Looking for ideas for a mini-break on a budget, then check out our recent trip to Harrogate on a shoestring budget. Here are some simple steps to keep the costs down if you are planning a short trip away;
Budget mini-breaks with the family
Look out for deals on accommodation
In these recession busting times, there are plenty of deals on accommodation and it’s worth planning ahead if you are considering a break away. We took advantage of the Innkeeper’s Lodge deal that was running back in December 2010. This deal gave us a family room, (2 adults and 2 children), for £20 including breakfast! Our Innkeeper’s Lodge in Harrogate was superb, complete with helpful staff & a feast of a breakfast to boot!
Vouchers for Eating Out
With an abundance of vouchers for eating out, it’s a matter of finding the voucher that works for you! We made use of a 2 for 1 voucher on all main courses at Pizza Express.
These vouchers tend to offer discounts on selected items within your meal, (such as our voucher for the main course), with restaurants hoping to make up the savings in drinks, deserts & starters!
Budget Food Options
If you keep this in mind when you place your order, it’ll help you keep the total bill down. Remember you can always order tap water and keep a chocolate bar in your purse to alley the children’s horror on hearing desert is off the menu!
Food can take up a substantial portion of your mini-break spend, so here’s a few other ways to reduce your food bill;
A good start at the breakfast buffet will help you on your way!
Pack snacks and drinks from home in a comfortable bag so you carry them round with you. This way not only do you have snacks on hand but avoid overcharging.
Consider a packed lunch when you are away – many supermarkets now offer an array of lunch options at a fraction of the price of a meal out! We put together a lunch at the local M&S to enjoy at the local Valley Gardens in Harrogate.
Visitor Attractions Discounts
Again, if you plan ahead you can search out for deals on visitor attractions; topdogdays being the obvious choice of course! Here’s a few other ways to reduce your spend on visitor attractions;
- check out group rates, (can sometimes start from groups of 7 or more!)
- off peak times can be cheaper, (late afternoon or first thing?)
- look for work discounts, (Armed Forces, NHS rates)
We managed a weekend in Harrogate for under £100 and had a fantastic time! Do let us know if you have anymore tips we can pass on.
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Liz
