Four tips to track down cheap rail tickets for visiting family this Christmas
VISITING family this Christmas? Plan now to save on rail fares.
The festive season is a busy — and costly — time for travel.
But these money-saving tips are just the ticket.
BOOK NOW: To bag the best fares, you need to act now as train companies release their best-value deals for festive travel around this time.
Ticket website Trainline says its customers can save an average of £84 by booking at least eight weeks ahead of festive travel, so hurry!
I had a look online and while many trains from London to Bristol for Christmas will cost around £40 for a single trip, I could still find a £25 fare at gwr.com.
That said, you might want to steer clear of December 22 and 23, which are set to be the most popular — and most expensive — days to travel.
CARRY A CARD: Railcards, which normally cost £30 for a year or £70 for three years, can save you a packet.
And you can save more, thanks to a sale on digital railcards at Trainline.
Use the special code ilovetrains at thetrainline.com to get a one-year card for £21 or a three-year card — only available for certain types of railcard — for £49.
The cards generally save around a third on the price of your journey.
The promotion ends on November 30 or when all the available codes have been used.
BREAK IT UP: Get a cheaper fare by splitting up your journey rather than buying a ticket directly to your destination.
Look at websites and apps such as TrainPal, Split Ticketing and Trainsplit, which show how much you could save.
But check if the sites charge fees before you book, so you don’t end up paying extra.
WHEEL DEAL: Check if cashback is available with your train company on sites such as topcashback.com.
If you book your train (or coach) travel via Uber Travel, you can currently get ten per cent back in Uber credits.
That’ll save you on your festive nights out.
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
Deal of the day
IT’S curtain-up time with the Hobbycraft theatre play tent, down from £20 to £15.
SAVE: £5
Cheap treat
PREP for a bonfire party with Iceland’s three-for-£3 offer.
Grab Wikinger hot dogs, usually £1.25, Heinz tomato ketchup, 342g, £2, and Warburtons sliced hotdog rolls, £1.70.
Also available at The Food Warehouse.
SAVE: £1.95
What's new?
STYLISH pups will love to be seen in the new neon dog coat from Aldi, £6.99, with light-reflecting strips for dark evenings – part of a new range for pooches launching in store tomorrow.
Top swap
THE faux fur pom pom hot water bottle from New Look, £12.99, is a snuggly bedtime buddy, but the Cosmic Nights fur hot water bottle from B&M, £8, will keep you warm for less.
SAVE: £4.99
Leah's little helper
GOBBLE up a 25 per cent saving on food at Italian restaurant chain Prezzo until November 13.
It’s also offering kids a free three-course meal when an adult buys a main meal.
Shop & save
PERK up with Nescafe Azera Americano instant coffee, 90g, now £3.50 for Tesco Clubcard holders, compared with the usual £6 price tag.
SAVE: £2.50
Hot right now
SAVING is child’s play at The Works with three £7 toys for £15, saving you £6.
The Marvel plaster mould and paint set is included in the offer.
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