Italian grandeur meets deep blue lake waters and spectacular alpine vista, with dreamy views (Image: Portia Jones)
Short getaways are often one of the best ways to travel, and there is no shortage of places to visit in the UK and Europe. Weekend trips — whether they are in Britian or abroad — are something that travel journalist Portia Jones has a particualr fondness for.
There’s something delightful about packing a small bag with Vinted treasures and miniature toiletries before escaping the relentless cycle of emails and deadlines, she said. However, what she finds less appealing is the « dawning realisation that every mini holiday now costs an arm and a leg, akin to a kitchen renovation, due to the ongoing cost-of-living crisis ». Consequently, Portia is constantly on the hunt for money-saving strategies so she doesn’t have to abandon the trips that genuinely bring her joy.
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The prospect of a charming countryside hotel or a brief weekend escape to Spain can « help me endure a dreary winter », she adds. Portia said: « Yes, my generation is absurd. I point the finger at our parents.
« Despite feeling like I’m bleeding money every time I step outside, I used to convince myself this was merely the cost of maintaining a social life. However, I decided to take control and began exploring various money-saving hacks.
« I haven’t reduced my weekend getaways. I haven’t embraced an extreme minimalist lifestyle, turned into a cryptocurrency enthusiast, or started travelling with nothing but a toothbrush and a hopeful spirit; instead, I employ a surprisingly simple hack to save money which I can then allocate towards what my family teasingly refers to as my ‘endless trips’. »
A few years back, Portia spoke with her budget-conscious Yorkshire mate Magic Matt (a magician, not a stripper – always worth clarifying).
Portia explained that Matt « showed me the world of cashback websites and how they let you earn while shopping – and conjuring complimentary cash rather than a rabbit is definitely my favourite magic trick. »
She went on: « The cashback platform Matty swiftly enrolled me onto (it transpires you receive a referral reward when persuading friends to register) is named Quidco. This legitimate site provides cashback when purchasing from your go-to shops.
« Simply buy products or services through the Quidco platform or application, and you’ll receive a proportion of your expenditure returned to use however you wish.
« Reportedly, the typical Quidco user pockets £300 in cashback annually, with the platform guaranteeing Britain’s finest cashback deals. »
I haven’t cut back on weekends away. I haven’t adopted an extreme minimalist lifestyle, become a crypto bro, or started travelling with only a toothbrush and a sense of optimism; instead, I use a surprisingly effective hack to save money that I can put towards what my family calls my « endless trips ». (Image: Portia Jones)
Portia explain that after registering, she now conducts « the majority of my internet shopping through Quidco, including accommodation reservations, motor insurance, property insurance, railway tickets and presents ».
And, she added « this modest adjustment now contributes towards my weekend getaways, and sometimes my holiday spending too ».
She explained further: « The cashback mechanism isn’t exactly classified information, in all honesty. It doesn’t require intricate hidden tricks or rising at dawn to manipulate pricing systems.
« It’s merely a modest rebate on your transaction, and the reason it functions is because it’s providing you with a return on the expenditure you’re making anyway. If, similar to myself, you’re already arranging accommodation, flights, vehicle rental, cover or purchasing festive gifts, you might as well receive some cash returned for your purchases.
« I mention this as somebody who dismissed cashback platforms for years because, courtesy of Netflix programmes, I’ve become convinced that virtually everything is fraudulent. »
The more I travel in Europe, the more I rate slightly lesser-known cities, resort towns, and tiny villages, where you can escape the crowds and high prices (Image: Portia Jones)
Quidco is, fortunately, completely legitimate and operates on a straightforward principle. Companies compensate them with commission when shoppers purchase products or services via their platform.
The platform monitors your online purchases and refunds a proportion of your expenditure as ‘cashback’ which can be transformed into a voucher (frequently with an additional bonus) or transferred to your bank account or PayPal.
Put simply, if you shop via Quidco, a portion of the funds you were planning to spend regardless finds its way back to you. Nothing about the transaction alters; the item and cost remain identical, but the connection you select to complete the purchase provides you with a modest return.
Portia said: « Admittedly, occasionally it doesn’t register correctly, but on the whole it’s performed admirably for me. Establishing it is intentionally uncomplicated. After creating an account, you can view all the merchants Quidco collaborates with in a single location.
« There are thousands of options, covering travel, retail, insurance and utilities, which suggests there’s an excellent possibility the items you routinely purchase are available there ready to generate cashback.
« In simple terms, utilising Quidco involves visiting their website or mobile application before making any purchase, whether that’s food shopping, fashion items, electronics, or beauty products. »
The cashback system is not a state secret, to be fair. It doesn’t involve complicated secret hacks or waking up at 5am to game pricing algorithms. (Image: istockphoto)
You simply locate the retailer you intended to use regardless, select the link through the Quidco platform, and proceed with your transaction as usual. The cashback is tracked automatically and credited to your account.
For holiday bookings, the rates differ between brands, but Quidco commonly provides substantial cashback on accommodation reservations, typically between 1.5% and exceeding 15%, depending on the provider and reservation category.
Portia explained: « I recently received 10% cashback through Hotels.com, and previously secured 15% with IHG® Hotels and Resorts.
« The sums might not appear substantial initially until you consider current hotel and vehicle rental prices. Ten per cent of several hundred pounds represents genuine savings, and you’ll be amazed at how rapidly it accumulates if left untouched!
« If you’re hunting for something particular, such as a mobile contract, a new computer, or perhaps pet cover, you can check Quidco initially to identify which companies are currently providing cashback, either through a percentage or fixed offer. »
When I was asked to pick my favourite places to stay in Wales, I had to mull it over, there are so many to choose from. (Image: Portia Jones)
Portia listed some of the other deals available via Quidco: « BT Business Broadband is presently offering £100 cashback, while Manchester Airport is providing up to 15% cashback on parking at this time. Major high street names operate on similar principles.
« Currys provides cashback reaching up to 16.5 per cent, Argos offers as much as 6.6 per cent, whilst Easyjet Holidays gives 5 per cent on eligible transactions. Whilst the percentages fluctuate, the fundamental concept remains consistent. »
Upon clicking through to a shop via Quidco, both parties install tracking cookies onto your device. These ‘cookies’ record your online journey (from Quidco), enabling the shop to verify the referral and compensate Quidco with their commission, which subsequently credits your account with cashback automatically.
Where many go astray is anticipating immediate results. Cashback doesn’t function like a discount code reducing costs at the till; it’s a marathon requiring considerable patience.
Portia added: « Cashback may take several weeks or even months to materialise in your account, depending on your purchase. This doesn’t bother me as I’m not relying on cashback for tomorrow’s meal. »
Regular internet shoppers using Quidco can save hundreds of pounds (Image: Quidco)
Portia said: « I’m investing in my future self, who is eager to establish a modest holiday fund.
« Demonstrating remarkable restraint, I resist withdrawing cashback immediately. I allow it to remain there, steadily growing over numerous months.
« Eventually, it develops into a respectable sum with minimal effort required from me. This method helps fund some of my weekend getaways.
« I allow the cashback from mundane household purchases to accumulate. I leave it untouched.
« I deliberately forget about it, which is crucial. Then, when I review it several months down the line, there’s frequently enough saved to make a genuine impact. »
Outside of the resort, there are plenty of bars in Hurghada where you can get a decent cocktail with a sea view (Image: Portia Jones)
Portia added: « That’s the moment I transfer it out and mentally reclassify it as travel funds. The knowledge that I earned it through purchasing insurance policies and weekly shopping makes it taste all the sweeter.
« Taking out cashback is pleasantly simple. You can move it straight into your bank account, transfer it to PayPal, or exchange it for gift vouchers.
« Gift vouchers typically include a modest bonus, which is appealing, but I generally choose cash because I prefer having options.
« Once it arrives in your account, it’s simply money. You can use it on anything you fancy, including rail tickets, cabs, dining out or cocktails (a surprising proportion will likely disappear on espresso martinis, if I’m honest).
« I’m planning to do precisely that before a journey to the Costa del Sol. I’m heading off on a Wowcher break, and I’ll be taking out a substantial sum of built-up cashback to use as pocket money while I’m away. »
Person using laptop (Image: Dominic Lipinski/PA Wire)
Portia said « that money covers restaurant bills, beverages and popping into tourist shops without performing the financial calculations that typically accompany every card payment ».
She plans to document her next adventure and she’s « relishing the prospect of being in Spain », aware it was « partially financed by following a link when I renewed my motor insurance ».
Portia added that « sign-up bonuses are another consideration worth exploring ».
New members can occasionally receive a cash incentive when registering via a special referral link, typically after accumulating their initial cashback. These promotions vary, so it’s advisable to verify current availability, Portia added.
She said: « Having just referred a colleague, I’m anticipating a modest windfall to justify my recent ‘holiday wardrobe’ expenditure.
« The beauty of using accumulated cashback for weekend getaways lies in their manageable nature. Short breaks don’t demand the same financial commitment as expensive long-distance holidays. »
Several years ago, my thrifty friend Magic Matt (pictured) introduced me to the concept of cashback sites and to the Blackpool tower. (Image: Portia Jones)
Portia gave her final thoughts on the Quidco benefits she enjoys: « With dedication, it’s possible to partially or completely finance a brief escape without prolonged saving or drastically altering your lifestyle. Treat yourself to that smashed avocado, darling!
« Following my newfound frugality, I’ve established a straightforward approach. Before making any purchase or booking, I automatically consult Quidco first.
« It’s become second nature, like a savvy bargain hunter’s instinct.
« My enthusiasm for weekend breaks remains unchanged. The distinction now is that when preparing my luggage, I recognise that my previous self has already contributed towards funding it.
« Frankly, my former self has never proved more valuable. »
