Get holidays for less

We all want to pay less, without sacrificing our fun in the sun (or snow, or city streets). Find out how to cut costs on your travel.

Package holiday or DIY flights and hotel - what's best?

When you book your holiday, you've got two main options.

Buy a package holiday, usually through a tour operator. The package includes flights and accommodation, and sometimes food and drink too if you go all-inclusive.

Put together a DIY holiday. You choose and pay for your accommodation and flights separately - great if you're looking for something very specific and you can get in early.

Package holidays tend to be cheaper, especially for more popular destinations, but it's worth checking both options - you can sometimes get a special deal if you book separately.

With package holidays, if you book through a company with an Air Travel Organiser's License (ATOL) or one that's a member of the travel association ABTA, then you get protection if they go bust. It's worth noting, you don't get this if you go DIY.

Top tips for getting a good deal

Top tip

It always pays to shop around - check on the high street and online to save on flights, hotels, travel money and even airport parking.

For the best savings, book late - you may not get exactly what you want but you are likely to get a cheap holiday.

If you want a particular destination, book early - prices will go up for in-demand destinations.

Haggle with high street operators - you might even get them to offer you something cheaper than an online deal.

Whatever your situation, get clear, unbiased information and advice from the Money Advice Service.

Don't forget.for all your holiday essentials you can spread the cost of everything you buy with a Very Account.

Disclaimer

News articles from the Money Advice Service are accurate, to the best of our knowledge, only at the date of publication. If the information they contain changes, follow-up articles may be published.

Get holidays for less

We all want to pay less, without sacrificing our fun in the sun (or snow, or city streets). Find out how to cut costs on your travel.

Package holiday or DIY flights and hotel - what's best?

When you book your holiday, you've got two main options.

Buy a package holiday, usually through a tour operator. The package includes flights and accommodation, and sometimes food and drink too if you go all-inclusive.

Put together a DIY holiday. You choose and pay for your accommodation and flights separately - great if you're looking for something very specific and you can get in early.

Package holidays tend to be cheaper, especially for more popular destinations, but it's worth checking both options - you can sometimes get a special deal if you book separately.

With package holidays, if you book through a company with an Air Travel Organiser's License (ATOL) or one that's a member of the travel association ABTA, then you get protection if they go bust. It's worth noting, you don't get this if you go DIY.

Top tips for getting a good deal

Top tip

It always pays to shop around - check on the high street and online to save on flights, hotels, travel money and even airport parking.

For the best savings, book late - you may not get exactly what you want but you are likely to get a cheap holiday.

If you want a particular destination, book early - prices will go up for in-demand destinations.

Haggle with high street operators - you might even get them to offer you something cheaper than an online deal.

Whatever your situation, get clear, unbiased information and advice from the Money Advice Service.

Don't forget.for all your holiday essentials you can spread the cost of everything you buy with a Very Account.

Disclaimer

News articles from the Money Advice Service are accurate, to the best of our knowledge, only at the date of publication. If the information they contain changes, follow-up articles may be published.

Have a savvy Christmas!

It comes around at the same time every year but always seems to catch us on the hop! That's why the Money Advice Service has put together these handy hints and tips to help you have a savvy Christmas!

1. Set yourself a budget

In the past, making a budget was a necessity and every household had one. Start by drawing up a Christmas budget - make sure you think of everything you plan to buy.

Now, go back through your list - do you really need it or are there cheaper alternatives?

The Money Advice Service 'Managing your Money' guide has more tips to help you.

2. Make your own Christmas gifts and decorations

Gifts are likely to take up a sizeable chunk of your budget, especially if you have children, but they don't need to. Before you buy anything, make sure you get the best deal available.

Home-made gifts - these are often cheaper and show a lot of thought and effort. Home-made jam or cookies nicely wrapped can look and taste great.

Personalised gifts - they may take more time to prepare but are unique and usually cheaper. Why not try a personalised calendar or framed photograph?

Family gifts - how about giving a gift for the family to share rather than for individuals? Board games, puzzles or a big box of chocolates are often an inexpensive option and loved by everyone.

Pre-loved gifts - online auctions and charity websites are good places to look for clothes, accessories, music and more.

Gifts wrapped with plain brown paper and tied with ribbon look great. Alternatively you can get the children to decorate plain paper with unique designs using potato prints.

Use last year's Christmas cards to make gift tags.

Look around your home and garden for decorations. Raid the garden for holly and pine cones. Bundles of cinnamon sticks tied with twine look great as tree decorations as do biscuits wrapped in silver foil.

Write your Christmas cards early, hand deliver what you can and post the rest second class. The last day for this is 18 December.

3. Plan your food and drink

The old adage "waste not want not" applies just as much today as it did in the past. According to Love food, hate waste, UK households throw away 7.2 million tonnes of food each year. This costs the average family with children £680. It has serious environmental implications too. These tips can help you save money and be kinder to the environment.

• Plan your food list - a bigger turkey will cost more but only worth it if you use it wisely.

• Get together with friends to make your own Christmas cakes and puddings. It's cheaper this way as you can share the ingredients and you won't be left with bags of dried fruit that will go to the back of the cupboard.

• Check your kitchen cupboards - herbs and spices last for ages, so there may be no need to buy new stock.

• Share the cost - and the fun - of Christmas dinner. If you're having friends and family over, ask them to buy and prepare a dish to bring to the table.

• Don't be tempted - luxury brands may look tempting, but look beyond the packaging. Is the food itself really any better?

• Have a look at the Money Advice Service Cut-back calculator and Money Planner to help you see how much you can save by making little changes to your Christmas shopping to see where you can make quick savings to boost your Christmas budget and to take control of your cost.

Disclaimer

News articles from the Money Advice Service are accurate, to the best of our knowledge, only at the date of publication. If the information they contain changes, follow-up articles may be published.

Ten top tips to help your £s go further this summer

Yes, we know, we know; who wants to hear about being sensible with money when you're off on your hols? But don't let your spends burn a hole in your pocket - not only could you make it go further, you could also be covered if anything unexpected happens!

So let's hear it for the Money Advice Service. These guys have some great tips for saving you holiday cash even before you get on the plane, and it's all in this article!

1. Stretch your Money Spend some time working out a realistic budget before you go. That way you can still have a good time without being left to pay for it months later. Our money stretcher calculator can help you work out how far your holiday money will go.

2. Get in touch with your bank and card providers. Let them know that you will be travelling abroad otherwise they may stop your card if they think it is being used fraudulently. Also find out what fees you will be charged for using your cards abroad. For debit cards these may be around 3% of the transaction plus a fixed withdrawal charge of up to an extra £1.50. Most credit card providers also charge for using your card abroad and this can be up to 3% on transactions. If you want to use a card abroad see if you can find one that doesn't charge for overseas purchases or consider using a prepaid card.

3. Sterling or local currency? When using your card abroad you may have the option of paying in the local currency or in sterling (this includes at cash machines). Unless you're sure that the exchange rate you'll get for paying in sterling is competitive you may want to pay in the local currency. That way the conversion is handled by your card provider.

4. Think about taking out insurance. Shop around to find a deal that's right for you and your trip. Make sure you understand what's covered and what isn't, for example pre-existing medical conditions or adventure sports, and ask questions if you're not sure about something. Also check how you're covered if you're stranded at home or abroad due to industrial action.

5. Get a free European Health Insurance Card (EHIC). Apply for, or renew, your EHIC for free before you travel. Although an EHIC is not a substitute for travel insurance it will provide you with free or discounted healthcare within the European Union. Also if you carry an EHIC while abroad, many travel insurers will waive the policy excess on any claim where it is used. It's worth checking.

6. Pre-book airport parking. It's worth spending a bit of time researching airport parking online before you go. You'll get much better daily rates than if you just turn up and park. Compare the price of hotel parking too. It is possible to get a night in a hotel and holiday parking for less than airport parking alone!

7. Cover your car hire excess before you go. Most car hire firms' standard insurance policies will have a large excess (often £500). You will usually be able to upgrade this when you get to the desk - but it's likely to cost around £10 a day. But you can buy this excess cover before you go for a fraction of the cost.

8. Buy cash in advance. Don't wait until the airport to change money as the rates tend to be less competitive. Shop around for the best rates before you travel - price comparison websites can be a good way of doing this. You can buy online and have the money delivered to your door.

9. Text is best. Although call prices have recently fallen for making and receiving calls within the EU, the costs can still add up. Calls should cost no more than around 30p per minute excluding VAT to make and no more than around 10p per minute excluding VAT to receive. You cannot be charged more than around 10p to make a text, and receiving texts is free. So let your friends and family know text is best.

10. Check your statements when you get home. Keep your receipts for all transactions that you pay for by card. Check your statements when you get home and query anything that you don't recognise, or that looks excessive, with your bank or card provider.

Disclaimer
News articles from the Money Advice Service are accurate, to the best of our knowledge, only at the date of publication. If the information they contain changes, follow-up articles may be published.

Going to the Games this year but worried about the cost? Our friends at the Money Advice Service have been busy clearing budget hurdles on your behalf to help make it miles more affordable (yay)!

From smart tips to useful stuff you should know in advance, this article's packed with money-saving ideas. Someone give these guys a medal!

Getting to the Games

- Book travel as soon as possible. If you've got tickets for the Games you may be eligible for 2012 Games Train Tickets. If not, then booking travel online ahead of time will usually work out cheaper than paying on the day. And it's always worth checking to see if the price of two singles is better than a return ticket. If you are travelling with children, a Family railcard makes good sense.

- Coaches can be a cost effective way of travelling, and there are a number of special bus and coach services planned to take you to the Olympic stadiums. And if you're travelling as a family a Coach card may save you money.

- Get an Oyster card. If you are travelling around London, check out the Transport for London website for the best deals available and the benefits of having an Oyster card.

- If you're planning on driving to the Games remember you will have to pay the Congestion Charge when driving within the zone (£10 daily). Visit the Transport for London website for a map of the zone and details of charging times and exemptions.

- The cheapest way to get to the Games is walking or cycling. Over £10m has been invested in 2012 Games Walking and Cycling Routes, linking different parts of London to the Olympic Park and other venues.

Eating and sleeping

- Prices are likely to be high inside the Olympic village and stadiums. However, with a bit of local knowledge you don't have to travel very far from any of the Olympic sites to find tasty and good value food. The Guardian has some recommendations for good, budget options close to all the Olympic sites recommended by those in the know. Alternatively, check out two-for-one and other discount vouchers online to your favourite restaurants.

- Hotel accommodation close the Games is understandably expensive. If you are planning to stay in London consider staying further out or in a different part of London. It may mean more traveling time but could save you lots of cash. The Cycling road race (a free event) covers 156 miles around West London and Surrey, so one idea might be to stay somewhere close to that route.

- Take a picnic to the park. Although it looks like you'll be unable to take your own food and drink into the Olympic village you can still enjoy a picnic in the park while watching the Games as there will be big screens set up in Hyde Park, Victoria Park and Trafalgar Square.

Make the most of free events

- Not all of the events take place within the Olympic stadiums. The marathons (men's and women's), cycling road races and the 20km walk all take around the streets of London. So find out their routes and get a roadside spot.

- You can also watch the 10km Marathon Swimming test event for free in the Serpentine in Hyde Park on 10 August. Find out more about what is going on in the Royal Parks over the Olympic period.

Have fun but take care

- Take care of your money and possessions so you don't become a victim of theft or fraud. When out in busy places, always keep you bag in front of you where you can see it, not over your shoulder or on the back of a chair. Be alert and take care when using cash machines or paying for things.

- And don't be tempted by cheap Olympic tickets, accommodation or other events or freebies. The Metropolitan Police have more advice on taking care of yourself and your possessions during the Olympics.

Disclaimer

News articles from the Money Advice Service are accurate, to the best of our knowledge, only at the date of publication. If the information they contain changes, follow-up articles may be published.

School holidays - no need to break the bank

They're the two words that strike dread into every mum's heart - school holidays! You want your kids to have fun, but keeping them entertained can be a costly business.

So three cheers for the Money Advice Service (yay!). Our friends there have come up with some fab ways to plan family days out that won't break the bank; meaning you can all have a great time together without worrying what it's doing to your budget! Clever or what, eh folks?

Work out your budget

A little planning can help you set an affordable limit. Budgeting helps you work out where your money is going and if you have enough to cover your spending. It can also help you see where you can cut back if you need to or where you can save in one area so that you can spend in another. Have a look at the Money Advice Service Managing your money guide and Budget planner.

Travelling on the cheap

Check out travel deals ahead of time. Booking travel online ahead of time will often work out cheaper than paying on the day.

If you are travelling with children, a Family Railcard or Coachcard may make good sense.

If you are travelling to or around London for the day, check out Transport for London for the best deals available and the benefits of having an Oyster card.

Visiting attractions, museums or parks

If you are planning to visit any particular attractions over the holidays, it's worth doing your homework. There are lots of deals and voucher codes around - look in magazines or online. Make sure you're getting the best deals available. If you are travelling by train check out the entry discounts that this may entitle you to.

There are plenty of things you can do for free too. Many of the museums around the country are free to get into, as well as parks and gardens and even prehistoric monuments. For details of things to do for free and on a tight budget have a look at the Visit Britain website.

Family food

If you are going to treat the family to a meal out, check out the two-for-the-price-of-one deals available and other lunchtime bargains, scour the web for voucher codes and print off vouchers before you go.

Alternatively, taking a picnic can be cheap and fun. Have a look at the NHS's tips for healthy eating on a budget. And for tips on some Britain's top picnic spots have a look at the Visit Britain website.

Have fun, but take care

When you're busy having fun with the family it's easy to misplace or forget your purse of wallet. Take care of your money and possessions so you don't become a victim of theft or fraud.

- When out in busy places, always keep you bag in front of you where you can see it, not over your shoulder or on the back of a chair.
- Be alert and take care when using cash machines or paying for things
- Only buy tickets from reputable sources and not from touts in the street.

For more tips on staying safe have a look at the Metropolitan Police website.

Whatever your situation, get clear, unbiased information and advice from the Money Advice Service.

Disclaimer

News articles from the Money Advice Service are accurate, to the best of our knowledge, only at the date of publication. If the information they contain changes, follow-up articles may be published.

Five steps to safe shopping online

Online shopping is so easy and simple, isn't it? It seems incredible to think we ever managed without it. But while it's a safe way to make purchases, there are still things you need to do to make sure no-one can get hold of your personal information.

That's why we've put together this short guide. Outlining five steps to safer shopping, it explains what you should know and what you can do to keep all your details secure whenever you buy something over the internet.

Step 1: update your browser for free

Your browser is the programme you use to surf the net - you're using one right now to read this article. It might be Internet Explorer, Firefox, Safari, or another browser; but whichever you prefer to open, do make sure you've got the latest version. That's because the newer the version, the higher the level of security it offers.

It's free to update your browser, so don't put it off! These are the most popular browsers that get updated regularly:

Microsoft Internet Explorer (opens a new window)
Firefox (opens a new window)
Safari support page (opens a new window)

Step 2: What is 'phishing'? How to spot fake emails

Basically, 'phishing' is online fraud. You might get an email that look like it's real - as if it's from your bank, or from us for example - but it will ask you for personal information that genuine companies would never ask you for.

It's probably a fake email if it asks you for:

- User names
- Passwords
- Security codes
- Date of birth
- Credit card details

Some fake emails may have links to other websites in them. These websites may also ask for personal details, so if you're not sure about the email in the first place, it's best just to delete it.

Step 3: What to do if you're not sure an email's from us

If you get an email that looks like it might not be from us but you don't want to delete it just in case, don't worry - forward it to us at customersecurity@shopdirect.com and we'll be more than happy to deal with it for you.

Step 4: Protect your privacy with anti-spyware software

Spyware is a type of software that can be installed on your computer for someone else's benefit without you knowing it's there. Sometimes clicking on an email or website link can install spyware, anti-spyware detects and prevents this - for instance, Microsoft offers a free programme if you're a Windows user. Windows Defender is easy to download and install, and means your privacy stays protected.

Step 5: Keep your software up to date

Another way of helping to keep everything safe is to keep your software and operating system up to date. You can set your computer to get updates automatically so you don't have to remember to do it, or just go to the Microsoft security site and download them from there.

And that's all there is to it! These simple steps make a big difference to your online security, and they're really easy to follow. The final thing we'd add is that it's a good idea to check your Home Shopping statements each time you get one to make sure all's as it should be, and log into your online accounts from time to time.

Thanks for reading, and happy shopping!

Life's more affordable with us!

It's new and it's fab - it's MoneyZone from Very! We've created this brand new area of very.co.uk to make juggling your budget that much simpler. From payment options and savings to pet insurance and more, MoneyZone's full of financial products, exclusive offers and money-saving tips to help make life more affordable. Yay!

Tell me more about MoneyZone.
Here you'll find all you need to know about your Very Account and how to avoid paying interest on the stuff you buy with our Take 3 option. Plus (whether you've got an account or not) you can cover your purchases with handy warranties that repair or replace your essentials fast. You can insure your treasured home contents, be road-smart by joining the RAC and safeguard your pocket against hefty vet bills. in MoneyZone, it's all there for you to make the most of!

Exclusive offers now at MoneyZone

• Up to 50% off Service Guarantee
• Up to 30% off Pet Insurance
• 25% off RAC breakdown cover
• £15 to spend when you take out Home Insurance

Coming up.
This is only the start - in the next few weeks, look out for a bunch of other great offers and promos here at Very MoneyZone. There'll be cool competitions, plus news updates and articles to keep an eye open for. so be savvy when it comes to your money and visit us regularly to stay in the know!

Taking a road trip?

Yippee - it's spring! Longer days, warmer weather. what are you waiting for? Get in the car and take a road trip!

But before you do, don't forget to give your vehicle the once-over. You want to make sure it's in good shape for those weekends away and family days out. So here's some great advice from our friends at the RAC.

Before you set off
You don't need us to tell you how important it is to get your car serviced regularly. But getting in the habit of doing a few simple checks before you set off on a long journey could save you all sorts of travel-related hassle!

Top up the fluid and fuel levels
It only takes a few minutes to top up your oil, antifreeze, washer fluid and fuel, but it could make all the difference between a smooth journey and expensive garage repairs.

Check your tyres
We all know that the right tyre pressure improves your road safety - but did you know it can mean you get more miles to the gallon too? And take a look at the tread on each tyre (including your spare). Is it deep enough?

Look for leaks
Don't cross your fingers and hope it's nothing if you suspect your car's leaking any kind of fluid. Unexplained puddles or damp areas where your car's parked need checking out at a garage, pronto!

Have the RAC's number handy
Key it into your mobile, keep your membership card in your purse - just don't be left trying to find it when you need it most!

On the road
Car making a weird noise? Worrying warning lights on the dashboard? Things starting to rattle? Stop as soon as it's safe to do a basic check!

If you break down
First of all, don't panic. Just remember:

• Switch on your hazard lights
• Pull over as far left as you can
• Make sure everyone exits from the passenger side
• Use your warning triangle if safe to do so
• Keep pets in the car if safe to do so, with windows open enough for ventilation
• Get everyone to a safe spot
• Call the RAC

Remember, all breakdowns are different! This is simply a guide to give you a good idea about what to do if you find yourself stuck. The main thing is being well-prepared beforehand - so you've every chance of having a fab day out with no hitches!

To find out more about more about breakdown cover from the RAC click here, plus when you join online today you will get 25% Online Discount*

*25% discount applies to first year membership only. 15% discount applies for every year you renew. Discounts and prices are based on standard RAC prices at the time of application with payment on a continual annual basis; prices may vary if payment is by other methods. Prices can be subject to change.

For RAC applications via the internet Shop Direct Finance Company Limited acts as an introducer to RAC Motoring Services and/or RAC Insurance Limited and as an intermediary to arrange applications via thetelephone. Underwritten by RAC Motoring Services (Registered No. 1424399 and RAC Insurance Limited (registered No. 2355834) Regisiterd offices: 8 Surrey Street, Norwich, NR1 3NG. RAC Motoring Services and RAC Insurance Limited are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.

IT'S A DOGS LIFE!

The old adage 'It's a dog's life' used to refer to a hard existence of servitude and unhappiness, but for the first time it's been revealed what a typical British dog's life in 2012 consists of and it's a pampered life of luxury that leaves the rest of us howling in envy.

While we may have worries about work, money, relationships or piling on the pounds, our best friends have no such pressures. Tamara Ecclestone may have installed a spa just for her dog in her new £60m Kensington home, but research reveals our humble pooches aren't far behind in the pampering stakes. The average British dog will in its lifetime:

• Walk 11,263 miles - equivalent to 430 marathons or Lands End to John O'Groats 13 times
• Drink 12,402 bowls of water - enough to fill 10m x 9m swimming pool
• Receive 1,158 bones to gnaw on
• Get 9,912 hours of cuddles and pampering - equivalent to one year, one month and 17 days - almost a tenth of their life!
• Spend a third of their life asleep
• Have 25 all expenses paid holidays - 69 per cent of dogs get two holidays a year with their owners
• Chase off cats from their property for fun 883 times

The findings also reveal that over half of dog owners would never dream of leaving their dog tied and alone outside a shop or alone in a car. Scottish dogs are the fittest in the UK, walking an average of 2.59 miles a day and London dogs get the most cuddles with a whopping 2 hours and 31 minutes of love every single day.

But unfortunately it's not all hugs and high jinks for our furry best friends. Last year 1 in 3 pet owners had to make a claim on their Pet Insurance.

To help make sure your canine friend is always looked after, we're offering up to 30% off Pet Insurance** Show them you love them and take advantage of this limited offer and get a quote.

*All calculations are based on consumer research carried out by OnePoll in January 2012
**30% discount includes the 10% online discount. Applies to new policies bought online for the first year only. In subsequent years only the 10% online discount will be applied
The stats provided are based on the median dog's lifespan of 12.8 years as researched by Bruce Fogle, DVM Caring for Your Dog: The Complete (2005)
For Pet Insurance Shop Direct Finance Company Limited acts as an introducer to BDML Connect Ltd who will arrange and administer the policy. Payment is direct to BDML. Policies are underwritten by AXA Insurance UK Plc Registered Office: 5 Old Broad Street, London EC2N 1DW.
Registered in England 78950. BDML and AXA Insurance UK are authorised and regulated by the Financial Services Authority.