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27 July 2018 09:26
Holidaymakers should buy train tickets in advance
UK holidaymakers heading on staycations this summer could be losing out on millions of pounds worth of savings by booking train tickets at the last minute, a study has revealed.
According to research by Trainline, in the period between July 23 and August 31 last year train passengers in the UK missed out on a total of £4.5 million by not buying cheaper Advance fares.
Londoners were shown to be the least saving-savvy, missing out on around £1.5 million in discounts.
The figures come as the country gears up for the school holidays, and heatwave conditions could lead to more families taking last-minute breaks to enjoy the hot weather.
More expensive
The poll of 2,000 adults found that a quarter (25%) book travel for UK breaks less than a week in advance, with one in 10 (10%) leaving it until the day of departure.
This is despite more than a third (34%) acknowledging that their trips are more expensive when they do not book ahead.
The majority (54%) of respondents blame worries about the weather for their hesitation in booking UK day trips or short breaks in advance.
Eleventh hour
Fergus Weldon, director of data science at Trainline, advised people to plan ahead to get the best savings on their tickets.
He said: "Waiting until the eleventh hour is costing Brits millions and often means missing out on important events and social engagements, with some even missing out on the break entirely.
"While spontaneity has its advantages, planning ahead could go a long way when it comes to savings this summer."
VisitEngland figures show that Britons took 47.2 million holidays in England last year, up 6% from 2016.
If you and your family are heading off on a UK holiday by train this summer, make sure you give yourself extra peace of mind by looking at our great family travel insurance options.
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