It’s around this time of year when student budgets are feeling particularly tight – we get it, and UK travel can be expensive. But getting home for Christmas, to spend time with friends and family, is super important. If you’re looking for low-cost ways to get there, here are our top tips.
Travel off-peak
It might be easier said than done, given when you break up for the holidays, but it’s worth travelling during off-peak times when you can. This is always cheaper than travelling during those peak hours when everybody is trying to get somewhere. It also means the trains will be busier, so you’re more likely to be able to get a seat and store your luggage!
Be flexible
Following on from this, don’t give yourself a set day to travel home – when booking your journey, shop around to see which dates are cheaper than others. This flexibility with your UK travel will definitely save you some money, which you can use to have fun when you do get home for the festive season.
Look into coach travel
The train might typically be faster and more comfortable, but don’t overlook the coach or bus – it tends to be a LOT cheaper. You can often find coaches for less than half the price of a train ticket, and they generally have stops in smaller towns which might be handy for you. And they’re not that bad, we promise. National Express, Megabus and Flixbus are three options when looking for cheap UK coach travel. You’re likely to catch some scenic routes doing it this way, too…
Get a railcard
If you are set on getting the train, then make sure you look into what railcards are available to you as a student. These can help you get a significant discount on travelling home for Christmas, and at other times of the year of course – having a railcard means more opportunity to explore the UK at weekends! And believe us, UK travel can be just as exciting as going abroad sometimes.
Take snacks with you
When setting off on your journey home for Christmas, be sure to take a packed lunch and/or some snacks with you so you’re not tempted to splash out on the more expensive prices at train stations and service stations along the way. A can of pop can be double the price in these sorts of places, when compared to buying from the supermarket – and making your own sandwiches before you leave your student accommodation will definitely save you a bit of cash. Every little helps, after all.
We hope these tips can help you sort out some budget UK travel for getting home ahead of Christmas and New Year! Enjoy the holiday season, and make sure to indulge in everything that brings you happiness at this time of year.
