Everyone knows by now that we don’t all pay the same prices for our holidays and hotels. The person sitting next to you on the plane will in some cases have spent far more or far less on the flight than you did. At the destination itself, too, another guest may have paid just a fraction of what you paid for the same hotel deal. We’ll show you how to get the most out of your budget so you have more money to spend on your beach holiday, mountain getaway or city break.

Tip 1: Book early

Start planning your holidays early and book your flights and hotel as early as possible to get good deals and early-bird discounts. A lot of travel companies, and even airlines and hotels, have good summer deals up for grabs as early as the beginning of the year. It’s a good idea to subscribe to newsletters from holiday providers, online booking platforms and airlines to keep abreast of early-bird discounts, sales and deals. Airlines in particular frequently announce their offers by e-mail – so it’s worth checking your account regularly, as the number of cheap tickets is often limited.

Tip 2: Take advantage of last-minute deals, too

They may have become a rarer phenomenon, but last-minute deals are still a good way to save money. As you will see, it’s all a question of good timing. Try not to book when everyone else does – in other words, book early or at the last minute. The range of destinations and hotels available may well pleasantly surprise you. Last-minute deals are perfect for people who decide on the spur of the moment to look for a relaxing time on a beautiful beach or an exciting city break. 

Tip 3: Be flexible and avoid the peak season

If you don’t have to travel during peak season, consider taking your holiday in the off-season instead. The prices for hotels and holiday homes are much lower. Take advantage of cheap flights and book your beach holiday during winter, for instance, and outside of Europe. Or how about another beautiful trip in Switzerland? There are also good off-season deals here, and if you’re flexible about when you want to arrive and leave, that’s even better for your budget. 

Tip 4: Use comparison sites

Whether it’s a beach holiday or a trip through Switzerland you’re looking for, be sure to check reviews on different comparison sites. After all, the cheapest option is not always the best option. What is actually included in that all-inclusive deal, and does it mention any additional costs you will have to pay? For instance, is the hotel easy to reach, and is it near the beach? Or will you have to factor in extra costs for buses or taxis? Reviews on websites or even on Google are all priceless sources of information. And the more reviews there are, the more reliable.

Tip 5: Take out insurance

If you travel a lot, you should take out cancellation insurance on an annual basis, or your holiday could end up being the most expensive you have ever taken – that is, if you are unable to go. You can also insure your luggage against loss. If the value of your luggage keeps changing, it might be worth taking out new luggage insurance each time you travel. Otherwise, it may make more sense to sign an annual contract. Consult your insurance provider for more information. 

Tip 6: Keep an eye on flight prices

Flight prices change all the time. That’s why it can be helpful to keep tabs on flight prices for a few days before you decide to book. A useful tool for this is The link will open in a new window www.google.com/flights, which helps you track a flight you’ve had your eye on. As soon as the price changes, you receive an e-mail notification. 

Tip 7: Clear your Internet browser’s cache

If you are booking your holiday online, be sure to clear your browser cache before you start your search, and don’t forget to use incognito mode on your Internet browser. The prices change based on your browser’s cookies – and they always become more expensive. 

Head off on holiday – with plenty of cash in hand

You should now be ready to find some inspiration for your next trip. A number of travel sites have already released a list of dream destinations for the coming year. You don’t want to be short on anything when you’re on holiday – including cash. If your holiday budget is still a bit too tight even with our savings tips, think about how you could find more cash to spend. For instance, you could try saving up more (Advice on saving – the best savings tips), or you could invest your money, which would give you an additional source of income.

Get money back worldwide

With PostFinance credit cards, you can make cashless payments worldwide and get money back thanks to the bonus programme. You can access all your credit card details conveniently in e-finance and via the PostFinance App, and receive SMS notifications about transactions you have carried out.