Page 74 • The HERALD • 6th August 2026 v WE’VE BEEN YOUR LOCAL SINCE 1994 v ASK A PROFESSIONAL Five Ways To Slash The Cost Of Your Summer Holiday, According To A Former BA Stewardess Consumer expert Jane Hawkes has revealed her top tips for holidaymakers hoping to bag a bargain summer break, as rising fuel costs, ight disruption and queues at passport control continue to weigh on travel plans. Jane, who runs the consumer advice website www. ladyjaney.co.uk, says there are still plenty of opportunities for a ordable holidays this summer, even during peak school holiday dates. And the former BA air stewardess says methods some holidaymakers now dismiss as old fashioned could actually be the smartest way to secure the best deal. “Many of us think we’ll find the best deal by spending hours trawling comparison websites,” says Jane. “But it could be that the traditional route, booking through a travel agent, or an all-inclusive package, holds the answer to that week of sun, sand and relaxation. With flight delays and cancellations still a real worry for a lot of travellers, there’s real value in the extra protection you get booking through a tour operator, who has an obligation to make sure you’re not left stranded. My advice to anyone chasing a great deal this summer is simple: be flexible on dates, on locations, and on how you book.” Here are Jane’s top five tips for finding a bargain summer getaway: 1. Search for accommodation by map, not by name Most people search by typing a resort or town name, but switching to map view on booking sites, or scanning the surrounding area on Google Maps, can uncover hidden gems just outside the busiest tourist zones. Moving a mile or two from the main beach, old town or city centre can dramatically cut the price while keeping you within easy walking or a short bus ride of the main attractions, o en for a larger room and better facilities than a hotel in the main hotspot. 2. Split your stay ere’s no rule that says you have to stay in one hotel for the whole trip. If a luxury property is out of budget for a full week, spend the rst few nights somewhere good value while you’re out exploring, then move to a higher-end hotel for the nal days when you’re more likely to be relaxing by the pool. It’s a way to enjoy a touch of luxury without paying luxury prices for the entire holiday. 3. Check out all-inclusive and package holidays All-inclusive isn’t just about convenience, it can genuinely save money. Families with teenagers or children who are constantly reaching for snacks and drinks o en nd it works out cheaper than paying for every meal and treat individually. Before writing it o as expensive, estimate what you’d realistically spend eating out each day. Package holidays deserve the same second look: booking ights and accommodation separately can feel cheaper but isn’t always, and packages also carry the nancial protection of the Package and Linked Travel Arrangements 2018 if something goes wrong. 4. Look for free child places For families travelling in peak school holiday weeks, a free child place can make a big di erence to the overall cost. Tour operators o er these on selected departures and hotels, but availability is limited and they sell out fast, so it’s worth ltering your search speci cally for these o ers before booking. 5. Don’t underestimate a good travel agent It’s easy to assume online booking always wins, but travel agents o en have access to exclusive o ers, extra room allocations and promotions that never make it online. ey can also package ights, hotels and transfers in ways that bring the overall price down, and if a better deal comes along before you travel, a good agent will o en chase it for you at no extra cost. It costs nothing to ask for a quote. Jane Hawkes
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