An all inclusive idea

How can you save money on holiday? It’s not an easy task, because of course you want to enjoy it as much as possible, but despite that, there are ways you can stockpile the cash pre-holiday, leaving you with more to enjoy whilst you’re there.

Saving money on how you get to the airport is perhaps the first port of call, because we all know how expensive trains and coaches can be these days, not to mention long-winded and busy – this all equals stress, and quite frankly, it’s not something you want when you’re trying to enjoy yourself! It’s for that reason that I now drive myself to the airport, and no matter where I am flying from I book airport parking. Whether its a London flight or regional it can save you money let alone stress. I have booked Edinburgh Airport parking before and the service was fantastic. Cheaper, less stressful, and much more leisurely, there really is no downside to this plan.

Check out this idea if you’re able to drive yourself to the airport, because you will really notice a difference to your travel plans, making your departure day much easier on the stress levels. I usually book airport parking with ParkBCP, and can certainly vouch for the level of service, as well as the prices, so check this out wherever you’re flying from within the UK, even regionally.

Saving money on your getting from A to B plans is a good start, but it’s no good if you have to budget for huge amounts of food and drink! A good way to get around this is to book an all inclusive holiday.

Before you think ‘no, it’s like living within a hotel and never leaving’, hear me out.

If you have children, this is probably the number one money saving option, and even if you don’t, knowing your food and drink is taken care of is a huge load off the mind. If you can bag yourself an all inclusive bargain, you can afford to eat out once or twice, so you don’t have to practically live there and never leave, and you can get out and explore. Even if you don’t eat out, there is always the option to just go for a walk before dinner, etc, which is what I did the last time I booked an all inclusive break. Book a few excursions and force yourself out of the hotel grounds – this way you will see as much as anyone else, with less cost, and much more peace of mind as a result.

We do have to be canny with our travel plans these days, simply to save a little money and be able to afford a good holiday with our loved ones. These small tips will go some way to doing just that, but simply shopping around for a bargain will do the same thing, as long as you keep your eyes wide open.

About the Author: Lucy West is a  27 year old creative writer. She loves words and the power they can have. She thrives on knowing her work is being read and enjoyed. After working for years in a job she didn't enjoy, she decided to travel, which in turn lead to a major career change. Upon returning she enrolled at Westminster University to study Creative Writing and so her new found love began. If you don't find her writing, she'll be in a yoga studio.

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Enchanting Edinburgh Awaits!

It has never been easier or more affordable to travel from Manchester or London to grand old Edinburgh. A city that blends the best of both old and new. A gorgeous mix of medieval buildings in the Old Town combines with the slightly more modern and majestic Georgian architecture in the New Town. Edinburgh is the thriving pulse of the arts and culture scene, formerly known as the Athens of the North, the city has a wonderful array of activities and festivals all year round.

In the Old Town, discover a wonderful array of medieval relics. Visit the Abbey and Palace at Holyrood House. This is one of the Queen's official residences and holds the Royal Collection of Art. This site was also where Mary Queen of Scots lived during her reign.

Edinburgh Castle at the top of the Royal Mile is a magnificent and enormous fortress that was built on top of an extinct volcano and it has been the epicenter of life in the capital for the past thousand years. Home to the Edinburgh Tattoo, military museum, a chapel and many layers of history to be peeled back at a visitor's leisure. Entry is £15 for adults, then purchase a headset for £3 to get a guided tour.

All along the Royal Mile are dotted tartan shops, cashmere wool retailers, high-end pubs, kilt-makers and distillers. The area has many stand-out restaurants and pubs that really show people how to have a good time. Wander downhill to the Mitre, where they have excellent grub and a good selection of whisky. Another good place to rest the weary bones after a day of sight-seeing is Café Truva, a wee café where the coffee is good and the service is friendly.

For those with a shopping itch to scratch, head across the bridge over to the New Town, where Princes Street has a usual fare of High Street retailers and George Street is teeming with specialist boutiques, high-end fashion retailers and stylish restaurants. Take a stroll down to the exclusive Stockbridge area and discover eclectic antique and designer shops and the leafy and lush Water of Leith trail. Edinburgh is a collection of treasures waiting to be discovered, and there is something for everyone to love!

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Guest Post: Europe’s best cities for a winter break

European city breaks in winter differ dramatically from those in summer. If you’re looking to explore gardens, relax in street cafes or stroll along river banks, a city break in winter may not be for you. But if your ideal trip involves visiting museums, galleries, enjoying cultural events or sheltering from the weather in a spa then there really isn’t a better time to get out and explore some of the most stunning cities Europe has to offer.

Here are four favourite European cities for a winter break; some with the Euro and some without. Either way, before travelling it’s important to keep up to date with exchange rates when changing money at a bureau de change. With your money sorted all you need to consider is the sights you’ll see.

Berlin
Berlin is great for exploring. You can get out and see the historical past of the city by visiting sites such as the Berlin wall, Checkpoint Charlie and the Brandenburg Gate. If you’re looking for some winter partying, Berlin has it all. Renowned as one of the biggest and best party cities in the world, there are numerous buzzing clubs dotted all around the city. It’s certainly something not to be missed.

Rome
You may think Rome is more of a summer destination. But it shouldn’t just be the weather that’s the real draw for this historic city. In the summer months, visitors flock to the Vatican museums to see such sites as the Belvedere Courtyard, the Raphael Rooms and the Sistine Chapel, but the number of visitors and the length of queues can have a negative impact. Visiting these sites in winter, they’ll be almost deserted and you can enjoy them in peace. The same can be said for the Colosseum and other famous sites of historical interest. Winter really can be the perfect time to visit Rome.

Edinburgh
A city break doesn’t necessarily mean heading out to continental Europe. Edinburgh is one of the most popular destinations in the world, so you’d be foolish to ignore it just because it’s close to home. In winter, visitors can see the sites of Edinburgh castle and the Royal Mile as well as partaking in the famous celebrations for Hogmanay.

Poprad
The city of Poprad in Slovakia may not be the first place that springs to mind when thinking of a European city break, but it’s the perfect place for those looking for a little relaxation and a break from it all. Visitors can sit outside in a thermal spa while gazing at the impressive snow capped High Tatras Mountain peaks. After you can move inside to one of the Aqua bars and sample warming liqueurs while you soak in the water.

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