How you could fund your dream holiday

Is your social media feed full of glamorous getaways? Was your last holiday so long ago that you now consider your local shopping centre an exotic destination? We share tips that could turn your dream holiday into a reality.

Here’s how three holidaymakers have approached their trips – and taken practical steps to save.

From inspiration to itinerary

Whether you’re set on sunbathing or already have a city in mind, your initial idea can help you start working out the details. Dave, 48, from Bradford, and his friends knew exactly where they wanted to celebrate their fiftieth birthdays: 'We’re going to Vegas, baby!'

Similarly, Jeanette, 31, from London, already knows she’d like to visit Japan with her boyfriend. 'I can’t wait to go record shopping and explore the countryside together,' she says.

Once you know what you want, it can be easy to take the next steps. Susan, 59, from Warrington, says, 'My husband and I went to Rhodes last year and stayed at a hotel group we like. They have another location on Kos, so as soon as we got back, we booked that for this year.'

Saving before you go

As is often the case, it pays to be organised. 'I put a certain amount into my "Days out, Trips and Treats" fund each month,' says Susan, 'and if I get anything extra at work, I always put that away as well.'

Dave also started small. 'I put aside a couple of hundred quid each month, probably what I’d spend on a few nights out,' he says.

Whatever you save, be consistent – and realistic. 'Years ago, I spent five months trying to put £500 of my £1,500 monthly salary toward my £2,500 share of a holiday,' Jeanette explains.

'This time, I’m determined to set a more achievable goal. And not borrow from my mother!'

Saving when you book

Comparing your options can be easy online. 'I search on booking platforms but always book directly with individual providers,' says Jeanette of her Japan plans.

'We saved almost €100 booking directly with our hotel in Venice last year.'

Direct booking online often requires payment in full when you reserve or check in. Travel agents may allow you to pay a deposit, then the balance in monthly instalments or a lump sum by a specified date.

Agencies may offer additional advantages. 'I’ll do my research online, but call my travel agent to book,' says Susan. 'I tell them where I’d like to go and when, then they’ll ring back with my options.'

'I can ask, "What else can you do?" and then we can agree on the best price.'

'I’d rather negotiate with a person than a website.'

Saving once you’re there

When you reach your destination, paying for food, accommodation and activities may be your biggest expenditures.

However, if you go on an all-inclusive package holiday, these costs will often be covered in the total price you pay. As Susan explains, 'Excluding the room tax, we know exactly what we’ll be paying for in advance.'

Alternatively, if you’re planning your own trip, preparing your own food can be significantly cheaper than dining out, as well as cater to travellers with dietary restrictions. 'My boyfriend is vegan,' says Jeanette, 'and self-catering is probably more convenient than trying to stay at a vegan resort.'

Cultural customs may also inform your budget, wherever you travel. 'Food and drink will be my biggest spends,' Dave says. 'It’s America – you’ve got to tip every time you order at the bar or a restaurant!'

A few savings sundries

If your pets can’t accompany you, earmark some funds for animal accommodation. 'A two-week stay at a cattery can cost £280–£420, while a live-in cat sitter could charge £280–£1,120,' Jeanette explains.

When it comes to actually getting to the airport, depending on where you live, catching a cab may be more cost-effective than driving. 'We used to drive to the airport. Parking for the week cost about £150,' says Susan.

'Now we just take a taxi. It’s a £95 round-trip, and we don’t have to worry about anything else.'

Looking for somewhere to keep your holiday fund savings? Bank with Chase and you can open a saver account. Start saving with as little as you like, and we’ll calculate your interest daily and pay it monthly.

18+, UK residents. A Chase current account is required to open a saver account.

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