Four tips to dodge airport rip-offs this summer and save cash for your holidays instead
You could be throwing money away before you even reach your sun lounger.
Dodge airport rip-offs and save your spending money for cocktails with these tips . . .
DRIVE DOWN THE COST: Getting to the airport can take a chunk out of your holiday budget. If you are driving, make sure you check out go.compare theairportparking.com to check out the deals from various car park companies.
Also, did you know you can turn £5 in Tesco Clubcard vouchers into £10 towards APH parking vouchers? Head to aph.com/tesco/clubcard.html to check availability and prices.
If you are thinking of travelling by train, book in advance to save money and make the most of cashback and loyalty points.
THIRSTY WORK: Every UK airport now has free water refill stations, so there's no need to splash out on pricey bottles airside. Bring an empty water bottle through security and refill once you are in the departure lounge.
Many coffee shops including Costa and Pret offer discounts when you bring a reusable cup, too.
SNACK ATTACK: Solid foods such as sandwiches and snacks from home can be taken through security, so you can avoid expensive airport meals.
For longer waits and large groups, airport lounges with food and drink included can work out cheaper.
Currently you can get a £5 voucher for 50 per cent off Priority Pass lounge membership — to use nationwide – when you shop via wowcher.co.uk. But arrive early to take full advantage of the buffet!
Also, check with your bank to see if you have any discount or access to airport lounges, as some premium accounts include this.
The Sun's Travel Editor Lisa Minot shares her top tips when flying hand luggage only
BEAUTY BARGAINS: The Boots Click+Collect service lets you order toiletries online and pick them up airside.
So you can take advantage of online offers such as half-price Garnier Ambre Solaire suncream.
A top tip is to save up your Boots Advantage Points and use them for those extra holiday essentials, so you can keep your cash for holiday fun.
All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
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There's a pop-up campsite now too, with grass pitches from £30 a night, or bell tents for four from £130 a night (both two nights minimum). If you'd rather do it yourself, pick up a four-mile section of the Norfolk coast path from Morston Quay through Blakeney national nature reserve to pretty Cley-next-the-Sea and catch the Coasthopper bus service back. If you can time the tides right, a ferry service from Morston Quay heads out to Blakeney Point, which is home to England's largest grey seal colony. Families looking to try mountain biking will love Old Bob's, the newest trail at the Forest of Dean Cycle Centre, named after a pumping engine from a nearby former coal mine. Weaving just over a mile through the forest, the trail features three areas designed for practising off-road riding skills. It's also one of the UK's most accessible mountain bike trails, suitable for bikes with up to four wheels as well as adaptive bikes. 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Before embarking on an adventure, read up on the code of conduct – which includes rules on travelling light, leaving no trace and staying out of sight – and find out where you're allowed to camp using the national park's backpack camping map. The Dartmoor Preservation Association has also created a handy guide to the 3Ps (pees, poos and periods) when wild camping. If the idea of pitching up alone is too much, try booking a spot at Beardown Farm, which has two wild campsites on a 450-hectare working farm on the high moor. Pitches (from £5 per adult; £2.50 per child) include communal tap and fire pits, plus a composting toilet in summer. In just two years, brothers Giacomo and Matteo have transformed Higher Farm near Castle Cary from a traditional dairy farm into a biodynamic hub. In May this year, the 20-hectare site – with 2,000 newly planted trees, a swimming lake, orchards, and two friendly pigs named Clover and Pumpkin – opened for the summer season. Day visitors can join in 'farmtivities' throughout the summer, including self-guided farm tours, pick-your-own and feeding the animals. A pizza van is open on Saturdays, and there's a play area for kids. Guests can also spend the night in a secluded spot, tucked into two heated yurt cabins, each sleeping three people (£130 a night, two nights minimum). The Horse and Pony Protection Association (Happa) is offering children the chance to own a pony for a day (£35) at its site overlooking Thursden Valley near Burnley this summer, helping six to 16-year-olds understand what it takes to look after a horse, including mucking out, grooming, walking with the ponies and riding. There's also a cafe, education trail and outdoor park. Meanwhile, near Preston, Alpaca Fold is running an alpaca walking experience (£20 per adult; £15 for 16s and under) on its 14-hectare site close to Samlesbury village, this summer. Sandwiched between the two on the edge of the Forest of Bowland, Little Oakhurst Boutique Glamping has shepherd's huts and yurts (from £130 a night for four). Prices are correct at the time of going to press, based on July stays and per person unless otherwise specified
