The Best Insider Hacks to Save Money on Summer Villa Holidays

With summer holidays fast approaching, excited holidaymakers are rushing to secure trips before prices climb even higher. But according to Sharon Bradbury, villa travel expert at Solmar Villas, many are unknowingly spending far more than they need to.

“Peak travel periods are when small booking mistakes become very expensive. There are still plenty of ways to save money on villa holidays, but many of them are things travellers don’t think to check.” says Bradbury.

Here are five lesser-known booking hacks families should know before securing their Easter or summer getaway:

Image Credit: Solmar Villas

1. Look for ‘leftover’ villa dates for better deals than hotels.

“From an insider’s perspective, we’re always looking to fill what we call ‘empty nights’ in villas. This is the time in between bookings. For example, we may have a villa booked from Tuesday to Tuesday, then Sunday to Sunday, so there’s an awkward 4-day Wednesday to Saturday spot we’re looking to fill. If we don’t fill the villa, it sits empty. 

Not many people know that you can book villas for less than a standard 7-day period, so if you’re clued into that fact, you can search for short-term villa stays and find excellent prices, even at the very last minute. It’s a win-win because you get a cheaper holiday, and the villa company fills those dreaded ‘empty nights’.” 

2. Bigger groups often get better value, so invite more people along.

“If you’re looking for a cheaper holiday, I always advise thinking about inviting more people you’d like to create memories with. Maybe it’s inviting the grandparents along, combining friendship groups, or encouraging siblings to come too. 

This is because people assume travelling as a larger group will cost more, but oftentimes that’s not the case with villas. When the cost of a villa is split between two families or a group of friends, the price per person does tend to drop significantly. You can also get great deals on neighbouring villas, so you can holiday together, but still have your privacy. Not to mention, when you travel in a group you can save on cooking meals and shared taxis, which is why group travel can be one of the most cost-effective ways to holiday during peak periods.” 

3. Package deals are the best way to avoid hidden costs.

“From an industry point of view, booking flights and accommodation together can look more expensive on the surface, but it often works out cheaper overall because you’re avoiding lots of hidden costs. 

When you book as a package, you’re covered by package travel regulations, which means far greater protection if flights are cancelled or plans change at the last minute. You’re much more likely to make a quick and easy swap of flight times, for example, and continue on with your holiday as planned without being charged lots of extra fees. 

On the flip side, when travellers book everything separately, you may end up paying extra later for insurance upgrades, replacement accommodation, missed transfers or emergency flights. Those hidden costs can quickly outweigh any upfront savings.”

Image Credit: Solmar Villas

4. Consider flying from a smaller airport, even if it’s further away.

“Whether you’re booking in a package deal or getting flights separately, never solely search for flights from your closest airport. This is a big mistake. Your nearest airport isn’t always the cheapest option, but it’s where most people automatically search. 

Smaller regional airports tend to have lower operating costs, which can translate into cheaper flights and better availability. Even if it means a longer drive, the savings on flights can easily outweigh the extra travel time and petrol costs.”

5. Don’t be subconsciously tricked into eating at the airport just because it’s routine.

“From what we see, people often eat at the airport simply because it feels like part of the travel routine, and not because they actually want to. 

Once you pass through security, you’re effectively a captive audience, and that’s where food prices jump dramatically. Families in particular can end up spending a huge amount before they’ve even boarded the plane, simply because eating at the airport feels like the default option. 

When you’re staying at a hotel, it makes sense to grab a bite to eat at the airport on your way home, but one of the big advantages of a villa holiday is that you’re not reliant on restaurant dining. You can cook and eat before heading to the airport or even prepare a packed breakfast, lunch, or dinner to eat before you go through security. Not to mention that cooking in the villa will save you money on meals and snacks throughout your trip.”

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