5 WAYS TO SAVE MONEY WHEN HOLIDAYING IN DORSET
There’s no skirting around the issue – holidays can be expensive. Accommodation, meals out, activities and pocket money can all mount up to one big bill that will leave you with nothing but holes in your pockets. But there’s no need to despair. If you arm yourself with my handy tips and tricks before your Jurassic Coast holiday, you’ll be putting those pounds back in the piggy in no time!
1.GO SELF-CATERING
Dont be put off by the idea of self catering – its the perfect excuse to eat out or sample gorgeous local produce. The plus side is that booking a self-catering cottage on the Jurassic Coast can really save you some buck. Most cottages have fantastic cooking facilities to make you feel right at home, including all the modern amenities such as microwaves and BBQs. BBQs are a great way to use up any leftovers towards the end of the week and will also round your stay off with a more relaxed way of feeding the family. Utilising local Jurassic Coast produce is also a great way to save your pennies – be sure to shop seasonally and locally.
Try and plan your week away before you go meal wise – what are you going to bring with you, what are you going to buy and how often will you eat out? Something as simple as having a meal plan will make your holiday more relaxed and stress-free. Your bank account will thank you when you get home – I promise!
2. PORTION THE POCKET MONEY
We all know how kids seem to want everything on holiday – ice creams, toys, activities, days out and more. However, a great tip is to give each child his/her own purse or wallet with a set amount of money inside. You can do this at the start of the week before you go away, or each morning after breakfast. Clearly explain that they can spend the money how they like – but once it’s gone, it’s gone! You’ll find this a great way of teaching money management to the kids and they will also love having their independence. If it’s an all-adult party you’re bringing to the Jurassic Coast, you can also apply a similar mindset by deciding your budget and sticking to it before your holiday begins.
3. PLAN, PLAN AND PLAN SOME MORE
We often spend more money than we expect when we don’t have a clear plan of what and when we will be doing on holiday. If you can, try and plan things like your meals and activities before you head off. Have a look at our family days out page here – family days out in Dorset and our what’s on guide to make the most of your stay along the Jurassic Coast. If you have one, utilise your National Trust membership by visiting places like Corfe Castle, Studland Bay and Kingston Lacy for a cheaper alternative to expensive days out. Try and pack out the week with free things like dog walks, a visit to Lulworth Cove or a swim and sunbathe on Swanage beach. The Jurassic Coast has so much natural beauty to make the most of that packing in free and low-cost activities is a breeze! As a Dorset Cottage Holiday’s guest you will find lots of discount vouchers in your holidaymaker welcome pack, for example Dorset Water Park are offering 10% discount to our guests for the 2019 season! (voucher code applies)
4. DRINK FOR FREE!
Purchasing drinks can be very expensive on days out, and you’ll be surprised how much this cost can add up! Investing in a reusable water bottle is a brilliant way to save money. Did you know that there are hundreds of businesses, cafes, shops bars and more that are willing to fill your water bottle up for free including our Corfe Castle office? See the Refill Dorset Website for more information and places to fill up! http://www.litterfreecoastandsea.co.uk/refill-dorset/
Not only will you save yourself a few pounds but you’ll also be helping the wildlife and environment along the stunning Jurassic Coast!
5. TRY LOW SEASON BREAKS
If you can, try holidaying out of season. Low and mid season short breaks are usually available outside of school half-terms and the summer holidays and are often much cheaper. Why not make the most of the good (fingers crossed!) weather in months like May, June and September? There is plenty still to do and see in Dorset at that time of year. More often than not, restaurants are quieter and attractions have special offers.
Don’t be put off by the colder months either. Try holidaying along the Jurassic Coast in the Winter and enjoy some stunning walks, outstanding coastline and a plethora of seasonal events. Search for cottages with open fires for a lovely cosy getaway at quieter times of the year.
Putting just a few of these tips into practice on your Jurassic Coast holiday could save you some precious pounds!If you have leftover money from your holiday, try not to spend it all when you get home and put it back in the piggy bank for next year. Holidaying in the UK doesn’t have to be expensive and you can still have a great time – just remember these 5 top tips!
To sum it all up, a cheaper holiday is mostly about planning in advance. We are here to help you plan your next adventure in Dorset!