WIN BIG THIS SUMMER

[YulianK]

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

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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.

[Turnip_1501393]

Subscribe to NordVPN using ‘hide my email’ before you leave. Then when away you can access all your services as if you were still in the UK. As soon as you get home cancel it and you’ll get your money back as they have a 30 day trial.

[JDHa_1489185]

Create a packing list well before your departure date. It makes packing easier and reduces the risk of you forgetting something. Save it on your computer to print out for your future trips too.

[AmaaniIs_558505]

When looking for places to eat, ask locals for recommendations and try to go somewhere outside the touristy areas for cheaper and tastier options. 

[Francesc_342198]

Check for cheap flights

[SusanHa_1981093]

Use a bank card with no fees on purchases abroad.

[BinhTri_2676358]

My best hack for a summer getaway is to plan activities that are both enjoyable and practical, ensuring you make the most of your trip while staying comfortable and within budget. Here are some key tips:

1. **Travel Off-Peak**: Avoid the busiest travel times to save money and reduce stress. Mid-week flights and stays can be cheaper and less crowded.

2. **Pack Light and Smart**: Bring versatile clothing that can be mixed and matched, and don't forget essentials like sunscreen, a hat, and reusable water bottles.

3. **Book Accommodation in Advance**: Use sites like Airbnb, Booking.com, or local options for better deals and availability.

4. **Explore Local**: Instead of only hitting tourist spots, explore local markets, eateries, and hidden gems. You'll often find cheaper, more authentic experiences.

5. **Early Mornings and Late Evenings**: Beat the heat and crowds by planning major activities in the early morning or late evening.

6. **Stay Hydrated and Eat Light**: Keep hydrated with water and enjoy light, fresh meals to stay energized and avoid fatigue.

7. **Use Public Transport**: Opt for public transport or bike rentals over taxis to save money and experience more of the local vibe.

8. **Free Attractions**: Look for free or low-cost attractions like parks, beaches, and museums with free entry days.

By incorporating these tips, you can have a more enjoyable and cost-effective summer getaway.

[StevenPr_246278]

Don't just make a going away list, make a "these are the things I need to do BEFORE I go away" list as well. 

[Insrt_C0iN]

Invest in an inflatable travel pillow. Neck pillows are crap.

[KYPu_1866108]

Something new to my ever life journey, take me to place can escaped and dive into stunning views

[Paul163]

Make sure you have plenty of money saved up for treats and extras.

[DanielT_2689777]

Save on baggage costs by buying your liquids (sun cream etc) using Click & Collect at the Boots after security

[KYPu_1866108]

Something new to me for my ever life journey, take me to place can be escaped and dive into stunning views

[KYPu_1866108]

Something new to you for your ever life journey, take me to place can escape and steps into stunning views 

[rosie_baines]

Fly on the cheapest days which is Tuesday and Wednesdays.

[Tristia_2080286]

Get an extra Smarty Sim card for my wife's phone (that's not so Smarty) for when we go abroad to avoid expensive roaming and data charges!

[Arkadiu_2666468]

Motocykle trip around the world 

[GarthAl_2424484]

Your holiday starts when you leave home.

[BenJenk_1307188]

Packing cubes and rolling clothes not folding is life changing 

[JayA_36169]

Brush up on the language with Duolingo 

[Jonatha_2266482]

Going on holiday, time to party!

Remember your phone. Sign up to SMARTY!!

[Adriana_1996850]

Buy flights early and hotels late.

[AmyHall_2123111]

Always carry bribe money in socks/underwear, you never know when a bribe will come in handy 😉

[KGSmarty]

Take a risk and book holidays last minute, well worth it 🙂

[ThomasD_1313122]

Cheap tickets can end up being a scam. We are all attracted to those initial low costs until you start to add everything up. Read the fine print. Once you add up the cost of checked bags, a carry-on, choosing your seat, meal selection, taxes, fees and maybe paying to board early, you are not getting a “cheap ticket” at all. 

Instead, opt for larger airlines flying larger sized aircrafts that factor all of those costs into one final tally. Save yourself the time calculating and know that it’s pretty much the same cost with a lot less hassle. Also stay hydrated. 

[ThomasD_1313122]

Cheap tickets can end up being a scam. We are all attracted to those initial low costs until you start to add everything up. Read the fine print. Once you add up the cost of checked bags, a carry-on, choosing your seat, meal selection, taxes, fees and maybe paying to board early, you are not getting a “cheap ticket” at all. 

Instead, opt for larger airlines flying larger sized aircrafts that factor all of those costs into one final tally. Save yourself the time calculating and know that it’s pretty much the same cost with a lot less hassle. Also, stay hydrated. 

[ReneeKe_2378461]

Don’t plan , do as you please , have fun 😀

[LouiseG_1397508]

Research your destination and make sure your phone is topped up with your smarty data plan for Google maps 😊

[GQuinlan]

Best thing is to plan 1-2 things each day, then wander around and explore where you are - we’ve found some amazing places this way and it’s much more enjoyable! 

[ManMan1106]

enjoying the Perseid meteor shower

[ElliotM_2452180]

Put an AirTag (or equivalent) in your luggage. You can track it all the way through the airport and onto the plane! It’ll also save you should it ever get lost! 

[MeghaCh_1499556]

Book it with Journee 

[Jessica_1481292]

Spend time exploring the local environment. Go for hikes, swims, or simply relax in nature's embrace.

[RyanLeon_602892]

Don’t have a plan and you won’t be disappointed 

[NicolaG_1698414]

pack light, have fun, be open to new experiences, do only what you want to do. 

[BrianTh_2001369]

Get someone else to pay all inclusive  lol

[Rebecca_2761537]

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

1. **Lower Costs:** Flights and accommodations are typically cheaper compared to the peak season.
2. **Fewer Crowds:** Popular destinations are less crowded, making for a more enjoyable and relaxed experience.
3. **Good Weather:** You can still enjoy pleasant weather without the extreme heat of mid-summer.

Additionally, consider booking mid-week flights and accommodations, as weekends often see a spike in prices and crowds. Planning activities in advance and being flexible with your travel dates can also help you score better deals.

[JakHaywa_590804]

Take an extension lead with you along with said countries adapter, because that way you’ve got plenty of space for all of your devices plugs. Best hack I know 👌

[AllanBu_2392520]

Roll up clothes for packing and by toiletries at the destination

[RosieHin_357923]

Fly from your local airport, the smaller the better!  No parking fees, travelling from the car park or trying to find your car when you  can just get the bus or a cab. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you’ll get through check-in and security. There’s always somewhere to sit before boarding and your luggage arrives in a jiffy when you get home. The bonus is you are supporting your local economy. Win win!

[JakHaywa_590804]

Take a extension lead with you along with said countries adapter, because that way you have got plenty of space for all of your devices, best hack I know 👌