Holidays; it seems that we spend our lives scrimping and saving for them and as soon as we get back, we want another one. It seems like a hefty financial outlay for such a fleeting, transitory experience for which we have little to show aside from a few ropey photographs, but studies have shown that, in Britain at least, a holiday is one of the few things Brits are unprepared to give up, even when cash is tight.
It is this reluctance that means Britain’s travel and tourism industry remains strong even in uncertain times, but while many of us need a holiday to keep us sane, that two week summer break is undoubtedly having an effect on our finances, whether that’s the ability to save, pay off our debts, or shell out other essentials. Wouldn’t it be nice if we could get our finances in check and take that holiday?
Sound crazy? Well it shouldn’t there are in fact many ways to bag yourself a free holiday, or at least holidays at massively discounted rates, and I’m not talking about catching a bus to Turkmenistan. Here are five ways you can wrangle yourself a very cheap, or if you’re lucky, a free holiday;
Competitions
Ok, so you don’t have time to spend all day watching day time television waiting for Lorraine Kelly to spring a painfully simple question about the capital of France to which millions of people will enter, no fear, there are easy ways. One of these is Competwition, a little known site at present that has daily competitions across a number of verticals including travel and leisure. Simply Tweet to enter, no phone calls, no silly questions, no fuss.
Work for a Travel Company or Airline
Really love travel? Why not work for a travel companies, many multinational travel firms have bases in the UK (often located near airports) and depending on exactly what job you do for them, holiday concessions or free travel are amongst the perks you can enjoy. Of course working as cabin crew is another option, a fairly well paying job which has a low barrier to entry, and one where lengthy stopovers in desirable locations are the norm, particularly on long haul carriers.
Become a Travel Blogger
What? Geeks that sit at home on the internet all day writing blogs can get free travel? You betcha! If you put in the work and create (or get someone to create you) a nice, user friendly site, have some writing talent, and the time to update it regularly, you could become an influencer in the travel industry and get picked up by a large company who want you to write about their holidays! Making and maintaining a successful travel blog is easier said than done, it takes time, but the cash investment is fairly minimal.
Complain
Didn’t like your recent holiday? Complain. Travel firms have just much accountability as any company to provide you with a satisfying and valuable experience. Take heed, only complain if there was a genuine issue with your holiday, doing so otherwise could land you in hot water. If there is genuine gravity behind your claim, then make it known, you may just get an apology, but you may get a free holiday…
Coupons
Groupon, if you’ve haven’t heard of it yet, is an online group buying system whereby huge discounts are offered on a number of experiences including meals out, spa days and yes, holidays. Granted the products on offer are not always international getaways, rather weekend breaks in country houses, but a holiday’s a holiday right? All that’s required is that enough people sign up for the deal for it to be valid, so get all your friends and family on-board (or not if the only reason you go away is to escape their evil clutches!)
Joe is a travel blogger and serial bargain hunter, he’s currently looking for deals on Flights to Australia. You can follow Joe on Twitter @joe__johnson__
