Holidays are exciting, but they can get expensive fast. From flights and accommodation to meals and activities, the costs can add up quickly. Luckily, your phone can be your number one ally in keeping your budget in check. 

Whether you're planning your trip or already on the go, smart mobile use can lead to real savings. This guide shows you how to make your phone work harder for your wallet.

Plus, we’re giving away a pair of Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses—read on to find out how to enter!

1. Booking smart with apps.

One of the biggest expenses of any trip is getting there and finding a place to stay. Apps like Skyscanner are your best friends when it comes to comparing travel prices. Set up alerts for your desired destinations to catch the best deals as soon as they drop. And don't forget to check mobile-only deals on platforms like Airbnb, Booking.com, and Hotels.com. Booking in advance and using flexible date tools can also help you secure the best prices, so start planning early!

2. Budgeting & planning tools.

Creating a trip budget is crucial to avoid overspending. Apps like TravelSpend make it easy to set and stick to your budget. Just input your expected expenses, and the app will help you track them in real time. It’ll even work offline, so there’s no need to worry about keeping track of your costs when you’re on a remote tropical island! 

Another smart move is to pack wisely. Use mobile checklists to ensure you have everything you need, preventing those pricey last-minute buys at the airport or your destination.

3. Travel rewards & cashback.

Loyalty and rewards programmes can be a goldmine for savings. Sign up for these through airline, hotel and credit card apps to start earning points and miles. Apps like Rakuten and TopCashback can also help you save money when booking. By stacking loyalty points and discount codes, you can maximise your savings and even get some of your expenses covered.

iD Mobile customers can also enjoy exclusive travel deals through iD Perks, available in the iD Mobile app. Plus, there are plenty of other deals across shopping, dining, and entertainment. And the best part? It’s absolutely free for all iD Mobile customers.

1. Fee-free mobile banking.

Once you're abroad, managing your money can be a hassle, especially with foreign transaction fees. Banks like Monzo and Starling offer fee-free spending in many countries, which can save you a lot of money. Plus, you get instant notifications for every purchase, allowing you to track your spending in real time. If you lose your card, you can freeze it right from the app. So, there’s no need to spoil your holiday on hold with your bank.

2. Local deals & attractions.

Finding affordable options for food and activities is key to sticking to your budget. Google Maps and TripAdvisor are invaluable for this. You can find highly rated, budget-friendly restaurants and attractions with just a few taps. Checking ratings and reviews on the go can help you avoid tourist traps and discover hidden gems that won't break the bank. Restaurant apps like TheFork also make it easy to secure bookings at even top restaurants. Plus, they have discounts and rewards that you can earn while you eat out. Tasty!

3. Save on roaming with iD Mobile.

Staying connected while on holiday can be an eyewatering expense, especially when you’re hit with unexpected roaming costs. 

Fortunately, iD Mobile’s Roam Free service lets you use your UK allowances in over 50 destinations at no extra cost. And if you’re heading somewhere further afield, you can purchase a Roam Beyond Add-on in the iD Mobile app, which offers affordable usage in an expanded list of countries.

We’ve just added five new destinations to Roam Beyond: Albania, Canada, Egypt, Qatar, and Thailand. You can now roam affordably in a total of 15 countries beyond Europe:

Albania, Australia, Canada, Egypt, Hong Kong, India, Mexico, Morocco, New Zealand, Qatar, South Africa, Switzerland, Thailand, Turkey, and the USA.

This way, you can stay connected without worrying about hefty roaming charges. With smart use of your phone, you can cut costs before you even take off and continue saving throughout your trip. Mobile tools, budgeting apps and iD Mobile’s roaming options make managing your money on holiday easier than ever. Prep your phone and your plan, then relax, knowing your budget is under control. Happy travels!

Got a favourite holiday that you always think back to? Maybe it was a relaxing beach escape, a wild city break, or a spontaneous road trip that turned into the adventure of a lifetime?

Tell us about your favourite holiday in the comments below for a chance to win a pair of Ray-Ban Meta Smart Glasses—perfect for capturing your next trip in style.

The winner will be picked at random, so keep an eye on your inbox or DMs for a message from us. But hurry—the competition closes on 16th June at 23:59!