How to have a bargain bank holiday

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Published:
19 August 2010
Topic:
News,Money,Shopping,Credit Cards,Travel Money

Thousands of us will be looking to make the most of the last long weekend this summer without breaking the bank. But how can you keep costs down and do more for less?

For many parents, this bank holiday will mark the end of an expensive summer. Research by moneysupermarket.com found that UK families expected to spend a total of £5.6 billion on entertaining the kids over long school holidays.

But even if your finances are starting to feel the strain, there are plenty of low cost ways to give them one last weekend of fun before term begins - and to keep bills down if you're planning to go abroad.

Deals on meals

Maybe you're planning a lazy bank holiday weekend and want someone else to do the cooking?

The moneysupermarket.com vouchers channel has loads of discount codes and vouchers on takeaways and restaurants. The 'what's local' feature also means you can look for deals near where you live.

From two-for-one at family-friendly eateries like Pizza Hut to pre-theatre dinner at London's The Terrace on the Strand, we have a deal for you.

Money off a great day out

If you want do something different this weekend, then why not head off to a theme park?

We have exclusive discounts on some of the country's biggest attractions, including two-for-one entry to Alton Towers, two-for-one entry to Chessington World of Adventures and 20% off at Drayton Manor.

There's a moneysupermarket.com vouchers app for your iPhone, so if you're out and about you can still find a great deal. You can also find discounted entry to loads of zoos, aquariums and other fun days out.

 

Heading abroad? Pay less for your currency

Are you planning on going further afield this bank holiday?
 
The good news for those who are heading abroad is that sterling has recovered a little against the euro, so a weekend somewhere in Europe is more affordable than it was a few months ago.

According to Halifax, the pound has risen against the euro by more than 5% since February, so your spending power isn't as limited as it might have been.

But the best way to get more spending for your money is to get the best deal possible when you buy your foreign currency. Don't change your notes at the airport; you'll end up paying over the odds.

The best deals are online and there's still time to get it delivered. Visit travelsupermarket.com to compare currency deals.

Shop till you drop

Maybe you're taking advantage of the long weekend to stock up on stationery, new school shoes and new school uniforms for the start of the new term.

If you are hitting the shops, don't feel like you have to splash too much cash.

We've got some fabulous discounts over the moneysupermarket.com dedicated back to school page, including 10% off Direct Schoolwear and 10% off a £50 spend at BHS.

For example, Tesco's back to school range has girls' jumpers from just £2 and boys' shirts from £3.

Sainsbury's has netmums.com-approved uniforms starting at similar prices, with long-sleeve cotton sweatshirts from just £2 and a three-pack of long-sleeve woven shirts from just £4.

Of course, pens, pencils and other bits of kit can soon add up too - but WH Smiths has up to 75% off kids' stationery, while Staples has two for £3 offers on loads of school stuff.

Sort out your credit card

If you have racked up a hefty credit card bill over the summer holidays, then take a few minutes over the long weekend to sort it out.

You could save hundreds of pounds in interest by transferring the balance to a 0% credit card deal.

There are loads of cards offering lengthy interest-free periods on balance transfers, giving you a chance to plough all your money into repayments rather than interest.

One of the three leading deals is the Barclaycard Platinum card, with 16 months interest-free on balance transfers for a 2.9% fee. If you don't manage to repay the outstanding amount within that time, the typical APR is 16.9%.

The NatWest Platinum and Royal Bank of Scotland Platinum cards both have 16-month interest-free periods on balance transfers, also for a 2.9% fee.

You'll only qualify for these kinds of cards if your credit score is high, but our 'Find the right card for you' tool will show you which cards you're likely to qualify for.

Please note: Any rates or deals mentioned in this article were available at the time of writing. Click on a highlighted product and apply direct.

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About This Author

Felicity Hannah

Deputy Editor

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