22-07-2024 01:38 AM - edited 02-09-2024 12:20 PM
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:
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:
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.
03-08-2024 12:04 PM
Always carry a reusable water bottle with you. Save on queuing for overpriced water from vendors
03-08-2024 11:58 AM
Pack light fabrics and roll clothes to maximise space in carry on luggage……saves spaces and time!
03-08-2024 11:58 AM
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!
03-08-2024 11:56 AM
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.
03-08-2024 11:54 AM
Leave the kids at their grandparents!
03-08-2024 11:53 AM
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.
03-08-2024 11:51 AM
If u wanna have a party, make sure you travel with Smarty
03-08-2024 11:48 AM
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.
03-08-2024 11:49 AM
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! 😄 )
03-08-2024 11:46 AM
Download Google maps offline where you are travelling. You dont then need live data and this saves you money
03-08-2024 11:41 AM
Make sure that you register your SMARTY Phone for roaming 😉😎 RKW
03-08-2024 11:39 AM
Exchange your holiday money at your destination better rates of exchange and no credit card exchange fees
03-08-2024 11:37 AM
Don’t be afraid to try new things! It’s all part of the experience.
03-08-2024 11:37 AM
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.
03-08-2024 11:35 AM
Blend some Greek yoghurt with some raspberries or strawberries for a healthy ice cream lolly pops for the kids 🙂 always a winner!
03-08-2024 11:34 AM
Packing cubes
03-08-2024 11:33 AM
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
03-08-2024 11:30 AM
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!
03-08-2024 11:29 AM
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.
03-08-2024 11:25 AM
good weather and smart communications service
03-08-2024 11:25 AM
Be flexible and spontaneous and don't get stressed if plans change!
03-08-2024 11:22 AM
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 😁
03-08-2024 11:23 AM
Don’t forget your swim trunks!!!
03-08-2024 11:22 AM
Outdoor activities that don't cost too much money and get you closer to nature, long walks, beach, camping
03-08-2024 11:20 AM
Always make a list and tick off on completion
03-08-2024 11:20 AM
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.
03-08-2024 11:18 AM
Use packing cubes to organise and minimise your clothing. Game changer!
03-08-2024 11:14 AM
Take the train rather than the plane, much less stress
03-08-2024 11:13 AM
Get the train rather than the plane if possible, much less stress
03-08-2024 11:11 AM
Take talcum powder to remove sand from skin
03-08-2024 11:09 AM
Make sure your phone is up together with international roaming and data/calls with great smart app.
03-08-2024 11:08 AM
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.
03-08-2024 11:07 AM
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.
03-08-2024 11:01 AM
Pack your outfits into individual pouches
03-08-2024 11:01 AM
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.
03-08-2024 11:00 AM
Book a local tour guide for a walking tour to get orientated
03-08-2024 10:59 AM
If you take a neck pillow, take out the filling and stuff with socks and underwear to save packing space in your case 🙂
03-08-2024 10:55 AM
Planning
03-08-2024 10:54 AM
Making sure phone is backed up and all documents etc are accessible. Plenty of storage to save photos too.
03-08-2024 10:54 AM
A solar phone charger!