3 ways to... get a holiday for next to nothing

Want to get away, but short of cash? Here’s how you could bag a break on the cheap…

1 Swap houses

You can find free accommodation by house-swapping. Check out sites like lovehomeswap.com and homeexchange.com. You list your property and search for those willing to swap in locations you’re interested in. Bear in mind you’ll usually have to pay to become a member, although some offer free trials. And make sure you tell your home insurer to ensure that you’re covered.

2 Spend wisely

You can get free flights and hotel stays by taking out an airline credit card and spending on it. These types of cards offer Avios and other frequent flyer points when you spend. And when you accrue enough points, they can be converted into free flights (although you’ll still need to pay taxes and charges). You can use them for free hotel stays, too. But remember to make sure you pay off the balance in full each month to avoid paying interest.

3 Get comping

It may be a long shot, but you could get a free break by entering competitions. I’m proof someone has to win, as I was lucky enough to bag a week in the Maldives a few years ago. Check out theprizefinder.com, where you can search by prize type.