parking

A flight attendant has revealed the best way to save money ahead of a holiday abroad, and it could cost just £4.99 and save travellers £100 if they are ‘proactive’

A flight attendant has revealed a savvy £4.99 hack for holidaymakers that could help them cut costs on their next getaway.

We’re always on the lookout for ways to save some extra cash, whether that’s a packing tip to avoid paying for luggage, being flexible with our travel dates to secure the best price, or flying from a different airport. One sure way to save money is how you get to the airport, with parking prices astronomical at some airport hubs, which can reach as much as £132 for a week’s stay or £8 for every five minutes at a drop-off area.

In a bid to avoid these unwanted charges, some travellers opt to be dropped off at the airport, while others book their parking months in advance or a car park farther from the airport to secure a lower price. However, Wizz Air cabin crew member Adam Hodge, 35, has outlined a vital hack for getting to the airport, and it could cost just £4.99.

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Speaking exclusively to the Mirror, Adam, who is based at Luton Airport, revealed: “You can get some really cheap deals on the trains and the bus.

“In Luton, for example, there’s now going to be two coach operators, National Express and FlixBus, so it means there’s going to be even more affordable options to get from the centre of London or the surrounding area, such as Cambridge, Milton Keynes and as far as Gatwick.

“If you book in advance, you can get a ticket, with FlixBus for example, for as little as £4.99.

“For National Express, if you have a coach pass, you can get fares from as little as £10 one-way, to and from the centre of London, Gatwick or one of the connecting airports.”

But that’s not the only affordable option. Adam highlighted: “At Luton Airport, there are also two train operators, Thames Link and East Midlands Railway.

“On East Midlands Railway, you can get a fare to St Pancras from Luton Airport Parkway or Luton for as little as £4.95, if you book and plan in advance. It has to be the specified train at the specified time, but if you’re flexible and want to save some money, you can get some really cheap fares if you book ahead.”

He added: “It’s about being proactive and saving a bit of money, especially with the cost of living crisis. And I think it’s actually very savvy and fashionable to be seen saving money, and being more money-conscious.”

While Adam mentioned Luton Airport, most UK airports also offer similar bus and coach services, so it’s well worth checking in advance to plan your route and secure the best price. And with some prices starting as low as £4.99, it’s a no-brainer.

Having travelled to around 30 countries, with Prague and Tirana being his personal favourites,

Away from airport travel, Adam has a wealth of other knowledge and advice, having visited around 30 countries, with Prague and Tirana being his personal favourites. One piece of advice is about what he packs, and there’s one item he never travels without.

“I had been looking at this item for a while, and I wasn’t sure at first, but now I have them, I’ve got them in all my suitcases, my crew bag and cabin bag,” Adam told the Mirror.

He revealed: “They are suitcase packing cubes, and are like little pouches. The worst thing is when you open a suitcase, and everything falls out, but with the packing cubes, everything is organised.

“For example, you have your electricals, your tops, trousers and shoes, they fit everything in organised cases, and you can actually fit more in, so it’s a really good hack. They don’t take up any space, so when they’re empty, they just lie flat, and they’re not bulky.”

To check out Adam’s public transport recommendations to the airport, visit the National Express or FlixBus websites. Or for more information about Wizz Air flights or to book your next trip, visit their website.

Do you have a travel story to share? Email webtravel@reachplc.com

LOOKING for a breezy Gatwick airport hotel with a bit of an atmosphere?

Here’s everything you need to know about the Sandman Signature London Gatwick.

Where is the hotel?

Being positioned at the edge of an A-road isn’t normally considered a bragging right.

But in this instance, the roadside location of this airy hotel is the main reason to visit.

Around a 10-minute drive from the UK’s second largest airport, the 4* Sandman Signature London Gatwick offers excellent park and fly packages.

What’s the hotel like?

It’s basic, clean and modern, with the highlight being comfortable beds to ensure you get a great night’s kip ahead of an early flight.

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The real perk of this hotel is that guests can save on pricey airport parking by booking onto a four, eight or 15 day deal that includes parking at the hotel, one night’s stay and a private transfer to the airport the following morning.

What are the rooms like?

Clean and relatively modern rooms come in a variety of sizes and bed set ups to suit all manner of groups or travellers, including standard rooms, family rooms and triple rooms. 

The standout of my standard king room was the marshmallow-like pillows that made for an ultra comfortable snooze ahead of an early morning trip.

What is there to eat and drink?

Unless you want to hitch a ride into Crawley, eating at the hotel is your only option due to its isolated location.

Luckily, the American-style grub here is decent – and there’s a cracking cocktail menu that will help you kick off your holiday in proper style.

Loaded burgers make up a large portion of the food menu, but there are salads, pasta dishes, curries and wings too.

Margarita lovers should wash their dinner down with a Big Bite, one of the hotel’s signature cocktails.

A spicy twist on the classic margarita, this one will blow your socks off.

If you have time for brekkie, there is a good selection of hot and cold options. 

What else is there to do?

What really makes this hotel shine is the staff.

Everyone here was accommodating and, above all, cheery, gearing visitors up for their holiday.

Even at 4am, the concierge was whipping up coffees with a smile for me and fellow guests ahead of our weary-eyed taxi rides. 

How much is the hotel?

Rooms cost from £89 per night. Park and fly packages vary.

Is the Sandman Signature London Gatwick family friendly?

Extremely. Rooms come in lost of convenient sizes including four-person family rooms, with a double, single and trundle bed.

There’s also triple rooms like double and single beds.

Is there access for guests with disabilities?

Yes. There’s a lift up to bedrooms and accessible rooms come with extra space for wheelchair users, lowered features, wet rooms with pullable cords and a lot of well-thought out facilities.