Brits are turning to clever travel hacks to maximise their holidays

Nearly half of Brits fancy themselves as 'travel hackers',employing savvy strategies to get the most out of their holidays, according to a study commissioned by Virgin Red. The company joined forces withRace Across The World champion, Alfie Watts, to dish out some expert travel advice.

The survey revealed that among the top tactics used by holidaymakersare booking flights on weekdays, bundling hotel and transport costs, and using loyalty points for upgrades. Other popular hacks include leveraging credit card loyalty programmes to accumulate points, timing purchases for optimal deals, and browsing for flights in incognito mode to keep prices low.

Once the getaway is secured, travellers have more tricks up their sleeves, such as rolling clothes to maximise suitcase space, packing snacks to sidestep airport price hikes, and always having a portable charger at hand.

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Alfie Watts himself embarked on an epic journey across three continents in just 72 hours, all thanks to Virgin Red reward points. He said: "Travel doesn't have to break the bank, especially if you are using travel hacks and this trip proves it."

Covering a staggering 9,000 miles, he secured accommodation using points that can be racked up through daily activities like shopping and commuting. These points can also be snagged when booking holidays, a trick nearly half of those surveyed regret not using on past trips.

"It's not just about the flights – it's the little hacks that make a big difference," Alfie added. "I normally pack light to avoid pricey hold luggage fees and I also use an eSIM to stay connected without needing to switch out my physical SIM.

"I learned from previous experience that sometimes a long-haul flight pays off when the cost of living at your destination is super low, which helps to balance out costs."

He also mentioned that renting a car and seeking advice from locals provides him with the flexibility to venture beyond typical tourist hotspots.

According to the study holidaymakers use an average of three money-saving tricks per trip, with two thirds receiving suggestions from relatives and mates.

A quarter of those surveyed admitted that certain tricks had swayed their choice of destination. These included uncovering cheaper alternatives, spotting hidden gems and selecting places with simpler visa processes.

Vicki Simpson from Virgin Red commented: "The research has shown that travellers are always keen to utilise hacks where possible.

"Alfie's trip shows how far loyalty points can get you. Reward points give travellers the chance to fast track their travels while slowing their spending.

"Whether it's a short weekend away or a once-in-a-lifetime adventure, these smarter ways to travel can undoubtedly make a difference."