Five ways to cut costs on UK holidays in 2026

1. Refillable cylinders

It’s not just the weekly shop that’s gone up, so, too, have touring necessities like bottled gas. Calor and FloGas exchanges that once cost around £20 to £25 are now far into the thirties, depending on cylinder size. As a result, more caravanners are turning to refillable gas systems.

You buy the cylinder or twin system once, then refill at LPG pumps and pay only for what you use. The savings add up quickly. LPG at the pump is currently around £0.90 to £1.04 per litre. One kilogram of propane equals about 1.96 litres, so refilling a 6kg cylinder (around 11.8 litres) costs under £12. That’s less than half the price of a standard exchange.

3. Solar power

Hook-up fees have been creeping up and some campsites now charge separately for electricity, so investing in solar has never been more important – it can reduce or even remove that cost altogether.

A 100 to 120W portable or roof-mounted panel (around £200) is enough to power lights, charge devices and keep your leisure battery topped up. In summer, you could stay entirely off-grid for days at a time. For seasonal pitches, fixed systems offer reliable long-term savings while cutting down on generator or gas use.

Pairing solar with refillable gas gives you the best of both worlds, free energy by day and low-cost heating or cooking by night.

5. Maintenance and insurance

A full service might feel like an expense, but it’s far cheaper than fixing a breakdown on the road. Keeping seams sealed prevents damp, which can be one of the most costly repairs. Check the age of your tyres, lubricate steadies and moving parts and inspect brake cables regularly. A caravan that tows smoothly and runs efficiently saves wear on your car as well as fuel.

It’s also worth reviewing your insurance and storage renewals each year. Loyalty doesn’t always pay, so switching providers can save £40 to £100 annually.