Sara Jane Maxwell on saving, spending and smarter travel

With summer creeping closer, and holiday chat starting to take over, I was joined by my regular wealth coach Sara Jane Maxwell to talk all things money, saving, and whether we can really afford that much-needed getaway.

We covered everything from the pressure people feel when prices go up, to the hidden costs that can turn a “cheap” holiday into a very expensive one.

Sara Jane pointed out that while money worries can feel overwhelming, it’s important to separate what’s happening in the world from what’s actually happening in your own bank account. She said it’s easy to get swept up in the mood of doom and gloom, but the real question is whether things are genuinely unaffordable for you right now.

The real cost of a holiday

One of Sara Jane’s biggest points was that people often only budget for the headline price of a holiday, not the full picture. Flights, hotels and package deals are only part of the story once you add in airport parking, transfers, baggage fees, food, drinks, and those inevitable little extras once you arrive.

She warned that this is where a lot of people get caught out, with costs often ending up on credit cards and taking months to pay off. The same applies to those tempting cheap flights — a bargain fare can quickly balloon once you’ve added bags, travel to the airport and any extras you need.

Airport spending traps

We also talked about how airports are designed to make you spend. From parking to lounges, food and drinks, it’s very easy to be tempted into spending more than you planned, especially if you’re travelling with children and everyone wants a treat.

Sara Jane’s advice was simple: talk about it before you get there. If you know you might spend more at the airport, decide in advance whether that money would be better used elsewhere on the holiday.

Credit cards and holiday money

Another important reminder was about paying for holidays on credit. Sara Jane explained that credit cards can offer useful protection, but they can also become a problem if you don’t have a clear plan to pay them off.

Her tip was to treat holiday spending as a planned cost, not a surprise debt. If you’re putting a holiday on a card, work out in advance how long it will take to clear and how much extra interest you could end up paying.

Family conversations matter

If you’re planning a family holiday on a tighter budget, Sara Jane says the best thing you can do is talk about it properly. Get everyone involved early, agree what matters most, and be realistic about whether you want a UK break, a cheaper abroad option, or something a bit more flexible.

That way, the pressure doesn’t fall on one person to make every decision, and nobody turns up at the airport wondering where they’re actually going — or whether their passport is even in date.

A smarter way to book

Sara Jane also shared a clever booking tip inspired by her friend’s Harry Styles trip to Amsterdam. She had booked a hotel for the full possible run of dates before the announcement, then cancelled the nights she didn’t need once the schedule was confirmed.

It’s a smart reminder to always check cancellation policies and think strategically when demand is likely to spike. Sometimes a bit of forward planning can save you a small fortune.
Sara Jane’s key takeaway

The big message from our chat was that a holiday doesn’t have to be off the table just because money is tight. It just needs to be planned properly, with the full cost in mind rather than the tempting headline price.

As Sara Jane put it, it’s not about saying no to fun — it’s about making sure the holiday fits your life, your budget, and your priorities.

Sara Jane Maxwell can be found at her website and on Instagram.