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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.

2,879 REPLIES 2,879

TonyHut_1407495
SMARTY Pioneer
SMARTY Pioneer

Travel by train to Europe if you can: less waiting and walking, better views, comfortable seats and more legroom, no paying for luggage, better for the environment, no air turbulance, and less restrictions on what's in your luggage,

KeithBo_1224144
SMARTY Pioneer
SMARTY Pioneer

Travel light, travel flexibly and travel hopefully. 

craigljackson22
SMARTY Pioneer
SMARTY Pioneer

Extreme getaways Bristol Airport

JeffCook_330748
SMARTY Pioneer
SMARTY Pioneer

Pack sensibly, essentials and light to save on luggage costs and be aware of all the hidden extra costs airlines add.

Khadija_2398889
SMARTY Enquirer
SMARTY Enquirer

Freeze a bottle of water or fill a thermos with ice and carry it with you while you're in sun. And buy a mini hand fan works wonders.

johnval_2608071
SMARTY Enquirer
SMARTY Enquirer

Book flights on a Tuesday. Lol for accommodation just outside of the tourist areas, East where the locals do and be ready to go at a moments notice for the best deals.

PhillHi_1961303
SMARTY Pioneer
SMARTY Pioneer

Always get a meal deal in departures to take onto the plane. Saves you about £5 per person compared to buying onboard. 

Moha_7867
SMARTY Enquirer
SMARTY Enquirer

Bring a fully charged power bank. You'll never need to worry about your phone running out of charge when you're out and about taking pictures and videos.

dgJam07
SMARTY Pioneer
SMARTY Pioneer

Get good value by not worrying too much about the destination, getting away is the main thing. 

Sallyan_2414752
SMARTY Pioneer
SMARTY Pioneer

My best hack for summer getaway is rilling my clothes tightly to get more in my suitcase 

sls72
SMARTY Maverick
SMARTY Maverick

Shop around for the best price, check for freebies eg free child places etc, pack a change of clothes in your carry on and never forget the all important pen.  You never know when you might need it.  😀

GlynnCo_2677932
SMARTY Pioneer
SMARTY Pioneer

Always have a go bag already packed and ready to go

sls72
SMARTY Maverick
SMARTY Maverick

shop around for the best price and look for freebies, pack a change of clothes in a rucksack with flip flops and never forget a pen.... you never know when you'll need the all important pen 😀 

Kevza78
SMARTY Pioneer
SMARTY Pioneer

Check phone coverage before you travel, make sure you have a smarty sim. The best mobile provider there is. I've never been let down, and the best value there is. 

SairahMu_158679
SMARTY Pioneer
SMARTY Pioneer

Always pack a carry on with essentials in just in case checked in luggage goes awol!

CaraWal_2596932
SMARTY Enquirer
SMARTY Enquirer

Comfy shoes, handheld fan and electrolytes in case it gets too hot 🥰

Pedrolondon
SMARTY Pioneer
SMARTY Pioneer

Make friends with the locals and find out the places where they eat/drink to avoid expensive and insipid tourist traps

Anna_2069246
SMARTY Observer
SMARTY Observer

Completely deleting all work apps and emails from my phone! So I’m completely detached and can properly switch off✌️

SaqibHu_1590347
SMARTY Pioneer
SMARTY Pioneer

A unique hack for a summer getaway is to creatively use credit card points and loyalty programs. Pool points from multiple cards, transfer them to airline or hotel partners, and look for transfer bonuses. Book award travel early, utilize stopovers and open-jaw tickets for multi-destination trips, and leverage travel perks like free checked bags and airport lounge access to enhance your experience and reduce costs.

AndrewM_1758347
SMARTY Enquirer
SMARTY Enquirer

Look for flights across multiple days for leaving/coming home. Being flexible could save you hundreds in travel costs

RavenRose555
SMARTY Pioneer
SMARTY Pioneer

Leave your troubles behind, and have the time of your life!

RavenRose555
SMARTY Pioneer
SMARTY Pioneer

Leave your troubles behind and have the best time of your life!

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!