Booking during off-peak travel times can be a game-changer. Flying during weekday mornings could help you reach your destination at a much lower cost and being flexible about your travel dates could also save you money.  If you’re not fussed about a summer vacation, autumn could be the time for a perfect getaway at a lower cost too.

Use price comparison sites to find deals. Look out for last-minute offers and flash sales from third-party providers and set up alerts to be notified when fares drop. But don’t rely on these tools alone. Booking accommodation or airline tickets direct can give you access to exclusive offers and rates. So, if you’ve seen your dream hotel on a price comparison website, pay a visit to their own webpage to find out if a better deal is available.

Something else to consider is all-inclusive holidays. They often provide added value, combining, meals, drinks and activities in one neat package.

Are you collecting travel points or air miles? Autumn is an excellent time to cash in your loyalty rewards and make your points go further, but using these rewards at any time can help you save, giving you more flexibility to enjoy a luxury experience.

Maximise your miles by trying not to over commit to too many points programmes. Focusing your efforts by being loyal to one or two airlines or hotel chains could help you build points more quickly. This means you'll benefit from upgrades and discounts while using less of what you've saved.

Luxury doesn’t always have to mean high prices or off-peak travel. Pick boutique hotels or self-catering villas that offer the same opulence at a lower cost than top-tier hotel chains. If you’re visiting a city, consider staying in less central locations which often come at lower rates but still offer a fantastic experience – especially if public transport is easily available.

Look out for special offers on luxury experiences too. Many hotels offer discounted spa days, guided tours, or gourmet dining experiences, especially in the quieter autumn season.

Did you know that in 2023 UK holidaymakers lost a total of £12.3 million to fraud?³ Or that 11 million Brits don’t buy travel insurance until two weeks before a trip?

Every year, thousands of people lose out financially due to scams or because they lack travel insurance to cover costs like losing their luggage⁴.

When booking a holiday, make sure your hard-earned money is protected. Use a credit card to make purchases, as these offer the highest levels of protection in case of fraud. Once you’ve booked your flights and accommodation, set up a travel insurance policy – this could help you claim back lost funds if your holiday plans go awry.

For peace of mind, look for holiday packages that are protected by ABTA (formerly the Association of British Travel Agents) or the Air Travel Organiser's Licensing (ATOL) standard. These offer added security to your holiday if the provider you’ve booked with goes bust.

You might already be saving into an ISA or another savings account to build up a retirement fund, support a home move or simply save for life’s essentials. However, have you considered setting up a separate account to help you start saving for your next adventure? As you contribute into this account, your funds will earn interest which you can put towards a holiday in the future.

At Coventry Building Society, we offer a range of savings accounts, from cash ISAs to fixed rate bonds. Our Regular Saver account is one option if you’re looking to make monthly contributions to build up a savings pot for a future trip. You can set aside between £1 and £500 per month, with the interest paid annually. There’s a charge equal to 30 calendar days' interest on the amount you withdraw if you do need to access to your money.

With the right approach, luxury travel doesn’t have to be out of reach. By planning smartly, hunting down deals and making the most of loyalty schemes and savings products, you can enjoy a luxurious break without dipping too deep into your savings.