Beat the rising rail fares and travel on the trains for less with our cash-saving tips – plus £9.50 holidays are back
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RAIL fares already cost an arm and a leg – and have just been upped by 2.7 per cent.
But there are ways to ease the pain of travelling by train by following my tips.
Invest in a railcard. I love mine and have saved loads through it. Different cards are available, so look online or speak to staff at the ticket office to see which you are eligible for.
If you are between 16 and 25 or 26 and 30, you can save a third with a railcard that costs just £30 for the year. You will make that back in just one or two journeys.
The Family & Friends Railcard costs £30 too, and is valid for four adults and four children, saving you 60 per cent on kids’ tickets and getting a third off for adults.
Season tickets. These cost a lot upfront but can save you plenty in the long run. National Rail says if you are making the same journey for three or more days a week within a seven-day period, a season ticket is more than likely to save you money.
For example, someone travelling from Ashford, Kent, to London five days a week would pay £305.50 in a daily return tickets. But a weekly pass would cost £128.20, saving them £177.30. Check National Rail’s online calculator to work out the cost of your tickets.
Reader's saving tip
JANET Rogers, of Hornchurch, Essex, says: “Instead of buying expensive dog toys, cut old clothes into strips, plait three strands and tie a knot at each end. It will give your dog hours of fun.”
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Britain’s favourite getaways are back
HOLIDAYS From £9.50 are back and 2020 sees us mark three decades of sending readers on bargain getaways.
The Sun is the nation’s biggest provider of short breaks, which have been enjoyed by more than 55 million people since 1990.
This time, you can choose from a massive 309 holiday parks to visit across the UK and Europe.
Fancy ticking off some new countries in Europe or visiting some areas of the UK you have never been to before?
If so, our getaways are the perfect bases from which to explore. Try Cornwall, Devon, or East Anglia — or venture to France, Spain or Croatia.
Check out today’s special eight-page travel pullout with Sun Travel Editor Lisa Minot.
There is lots of inspiration and detail on the attractions near our holiday parks.
Plus check out all the holiday parks in today’s 60-page glossy brochure. There is a booking form in there, which you can also find at mcb777.site/holidays.