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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

GQuinlan
SMARTY Enquirer
SMARTY Enquirer

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! 

LouiseG_1397508
SMARTY Pioneer
SMARTY Pioneer

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

ReneeKe_2378461
SMARTY Enquirer
SMARTY Enquirer

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

ThomasD_1313122
SMARTY Pioneer
SMARTY Pioneer

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
SMARTY Pioneer
SMARTY Pioneer

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. 

KGSmarty
SMARTY Pioneer
SMARTY Pioneer

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

AmyHall_2123111
SMARTY Pioneer
SMARTY Pioneer

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

Adriana_1996850
SMARTY Enquirer
SMARTY Enquirer

Buy flights early and hotels late.

Jonatha_2266482
SMARTY Enquirer
SMARTY Enquirer

Going on holiday, time to party!

Remember your phone. Sign up to SMARTY!!

JayA_36169
SMARTY Maverick
SMARTY Maverick

Brush up on the language with Duolingo 

BenJenk_1307188
SMARTY Enquirer
SMARTY Enquirer

Packing cubes and rolling clothes not folding is life changing 

GarthAl_2424484
SMARTY Pioneer
SMARTY Pioneer

Your holiday starts when you leave home.

Arkadiu_2666468
SMARTY Enquirer
SMARTY Enquirer

Motocykle trip around the world 

Tristia_2080286
SMARTY Pioneer
SMARTY Pioneer

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!

rosie_baines
SMARTY Pioneer
SMARTY Pioneer

Fly on the cheapest days which is Tuesday and Wednesdays.

KYPu_1866108
SMARTY Pioneer
SMARTY Pioneer

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

KYPu_1866108
SMARTY Pioneer
SMARTY Pioneer

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

DanielT_2689777
SMARTY Enquirer
SMARTY Enquirer

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

Paul163
SMARTY Pioneer
SMARTY Pioneer

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

KYPu_1866108
SMARTY Pioneer
SMARTY Pioneer

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

Insrt_C0iN
SMARTY Enquirer
SMARTY Enquirer

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

StevenPr_246278
SMARTY Pioneer
SMARTY Pioneer

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. 

BinhTri_2676358
SMARTY Enquirer
SMARTY Enquirer

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.

SusanHa_1981093
SMARTY Pioneer
SMARTY Pioneer

Use a bank card with no fees on purchases abroad.

Francesc_342198
SMARTY Enquirer
SMARTY Enquirer

Check for cheap flights

AmaaniIs_558505
SMARTY Pioneer
SMARTY Pioneer

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

JDHa_1489185
SMARTY Enquirer
SMARTY Enquirer

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.

Turnip_1501393
SMARTY Pioneer
SMARTY Pioneer

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.

StevenE
SMARTY Enquirer
SMARTY Enquirer

Use AI to create a tailored timetable that includes local food hotspots and activities curated to our interests! 

Timothy_2212253
SMARTY Pioneer
SMARTY Pioneer

Best Hack for a Summer Getaway: Remember no one is guaranteed Eternal Perfect Health  - have a browse through some of the( not for profit) Travel Health websites such as https://travelhealthpro.org.uk/  I’m sure there are other sites available but this one was set up by the Department of Health “for the British Traveller” and has all the latest data on where your going. 

_169
SMARTY Enquirer
SMARTY Enquirer

Be mindful.

Although there will always be one more place to visit, tour or explore, the onl way to really enjoy the summer is to be mindful.

Close your eyes, take a deep breath and be present; in this place, in this moment.

Jacquel_1314591
SMARTY Enquirer
SMARTY Enquirer

down load google translate  app will help with language barriers

KarenTa_2707038
SMARTY Pioneer
SMARTY Pioneer

My best hack for summer gateway is to bring my SMARTY SIM card when travelling abroad.

AshleyG_2523694
SMARTY Pioneer
SMARTY Pioneer

Roll your clothes when packing!

  • 1. Summer weather means less fabric.
  • 2. rolling means more space without creasing. 
    3. more space means more outfits for the getaway!

MariaEa_2543599
SMARTY Enquirer
SMARTY Enquirer

Get different size packs from I think ebay it helps with packing my daughter uses it all the time gives you an idea of how much you can pack. Really useful 👍 

DeanPre_1856188
SMARTY Pioneer
SMARTY Pioneer

Book accommodation and car hire in advance with free cancellation.  Then nearer the date of travel,  rebook at the cheaper price. 

HeathHib_532006
SMARTY Pioneer
SMARTY Pioneer

Mix clothes across cases, rather than have a case each. That way, you can still get on and enjoy your holiday if a case doesn’t turn up in the baggage hall. 

Curiousb
SMARTY Pioneer
SMARTY Pioneer

My biggest money saving hack, never book to go away when the schools are on holiday.

evilquinn
SMARTY Pioneer
SMARTY Pioneer

get to airport early to avoid disappointment if security queues are long!

AlanMcI_2389604
SMARTY Enquirer
SMARTY Enquirer

My best hack is letting my wife sort it out