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WIN BIG THIS SUMMER

YulianK
SMARTY Community Manager SMARTY Community Manager
SMARTY Community Manager

SMR0157_Summer_Giveaway_Featured_Post_600x420px_Opt1@1x.png

WIN BIG THIS SUMMER

From a posh picnic to a grand getaway!

Would jetting off with a friend to Europe for a fabulous 4* city break complete your summer?

Well, it’s one of the BIG prizes up for grabs in our huge summer giveaway – win 3 nights in a 4* hotel for two with return flights, private airport transfers, travel insurance and £200 spending money. And when it comes to choosing the destination, you’re the boss. Take your pick of return flights from selected UK airports to either Amsterdam, Barcelona, Berlin, Copenhagen, Dubrovnik, Lisbon, Paris, Prague, Rome or Stockholm. The prize is worth over £2,500!

That’s not all, there’s loads of these great prizes up for grabs too:

  • Fortnum & Mason picnic hampers x 5
  • Luxury three-piece luggage sets from Rock x 5
  • GoPro HERO 12 cameras x 5
  • Beats SOLO 4 wireless headphones x 5
  • Tile Pro 4 pack (to keep track of your luggage) x 5
  • Tile Pro 2 pack x 10

HOW CAN I WIN BIG?

It’s so easy. Just answer this question to be entered into the prize draw for your chance to bag our grand getaway or one of our other super prizes:

  • What is your best hack for summer getaway?

The Prize Draw opens 22/07/24 at 10:00 and closes on 01/09/24 at 11:59 (“Promotion Period”). 

To enter the Prize Draw entrants must be a SMARTY customer and have an active plan as at the end date of the Promotion Period.  Entrants must have registered for the SMARTY Community within the Promotion Period and be over 18 years of age and a UK resident (“Eligible Entrants”).

Only one entry per entrant. Winners will be selected at random.

For full terms click here

Team SMARTY


UPDATE - COMPETITION CLOSED

The competition is now closed and we will draw the winner from all the eligible entries. Keep your fingers crossed and an eye on your Private Message inbox.

Thanks to everyone who contributed some brilliant entries. We had almost three thousand posts !

Keep up the great work everyone; the SMARTY Community belongs to us all and succeeds because of your great contributions.

2,847 REPLIES 2,847

LeeMand_2301414
SMARTY Enquirer
SMARTY Enquirer

Always carry a reusable water bottle with you. Save on queuing for overpriced water from vendors 

JulieSa_2414920
SMARTY Pioneer
SMARTY Pioneer

Pack light fabrics and roll clothes to maximise space in carry on luggage……saves spaces and time!

TonyBak_1752277
SMARTY Pioneer
SMARTY Pioneer

Keep an eye open for new routes from the budget airlines to places that you've never even heard of. Book early while fares are low and bag yourself a new adventure!

DennisA_1442782
SMARTY Pioneer
SMARTY Pioneer

Check out the back streets for food.

A short walk can save you cash and get you better food.   Restaurants or cafés away from the sights or seafront are not only cheaper but likely to be better than those whose trade comes from tourism. Good signs include lots of locals, menus without an English version and blackboards, which are re-written each day.

MartynB_1635302
SMARTY Enquirer
SMARTY Enquirer

Leave the kids at their grandparents!

Sloe_2758513
SMARTY Enquirer
SMARTY Enquirer

I've got this power bank for charging phones, kindles, etc and it can do wireless charging, and is also solar powered. So you can just put it in the sunshine out by the pool and keep going all day. Brilliant, I take it everywhere.

MarkLee_405986
SMARTY Rookie
SMARTY Rookie

If u wanna have a party, make sure you travel with Smarty

vivi23berry
SMARTY Pioneer
SMARTY Pioneer

My best hack for a summer getaway is to travel during the shoulder season, which is just before or after the peak summer months. Here are a few reasons why this is effective:

1. **Lower Costs**: Flights, accommodations, and attractions are generally cheaper than during the peak summer period.
2. **Fewer Crowds**: Popular tourist destinations are less crowded, allowing for a more enjoyable and relaxed experience.
3. **Better Weather**: The weather is often still warm and pleasant but not as scorching as mid-summer, making outdoor activities more comfortable.

Additionally, here are some specific tips to enhance your getaway:

- **Book Early**: Secure flights and accommodations in advance to get the best deals and options.
- **Flexible Dates**: If possible, keep your travel dates flexible to take advantage of lower fares and accommodation rates.
- **Local Festivals**: Research local festivals or events happening during your visit for a more immersive cultural experience.
- **Pack Smart**: Bring versatile clothing that can be layered, and don't forget essentials like sunscreen, hats, and reusable water bottles to stay hydrated.

By planning strategically, you can enjoy a memorable summer getaway without the usual hassles of peak travel times.

LukeCampey
SMARTY Enquirer
SMARTY Enquirer

Learn some of the local language before you go! You would be surprised how much joy it brings people when they hear you start a basic conversation in their mother tongue (The most useful is usually can I get a beer please! 😄 )

DiljitS_2436583
SMARTY Enquirer
SMARTY Enquirer

Download Google maps offline where you are  travelling.  You dont then need live data and this saves you money

RobertW_2010560
SMARTY Pioneer
SMARTY Pioneer

Make sure that you register your SMARTY Phone for roaming 😉😎 RKW

Gregory_2864170
SMARTY Maverick
SMARTY Maverick

Exchange your holiday money at your destination better rates of exchange and no credit card exchange fees 

EmilyWh_2622074
SMARTY Pioneer
SMARTY Pioneer

Don’t be afraid to try new things! It’s all part of the experience.

BearWolfUK
SMARTY Pioneer
SMARTY Pioneer

Worried about sand getting into your phone? Fear not! Activate “Emergency Beach Mode” by wrapping your phone in a plastic sandwich bag. It’s like a high-tech, low-budget scuba suit for your device.

HelderC_1617173
SMARTY Enquirer
SMARTY Enquirer

Blend some Greek yoghurt with some raspberries or strawberries for a healthy ice cream lolly pops for the kids 🙂 always a winner!

SteveJo_1380335
SMARTY Enquirer
SMARTY Enquirer

Packing cubes

AlisonW_2102840
SMARTY Maverick
SMARTY Maverick

Take an empty water bottle through security, most airport retail outlets will fill your water bottle up for free . If you have a child/children with autism  a lot of airports have a quiet room just contact the airport before your holiday. If your taking floaters for the pool use a Sharpie to right your child’s name or a code so you know it’s your property, deters people from stealing them.

Above all have an amazing getaway 

Fr2ns
SMARTY Pioneer
SMARTY Pioneer

When you're looking for somewhere to eat, look for places full of locals, not tourists. The places the locals frequent are usually the most authentic, with ingredients that are more likely to be fresh. Same goes if you're looking for a specific cultural cuisine - look for restaurants that folks of that culture frequent!

JacobKe_2815463
SMARTY Enquirer
SMARTY Enquirer

If you're on a budget and having a staycation, most (if not all) public museums in the UK have free entry.  Now I hear you with young kids saying "Museums would bore them to tears", but I have yet to meet a youngun that doesn't get excited when you mention dinosaurs 🦖.  Why not take them to a natural history museum that has a dinosaur and other extinct animal exhibit!  Be savvy when buying train tickets, go off peak and select a family ticket if available.  Also, check the local area of the museum for any nice parks and pack a picnic to keep costs down further.

Ceednot
SMARTY Pioneer
SMARTY Pioneer

good weather and smart communications service 

Rsilk22
SMARTY Enquirer
SMARTY Enquirer

Be flexible and spontaneous and don't get stressed if plans change! 

DavidFi_2105372
SMARTY Pioneer
SMARTY Pioneer

Always advise your travel agent or hotel when booking  if it’s your birthday anniversary or special occasion, as this will always be met with a complimentary bottle of wine , birthday cake or room upgrade with a preferred floor level and view 😁

CraigAn_2807220
SMARTY Enquirer
SMARTY Enquirer

Don’t forget your swim trunks!!!

RH_28265
SMARTY Enquirer
SMARTY Enquirer

Outdoor activities that don't cost too much money and get you closer to nature, long walks, beach, camping

DAVIDWHY_305038
SMARTY Enquirer
SMARTY Enquirer

Always make a list and tick off on completion 

chrekya
SMARTY Pioneer
SMARTY Pioneer

It's simple, do your research beforehand. It's frightening how a vacation that could be great is derailed by changed bus or train times, lack of data availability, or lots of other things.

JanikaS_2002809
SMARTY Enquirer
SMARTY Enquirer

Use packing cubes to organise and minimise your clothing. Game changer!

BenThomp_581534
SMARTY Pioneer
SMARTY Pioneer

Take the train rather than the plane, much less stress

BenThomp_581534
SMARTY Pioneer
SMARTY Pioneer

Get the train rather than the plane if possible, much less stress

RachelC_2061631
SMARTY Enquirer
SMARTY Enquirer

Take talcum powder to remove sand from skin

BernieRGX
SMARTY Pioneer
SMARTY Pioneer

Make sure your phone is up together with international roaming and data/calls with great smart app. 

PeterSt_1732850
SMARTY Pioneer
SMARTY Pioneer

Don’t change any money up before you go, instead use a debit or credit card that doesn’t charge you any fees when using abroad and gives you the best rates. If you need cash, then again use a debit card that doesn’t charge you to withdraw cash abroad. I went to Malta with my friends, they changed their money up in the UK, I simple withdrew my cash from an ATM in Malta and I got about an extra £100 for the same amount they paid. Do your research on the best cards to spend abroad on and withdraw cash from, don’t rely on your current bank giving you the best deals. 

Gabz
SMARTY Enquirer
SMARTY Enquirer

Setting up alerts on Skyscanner. I had to go to Barcelona in June, but when I first checked, flights were upwards of £200. Set up a few alerts and, through waiting and seeing the prices fluctuate, suddenly one day they were at £48. 

Eeyy
SMARTY Enquirer
SMARTY Enquirer

Pack your outfits into individual pouches

Fvaca
SMARTY Enquirer
SMARTY Enquirer

Carry a Multi-tool or Swiss Army Knife: A small, multi-purpose tool can come in handy for various situations, from opening packages to making minor repairs.

JamesLa_1580252
SMARTY Pioneer
SMARTY Pioneer

Book a local tour guide for a walking tour to get orientated

AnnWhit_2245452
SMARTY Pioneer
SMARTY Pioneer

If you take a neck pillow, take out the filling and stuff with socks and underwear to save packing space in your case 🙂

DevanSh_1163165
SMARTY Pioneer
SMARTY Pioneer

Planning

Deborah_2559192
SMARTY Pioneer
SMARTY Pioneer

Making sure phone is backed up and all documents etc are accessible. Plenty of storage to save photos too. 

AaronDri_145060
SMARTY Enquirer
SMARTY Enquirer

A solar phone charger!