The Apprentice Travel Guide: How to Slash Your Commute and Holiday Costs by £1,000+ per Year

The Apprentice Travel Guide: How to Slash Your Commute and Holiday Costs by £1,000+ per Year

Embarking on an apprenticeship is a bold investment in your future. Whether you are a 19-year-old taking your first steps into the professional world or a 34-year-old career-changer navigating a “second career” reskill, one reality remains the same: travel is likely your biggest recurring expense.

Between the daily commute to the office, weekly trips to college or training providers, and the much-needed holidays to decompress from a busy work-study schedule, travel costs can quickly erode an apprentice’s salary.

At TOTUM, we believe that choosing to learn shouldn't mean being grounded. From 10% off global hotel bookings to massive savings on coach travel and airport parking, your TOTUM card is your passport to a more affordable life.

In this comprehensive guide, we break down exactly how to leverage your membership to slash your travel costs, featuring top brands like Jet2holidays, Expedia, National Express, and APH.

1. Mastering the Commute: Saving on Daily Essentials

For most apprentices, travel isn't a luxury—it’s a necessity. If you are a career-changer in your 30s, you might be commuting longer distances or balancing a family schedule, making the cost of transit a primary concern.

National Express: The Budget-Friendly Commute

Train prices in the UK can be volatile, but coach travel remains one of the most stable and cost-effective ways to get across the country. TOTUM members often enjoy significant discounts with National Express. Whether you’re heading to a regional training centre or visiting home for the weekend, coach travel is a fraction of the cost of a last-minute rail ticket.

The Hidden Power of the 16-25 and 26-30 Railcards

While TOTUM provides its own set of discounts, we always advocate for "stacking" your savings. Many apprentices are eligible for a 1-Year or 3-Year Railcard. If you are in the 30-35 "Second Career" cohort, don’t worry—if you are a full-time student or apprentice, you may still be eligible for a 16-25 railcard (which is available to mature students in full-time study) or can use TOTUM’s travel partners to find alternative rail savings.

2. The Second Career Reskill: Reducing the "Automotive Tax"

Our survey data shows that 30-35-year-old apprentices are far more likely to own a car and face the "Automotive Tax"—the high cost of insurance, fuel, and maintenance.

Confused.com & MoneySuperMarket: Smarter Insurance

When you change careers, your insurance premiums can fluctuate based on your new job title and commute. Through TOTUM, you can access incentives with partners like Confused.com and MoneySuperMarket.

• The Benefit:

  We often see offers like a £20-£25 Amazon.co.uk Gift Card when purchasing a new car insurance policy. For an apprentice, this covers the cost of a few tanks of fuel or a month’s worth of lunches.

Start Rescue: Peace of Mind for Less

If you rely on an older car to get to work, breakdown cover is non-negotiable. TOTUM members can access up to 20% off annual breakdown cover with Start Rescue. This is a classic example of an "adult" discount—it’s not flashy, but it prevents a breakdown from becoming a financial catastrophe.

3. The "Hard-Earned Break": Affordable Holidays for Adult Learners

One of the biggest misconceptions about apprenticeships is that you have to sacrifice your social life or travel aspirations. In fact, because you are earning a wage and receiving discounts, you are often in a better position to travel than traditional students.

Jet2holidays: The Gold Standard for Apprentices

Jet2holidays is a firm favourite in the TOTUM travel category, and for good reason. They understand the budget constraints of learners.

• The Perk:

  Look out for the £60pp deposit offer. For a career-changer managing a mortgage and kids, being able to book a summer holiday with a low upfront cost is a game-changer. It allows you to lock in low prices early without draining your savings.

Expedia & Hotels.com: Global Flexibility

If you prefer to build your own trips rather than booking a package, Expedia and Hotels.com offer TOTUM members up to 10% off bookings.

• Pro Tip:

  If you are reskilling in a field like tech or marketing, why not work remotely for a few days? Use your Expedia discount to book a "workation" in a European city. Your TOTUM card ensures that your accommodation remains within an apprentice-friendly budget.

4. Logistics & The "Hidden" Costs of Travel

Ask any experienced traveller, and they’ll tell you: it’s not the flight that kills the budget; it’s the airport parking, the transfers, and the attraction tickets.

APH (Airport Parking & Hotels)

If you live in a rural area and need to drive to the airport, parking can cost as much as the flight itself. TOTUM members can access up to 20% off APH airport parking.

• Strategic Saving:

  For a week-long trip, this could save you £30-£50. That’s enough to cover your first dinner on holiday.

Attraction Tickets & Sightseeing

Whether you’re heading to Florida or staying in the UK for a city break, Attraction Tickets and Go City are vital partners.

• The Benefit:

  Access exclusive discounts on major attractions. For the 30-35-year-old member with children, this makes "family time" significantly more affordable. It proves that being an apprentice doesn't mean your family has to miss out on the fun.

5. Why TOTUM+ is a Career-Changer's Best Friend

If you are embarking on a second career, you might feel that "student" cards aren't for you. This is why we created TOTUM+. It is specifically designed for professional learners and apprentices who need "grown-up" discounts.

The ISIC Advantage

Every TOTUM+ membership comes with a 1-year digital ISIC (International Student Identity Card). This is the only internationally accepted proof of student/apprentice status.

• International Savings:

  If you travel abroad, your ISIC card unlocks 150,000+ discounts in 130 countries. From the Louvre in Paris to the New York City subway, your apprentice status is recognized worldwide.

6. Financial Planning: Tracking Your Travel Savings

To truly mitigate the "income drop" of a career change, you need to treat your TOTUM card as a financial tool.

For an apprentice, £332 represents a significant chunk of a monthly salary. That is the power of a TOTUM membership.

Conclusion: Don't Let Your Career Change Ground You

Whether you are 18 or 38, an apprenticeship is a journey—but it shouldn't be an expensive one. By utilizing the brands in the TOTUM travel category, you can ensure that your commute is covered, your car is protected, and your holidays are booked for less.

The transition to a second career involves many sacrifices, but travel shouldn't be one of them. With Jet2holidays, Expedia, and National Express in your corner, the world is still yours to explore.

Ready to start saving?

Browse our full range of Travel Discounts here and make sure your TOTUM+ membership is active to unlock the best deals.