Family holidays can be some of the best times of your lives, but there’s no denying that enjoying a relaxing, fun-filled family trip together can be mind-bogglingly expensive. When it comes to booking the perfect family getaway, there can be so many options to choose from that the entire process can quickly become a confusing minefield. Ensuring that you get something for everybody, to the right destination, at the right time of year for the right price can quickly begin to feel impossible. Thankfully, there are several savvy tricks that you can use to drive the cost of your family holiday down without needing to compromise on the quality time you spend there. Read on to find out more!
Tip #1. Travel Off-Peak:
Undoubtedly, the summer holidays are one of the most popular times of year for going on a family holiday. The kids have six weeks off from school, the sun is shining, and it’s the perfect time to embark on a fun-filled family adventure. That is until you see the staggering prices of flights and accommodation. With families all bustling to get away during the summer holidays, demand is sky-high, taking prices with it. Instead, try to get away during off-peak times of the year. October half term is a great option since there’s no need to worry about being penalised for taking the children out of school and prices tend to have dropped a lot by then.
Tip #2. Be Flexible:
Before you start comparing the prices of destinations and searching for discounts and deals, it’s important to approach the whole process with a large helping of flexibility. If you have your mind set on a certain destination at a certain time of the year, you’re more than likely going to find that it’ll set you back a fair amount. Instead, be open when it comes to destinations, dates and accommodation options – this way, you’re more likely to be able to take advantage of the best deals available.
Tip #3. Book in Advance:
Once you’ve decided on the destination that you’re going to visit, it’s time to start taking a look at all the different attractions and activities that you’re going to want to take part in as a family. Bear in mind that buying tickets to attractions on the day can quickly add up, so it’s definitely worth shopping around for the best prices and booking in advance on the ones that you’re sure to visit.
Don’t forget to look for coupons and discounts that can help you save money, too – these discounts from Palma Aquarium from Traveller356 can help you save money on doing the things your family loves. Check the site to find more great deals and discounts.
Tip #4. Consider a Staycation:
Still stuck on a destination idea? If the price of travelling abroad is simply too high for you this year, then don’t worry – a staycation could be the best holiday that you’ve taken together as a family yet. There are several wonderful locations that you can visit in the UK which provide plenty of family-friendly fun, and the best part is that there’ll be no lengthy flights or navigating the airport hours before you’re set to leave. You can simply get in the car and drive there or take a train journey from your local station. Some of the best locations in the UK to visit with kids include the Lake District, Scotland’s Highlands and Islands, the Yorkshire Dales, and Devon and Cornwall, to name a few. Do your research – you may be pleasantly surprised when it comes to how much you’ll be able to save.
Tip #5. Think Like a Local:
Once you’ve arrived at your destination, it’s time to start thinking savvy when it comes to saving money on day-to-day expenses. For example, if you’ve arrived at the airport and need to get to your accommodation, taking public transport can be a far cheaper option than a taxi, if the kids are up for it and it’s not too much of a journey. Alternatively, booking a shared coach transfer in advance can usually help you save compared to a private taxi ride. When it comes to food and drinks, you can make massive savings by avoiding eating out for every meal and heading to a local supermarket to stock up on the essentials instead. Why not request a self-catering hotel room or apartment, so you can save money by preparing food in your room!
Tip #6. Get Family Travel Insurance:
Last but not least, spending money on family travel insurance might be the last thing on your mind if you’re hoping to save. However, investing in a good travel insurance policy for yourself and your little ones is hugely important for covering the cost of any unforeseen expenses during your trip. For example, if you lose any valuables, have to cancel a booking unexpectedly, or in the unfortunate event of an accident or injury, your travel insurer will pay out, helping you protect your hard-earned holiday costs.
If these tips were helpful, we’d love to hear from you in the comments!
