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>> Money Saving Expert: Travel Money Maximiser
This phenomenally useful tool is designed to simplify currency exchange rates and commission charges so you can always get the most foreign currency for your sterling. Choose the amount of currency you want and the site will searches all the online bureaux to find the cheapest deal (even allowing for commission and delivery charges).
>> Broadband Internet UK: Compare prices of broadband, phone & digital TV bundles
Last November we told you about Broadband Genie which compares the price of different broadband services based on factors including download speeds, length of minimum contract and free software supplied. Broadband Internet UK offers a similar service, but raises the bar by comparing not only standalone broadband packages, but also bundle deals which combine broadband, phone, TV and mobile for one monthly fee.
The site is independent and offers extensive reviews of different providers as well as beginners guides to broadband and to switching service providers.
>> Act on CO2
This new site from the Department of Transport aims to help drivers to reduce their Carbon Dioxide emissions and save money at the same time. There are tips on choosing a new more energy-efficient car and a section devoted to Smarter Driving which explains how to reduce your emissions without changing your vehicle. A savings calculator helps you work out how much money you can save each year by following the Smarter Driving tips.
>> BBC News: Budget Coverage
>> Times Online: Budget Estimator
As always, BBC News’ online coverage of the budget is second to none with detailed explanations and analysis. For a personalized report on how the chancellor’s measures will effect you, try the Budget Estimator on Times Online
>> Carrentals.co.uk
>> Travel Supermarket
>> VrooomVrooomVrooom
If you're planning on booking a hire car online, your best chance of finding the car you need at the best price is by using one of these price comparison services. TravelSupermarket compares prices from over 25 websites, Carrentals.co.uk searches both suppliers and brokers' sites - up to 40 sites in total, and VrooomVrooomVrooom searches only the major suppliers, but offers a price promise deal if you can find the same type of vehicle, from the same location and with the same conditions cheaper from another supplier. In my experience no one price comparison site will always find you the cheapest deal, but if you try all three of these sites, you have a very good chance of finding the best value rental package for your needs.
>> Skiing on a Shoestring
I’ve never been skiing, partially because I lack the basic co-ordination required to avoid breaking a number of limbs and partially because I’ve always assumed that you needed the income of an investment banker before even contemplating a skiing holiday.
This useful (and well written) site shows that it is possible to go skiing or snow-boarding on a tight-ish budget. It’s packed with useful independent information for both novices and experienced ‘powder freaks’ to help you choose the right resort and find cheap clothing and equipment.
>> Kayak UK
Billed as the world’s largest travel search engine, Kayak has been a great success in the US, and has finally launched a UK version. The core of the site is a flight search tool which compiles results from over 120 sites featuring both scheduled and budget airlines (until now most flight comparison sites have specialised in one or the other, but not both).
To help you find the best flight deals Kayak also showcases the 100 best prices found by other Kayak users searching the same route over the past 36 hours and the lowest fares to the 25 most popular destinations from any airport or city found by other Kayak users.
>> Broadband Genie
Earlier this week Virgin.net became the latest internet service provider to announce new cheaper broadband packages. With broadband now available to over 90% of UK internet users, the market is both more competitive and more confusing than ever. Some packages include free phone calls, other provide free spam-filtering or security software, but many impose monthly download limits.
Broadband Genie helps you find the package that’s right for you whether you’re a first-time web user, upgrading to broadband for a dial-up connection or looking to change broadband providers.
A simple (but flexible) search wizard lets you compare providers based on factors including price, download speeds, length of minimum contract , and free software supplied.
>> My Supermarket
Regular listeners will know that I’m a bit of an evangelist for online shopping in general and for price comparison sites in particular.
But I’ve always found that doing your grocery shopping online can be a frustrating experience, partially because the supermarket sites can be slow and tricky to navigate and partially because (until now) no single price comparison site has enabled you to compare the cost of your weekly shop at all four of the big online supermarkets.
MySupermaket’s pre-launch hype claims that the site “promises to shake up the online grocery market” – and on early inspection the hype seems to be justified.
This is what I’ve been waiting on for several years – an easy-to-use, free price comparison service for online supermarkets. It promises to save you money on your weekly shop and it’s easier to navigate than any of the supermarkets’ own sites. Well worth a look.
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