By Tony Stevens, 1st March 2010
British holidaymakers can save more cash for spending money by
cutting the middle man out of their holiday budget.
Nearly half of holidaymakers last year scored a cheap holiday by
using their initiative and booking directly instead of going
through travel agents or tour operators.
Research by Santander bank reveals 11.6 million holidaymakers
saved money by booking online or by contacting hotels,
villas and hostels directly.
Close to half of these DIY holidaymakers booked package holidays
online, while a third cut costs by organising accomodation
directly.
A further 17% took advantage of family or friends living
abroad.
DIY holidaymakers slashed an average of
£423 off their holiday costs.
Director of Santander Cards, Emma Roberts, believes the
recession has encouraged Britons to use their intiative when
planning a holiday.
"It's not surprising that in the current economic climate,
holidaymakers are increasingly looking for value and are prepared
to do the homework themselves in order to get the best deal."
By doing their homework DIY holidaymakers slashed an average of
£423 off their holiday costs.
The research also showed that holidaymakers felt more
comfortable about requesting an upgrade as a result of these
savings.
"It's very much a sign of the times too that Britons are no
longer shy about asking for an upgrade" said Roberts.
Some six million holidaymakers requested an upgrade to their
accomodation or aircraft seats and 60% were successful.
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