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TIPS & TRICKS TO SLASH HUNDREDS FROM HOLIDAY COSTS

The cost of living crisis is impacting millions of people, but with Covid travel restrictions finally lifting, many people will still be hoping they can budget for a holiday this year. Which? has put together some top tips on how to slash hundreds from the cost of going away…

1. Stay longer - It’s worth browsing online comparison sites for longer stays in hotels, as the cumulative savings can be substantial. 2. Book directly with the hotel - Don’t be afraid to

contact the hotel or B&B directly to book. Holidaymakers can often receive better rates or perks like free breakfasts or Champagne on arrival by booking directly. 3. Swap seats - For most airlines, passengers needn’t waste money by paying extra to sit together on the plane. A group of four people could expect to pay up to £192 to reserve standard seats together. However, of those surveyed, 95% of short-haul passengers who didn’t pay extra said they were given seats together anyway.

THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN

EUROTUNNEL AND EUROSTAR

Even though the Channel Tunnel linking the UK to mainland Europe has been open for 27 years, there still seems to be abundant confusion between the two popular train services that use it - Eurotunnel Le Shuttle and Eurostar. Not sure which is which, or how to choose between the two options? It really depends on where you want to go and how you want to travel. We clear up some myths… Are they owned by the same company?

No - Eurostar uses Eurotunnel’s tunnel, and is one of their biggest customers. The Channel Tunnel is the longest undersea tunnel in the world at 38km long.

Where to board?

Eurotunnel’s UK boarding point is in Folkestone, Kent. Eurostar currently runs from St Pancras International, London.

Where can I go?

The main Eurostar routes go to Paris, Brussels and Amsterdam, with some seasonal routes and connections across France, Belgium, the Netherlands and Germany. Eurotunnel Le Shuttle runs solely between Folkestone and Calais. trip and allows for greater baggage allowances. Eurostar trains are for foot passengers only and Eurotunnel Le Shuttle carries freight and all forms of vehicle, including cars, motorbikes, campervans, caravans, coaches and lorries. You cannot travel as a foot passenger on Eurotunnel, but you are able to take a bicycle.

Animals

Only assistance dogs are allowed on Eurostar trains. Eurotunnel allows you to travel with a pet for an additional cost of £22 each way (assistance dogs are exempt), providing you have the necessary paperwork.

Journey length

Eurotunnel takes just 35 minutes between Folkestone and Calais. Eurostar takes approximately 2.5 hours to reach Paris from London.

4. Book car hire in advance - Brokers have ramped

up their prices lately meaning that the later customers book, the more they’ll pay. If you’re planning to travel during a peak time, it’s especially important that you book your car hire at least two months in advance.

5. Pay in local currency & use the right card -

Always pay in the local currency to avoid being hit with worse exchange rates and check to see if your bank charges a fee to use cards abroad. 6. Book at the right time - The best prices for hotels

can usually be found around three months before travel, depending on the destination. The downside of booking last-minute is that customers could then be left with less choice, higher rates and less flexibility when it comes to cancellation policies.

7. Sign up to loyalty schemes -

It could be worth signing up to free loyalty schemes with hotel chains and booking websites to save money when booking trips away. Some supermarket reward schemes such as Tesco Clubcard and Nectar often have partnerships with attractions and accommodation.

Frequency

Eurotunnel currently runs two- to three shuttle departures per hour. Eurostar currently runs a service from London every one to one-and-a-half hours.

For more information visit eurotunnel.com and eurostar.com

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