Five savvy tips to slash the cost of travel on your next holiday – from apps to schemes

The Sun

25-04-2025

Mel Hunter
Published: Invalid Date,
TELLY'S Race Across The World teams speed between checkpoints using the cheapest and fastest travel routes.
But you don't need to be haring around in the latest BBC series to want to save money.
Travel cheaply by doing your homework and, unlike the tech-free contestants, using websites and apps.
TOLL ORDERS: Motorway fees apply in Spain, Italy and France, while Belgium and Germany are largely toll-free.
France's toll roads can cost you up to £110 if you travel from Calais to the Spanish border. To cut costs, use Google maps and click the 'avoid tolls' button. If sticking to fast roads, search for the cheapest options at tollguru.com.
CITY SAVERS: Work out how to use public transport in a new city using the 'get me somewhere' function on the Citymapper app. To avoid extra charges, switch off mobile data and plan your route when you have access to wifi.
COMMUTE FOR LESS: Family travel expert Natalie Smith (@frugal_mum_uk) takes the train from the suburbs when visiting big cities.
She says: 'It's cheaper than parking, and less stressful. When we visited Rome, we got a 24-hour travel pass and travelled in from a town called Vitinia — seven Euros for adults, free for kids under 11.'
TICKET TO RIDE: Travelling by train is an adventure in a different country, but you need to know how to get the best value fares.
Research where you're going, looking for special explorer tickets and family passes.
In Italy and Spain, use local services instead of fast intercity routes.
You can compare routes at Rail Europe and Trainline, though watch for booking fees.
LOCAL SCHEMES: Natalie says she's been able to save more by getting free or discounted travel deals through tourist schemes in Austria, Germany and Switzerland.
Always ask at the tourist office or your accommodation for local travel tips.
All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
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