Have you ever passed through airport security, straightening your clothes after having to practically undress of jackets, shoes and jewellery, and been faced with the glittering, almost desert mirage that is duty free? Your eyes widen, your pulse quickens, your credit card has palpitations and you’re not quite sure which direction to walk in first.
Duty free is a minefield for those trying to save money, and if you’re like me, and easily begin to convince yourself that you need that perfume/make up/handbag in your life otherwise it will never be fulfilled, then you’re onto a loser before you begin.
The best solution to this? Don’t do duty free at all! Difficult I know, especially considering you often have to walk through the large duty free shop to get to the departure lounge, and you have a couple of hours to kill. Boredom breeds spending in my experience.
Saving money at the airport can be difficult, especially with so much temptation at hand, but a good way to avoid this is to consider booking time in an airport lounge. Yes, you will have to pay for this privilege but you will probably end up saving money in the long run, as you are entitled to free food and drink, and you’re not wandering around spending willy-nilly.
Tightening our belts is unfortunately part of life these days, and nobody really has money to burn. Be sure to save as much as possible before you get to your destination, and you’ll be free to enjoy your holiday much more. A good way to save on travel is to avoid expensive airport taxis and public transport, which not only saves money but also cuts out stress. I drive myself to the airport religiously these days, and I’ve always managed to find a fantastic deal on parking at the airport no matter where I’ve flown from. I recently used Luton Airport parking, and the price I paid was far cheaper than what I would have paid on a taxi or a train fare. Nationwide you’ll find this service is offered at most large and regional airports, including my regular, parking at Stansted Airport. I sometimes fly from the capital as I find the airfares cheaper, and even factoring in travel, the whole thing works out less than from my regional airport. This is also a good option to look in to for saving money. If you’re flying from Scotland, you’re not forgotten either, with great rates available on Edinburgh Airport parking, meaning holidays don’t have to break the bank, and you’re open to enjoy yourself to the max.
Unfortunately not spending a fortune at the airport does involve a bit of walking around with your eyes closed (hopefully not literally) and self-control, but it is worth it for the outcome of enjoying your holiday more. The only other option, which I have never truly been able to master, is to budget yourself on how much you allow yourself to spend in those glittery duty free shops, and do not go over it!
Self-control is the way forward – remember the mantra, ‘I do not need that perfume!’
Credit: YouTube
