse exchange rate.  Also don’t assume that ‘commission-free’ deals are the best, as the exchange rate may not be as competitive.  The best thing to do is to plan your travel money in advance and shop around for the best deal.

8. Carry your own bags

Enthusiastic porters will be eager to carry your luggage as soon as you arrive at your hotel.  Unless you’re really tired or unable to, you might want to carry them yourself, as the porter is probably after a tip.

9. Eat where the locals eat

If you feel adventurous, then avoid the tourist eateries.  Popular tourist locations can be more expensive, so why not find out from a local guide where locals often eat?  The food may also be better and more authentic!

*To be a main FlexAccount customer you must hold a FlexAccount with a Visa debit card and have been paying in at least £750 for the last three months or hold a FlexDirect account

** To qualify for free UK and European travel cover you must be aged between 16-73 and hold a FlexAccount with a Visa debit card (notcash card or cash card+), and meet the below criteria for making FlexAccount your main current account:

• Have been paying in £750+ (excluding internal transfers) a month for the last three months, or
• Complete an account transfer to us (from a non-Nationwide account) using our Account Transfer Service Qualifying conditions vary by offer.

Further information:

Nationwide FlexAccount

Nationwide FlexDirect 

Nationwide Select Credit Card. Representative Example: 12.9% APR Representative (variable). Based on an assumed credit limit of £1,200 and a purchase rate of 12.9% p.a. (variable)

Nationwide Credit Card. Representative Example: 15.9% APR Representative (variable). Based on an assumed credit limit of £1,200 and a purchase rate of 15.9% p.a. (variable)