City break in Florence, camping in Snowdonia or a beach holiday in the Caribbean? Where will your next family holiday take you?
With the school holidays just around the corner our thoughts are now beginning to turn towards holiday destinations far and near. For families, paying for everyone to get away on a summer holiday is often a big issue – something I am only just beginning to fully appreciate.
When Roo first arrived I was prepared for a serious assault on my wallet: the baby kit, the wear-it-once-and-grow out of it clothes, all those must-have but actually completely unessential items. What I completely overlooked however until just over 6 months ago when Roo turned 2, is the burden adding another airfare onto your holiday budget creates! Suddenly, a £300 trip to Rome for a long weekend becomes £450 and that’s before you throw in the additional costs of a family room, car seat hire (in a bigger hire car) and eating out for two and a half (a bottomless pit, never-ending-pizza-munching half at that)!
A ‘staycation’ isn’t necessarily cheaper either. With the advent of glamping, even camping costs have gone up these days! We recently looked for a last minute break in the UK. Nothing fancy – just a little cottage with two bedrooms in walker friendly countryside. I struggled to find places below £450 for a week and that is outside of the peak school holiday period!
£450 incidentally is the price of return ticket in June from London to Delhi! In India’s peak season it would be a lot more but because our summer is monsoon in India, flights go cheap. Accommodation in Taj Mahal and tourist mecca Agra can be as little as £15 for a room in a 3* hotel for the night and cheap rail fares mean you can escape the hot monsoon temperatures for the cool and beauty of the Himalayan foothills for very little.
Fly to India for the same price as a week’s accommodation in the UK. (l-r Bandavgarh Tiger Reserve, Kausani & Taj Mahal, India).
I have visited India three times – all of them during the monsoon season and thanks to air conditioning and those magnificent mountains, it really is possible to still have a great visit for a fraction of the cost.
Neither is India the only exotic or long haul destination where timing of holiday can bring costs down and living costs whilst there are a fraction of European prices. We have visited Cuba in May – slightly out of its peak season and experienced gorgeous weather and top notch hotels for a fraction the cost of similar Caribbean holidays and there are many other holiday destinations where not opting for its most popular season can reduce costs.
Extracting maximum value from your family holiday budget is tricky and requires a lot of juggling. To help with the dilemma of what and where you money will buy you, Natwest have come up with a handy little free holiday spending calculator. Listing the prices of basic holiday staples across 25 countries worldwide, you can instantly compare the cost of living in different countries and find those where your budget will stretch the furthest. There is also a holiday calculator allowing you to compare an estimate of total costs in two different countries.
I’ve been playing with the Holiday Spending Calculator and found some fun findings. For instance, in Buenos Aires you can get a bottle of red table wine (probably a tasty little Malbec too) for around £2.85. In Bangkok, it will cost you £16! So head to Argentina and you’ll be five bottles better off for your money – not that I am suggesting you drink that much!
A quick check on hotel costs revealed similarly eye-watering results – spend one night in a three star hotel in San Francisco or spend just over a week in a similar hotel in Thailand’s Chiang Mai! Curious, I checked the flight prices for this month from Heathrow and you can get to both destinations for a similar price, meaning a massive saving on your overall holiday if you pick the trip to Thailand over the USA.
The conclusion? It’s worth considering not only how much it costs to get to a holiday destination but the costs once you get there too. It could be that the difference in total holiday costs between that far-flung adventure holiday and a trip to Paris, or indeed Wales, are really not so different after all.
Competition time!
To celebrate the imminent start of the school summer holidays, Baby Routes has teamed up with Natwest to give one lucky winner a fantastic new Trunki and a guide book to the holiday destination of their choice! All you have to do is leave a comment below sharing your top money saving holiday tip for a chance to win AND enter your details in the widget below.
If you fancy an extra entry or three, pop over and like the Baby Routes Facebook Page, follow @Babyroutes on Twitter or send a tweet using the widget below.
N.b. Do make sure that after commenting you use the widget below to leave your details and confirm how you have entered so that you can be included in the draw.
The competition ends at midnight on Monday 14th July 2014 and a winner will be randomly selected on Tuesday 15th July. The winner will be contacted via email and then announced online 48 hours after. Please make sure to read the T&C’s on the widget below. Any other questions, please get in touch.
Good luck!
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If you are wanting to go on holiday in the school holidays, book in advance. Flight prices are cheaper the further in advance you book and there are often speci early bird booking discounts too.
If you’re planning a standard length holiday (3, 7, 10 or 14 days) then all inclusive holidays almost always work out cheaper than DIY holidays. Works out cheaper if you have kids too, especially picky eaters as usually the meals are served as buffet style.
If it is a holiday in the UK – request the places to visit booklet and other leaflets from the tourist board for that area and they normally have great money off vouchers. Also find vouchers online before you go.
My son has been after one of these suitcases for ages!
Always book when the Tour operator brochures first come out and haggle prices down and compare with different branches to get the best price.
Research the price of food, drink, travel, museum entrances before you go and set a realistic budget. where possible shop in local markets and make your own meals. Ask locals for off the beaten track restaurants which they use rather than places that cater for the tourist market.
Look on the internet for best deals.
Do lots of planning – that usually saves money as you can get discount codes, vouchers etc in advance!
keep all your options open till u get at least 10 quotes then decide
Look for 2 for 1 vouchers, days out deals, etc on the internet before travelling
Shop around! Don’t decide on a place untl you have seen and compared prices!
Compare hotel and flight prices – often it’s cheaper to book mid week instead of weekends
Try and book after shopping around – and haggle!
Shop around for the best bargains, look at at least 3 different sources before deciding.
I book early if Going to WDW and get the free dining plan that can save on average $1k for 2 weeks stay for a family
Eat where the locals eat, it’s always cheaper and usually better
Use shared vans with other holiday makers when transferring from airport to hotel, it’s usually a set price so you don’t have to worry about being driven the long way round.
Avoid venders, but if you have to buy from them, haggle! You can usually get 25% off their asking price!
i always go to different travel agents to get quotes they are competitve and will match prices as well as on line prices
Holiday in this country! There are some great places to go, we just rent a cottage.
shop around for best flight deals and avoid the airport car park
Don’t buy all new clothes.
shop around and don’t book in haste.
Take your own food and snacks on to the plane, to save money!
Take as many suncreams and toiletries as you can, they cost 3 times more when abroad, I know it’s not always easy with baggage allowance but just pack as much as you can! Even the airport prices are expensive compared to the deals you get at the supermarket.
Book everything through a cashback site. Holiday, clothes, luggage etc.Then look forward to some money when you get back.
Look at the place you are going to online to get tips for things to do, places to visit and things to avoid. Places like TripAdvisor are great for finding out which shops/bars/restaurants are good value, friendly etc
CONSIDER ALLOCATION ON ARRIVAL TO SAVE MONEY ON ACCOMODATION
Only pack what you need, be honest with yourself.
Research restaurants and activities before you go on holiday so you have plans available and know the costs instead of being tempted by the first things you find.
Make sure you shop around for foreign currency don’t get it at the airport as they always give you a poor rate
Prebbook excursions they are always cheaper than when you get there
Check around for the best value for money, and make sure you are in distance of good amenities but also check local attractions, restaurants etc especially if taking children as you could end up spending more if needed to travel to do things
Book you hol separately. I works out cheaper and never book excursions before travelling, sort it out and grab a bargain when you get there.
We look into places we can get into for free eg NT places, but even abroad there are reciprocal deals.
Try to search for free days out – when travelling with kids they appreciate the smaller things like rock pool exploring and free play areas opposed to big expensive days out where there’ll be loads of queues and waiting around.
set a realistic budget for your trip and be prepared to shop around especially when it comes to flights and car hire
If you have kids still in nappies make sure you take enough and more for the duration of holiday!
Consider going All inclusive. It is more expensive at first but that way you know your budget and know the kids can eat what they want and you can drink what you want!
Plan well ahead, as it’s usually cheaper. Also you know what the costs will be and have time to save, rather than running up last minute bills or debts
Take juice with you for the kids they need to stay hydrated in tyhe sun and itscosts a fortune
if you’re going self-catering to a holiday camp, always take a box full of provisions, they charge top prices in their supermarkets as they know they have a captive audience
If in this country look on internet for discount vouchers before you go
Know how much spending money you have and divide by how many days your there so can budget for each day. Also if possible change your money in country your visiting as normally get better rate and advoid changing at the airport
Do lots of your own research rather than going straight to a travel agent!
Try to be flexible on dates for travelling to take advantage of midweek offers. Also look for promo codes for hotel bookings x
Shop around for best deal search on line set a budget only spend what you can afford and budget for spending when there I like prepayment cards for holidays, also budget for clothing and accessories to take with you and travel light.
Never dine in tourist restaurants. Expensive and dubious health standards. Back street places used by locals are the best. Great food and at a fair price.
try putting a little away each week so the expense isnt so great all in 1 go
save all your 50p pieces throughout the year and then you will have plenty for icecreams and slot machines
plan ahead and try to stick to your budget
Take food with you!
we go camping alot so food is our main expense , we used to buy food at the camp shop but was so expensive so we take alot with us now x
Plan ahead and take things with you to save money. For trips abroad I’d always make sure we take enough sun lotion as its very expensive there. For trips in this country we have a plug in cool box and we self cater to keep the costs down and to help stick to a healthy diet!
I sell things on ebay and leave in my paypal account. When I’m have enough it’s time to book a holiday
I make a list if all holiday toiletries, medication, sunscreen etc. I then add one a week to my grocery shop. I never notice the cost.
All inclusive holidays work out better especially with kids the amount of drinks and snacks they want throughout the day can cost a lot. Also budget your spending money for example say you have a total of 1000 euros and your away for 7 days, budget 100 euros a day the extra 300 can be used for excursions. and what ever you dont spend during the day put towards the last day or a deposit on your next one when you step off the plane.
Planning :- Speak to friends and family. Sometimes they have great suggestions and / or experiences to share. Browse on internet, and get some brochures to browse through. Look for Special offers. Look for possible trips, outings, events etc. Take benefit of Special offers, Deals etc for outings etc. Half board can be worthwhile, as hunger satisfied whilst time available for afternoon outings and evenings out (e.g. Theatre etc).
try not to eat out all the time, cook your own food x or take picnics x
Try to pack a picnic to avoid buying lots of snacks when you are out 🙂
only take what you need xx
Make an ‘an activity bag’. I use a draw string PE kit style bag and put in a range of activity ideas and materials such as laminate ‘I spy cards’ to art ideas they can create using natural materials. I add some playdough, pens and simple things like a torch or a magnifying lidded tub.
Put money aside every week for your holiday
PACK YOUR OWN FOOD FOR THE AIRPLANE RIDE
If you are travelling abroad don’t forget to pack all your toiletries. They can be quite expensive to buy from your resort. And don’t buy accessories like adaptors and neck cushions at the airport as they will charge exorbitant prices.
holiday within the Uk and take all the things that you need to avoid unexected costs
No matter where we are going, overseas or close to home, we save money by packing the small multipack cereal packets, plastic bowls and plastic spoons. Eating breakfast out and about can be so expensive and sometimes all you want is cereal! Milk is easily available at local shops and wont cost an arm and a leg as breakfast would.
Save don’t borrow! x
Plan ahead. Food for plane.. take a good first aid kit
Look online for free activities in the area. There are often lots of great sources of interest, intrigue and entertainment – and, more often than not, they are free. Spending time planning ahead will save you money in the long run.
Use the internet for cheap deals
hi if you are travelling by plane and its a cheap airline make sandwiches to eat on the plane it costs a small fortune buying any food in flight
dont buy drinks for drinking on the plane until you have been through security or they will be taken off of you wait till you are in duty free before the flight they wont be cheap but certainly cheaper than on the plane
make sure you make up a good first aid kit to take if going abroad including dioralite and anti diarrhea and sickness meds
Plan everything Search online for money off coupons.
Book as early as possible
Book early and take as much food as you can.
shop about for the best deal use a site like triage
Go self catering andso you can make your own breakfasts lunches and dinners. It will save you a fortune.
shop around using comparison sites 🙂 plan well ahead!
We are having a camping holiday this year a lot cheaper:) and have booked our days out ready:)
Have a budget and stick with it.
Get your travel money before you go!
I prefer renting apartments- is soo convenient- especially when you have children- you have constant access to all the facilities-oven,washing machine etc.You save money as you’re not paying for restaurants,laundry service, you almost feel like at home-it’s normally cheaper than hotels or B&B’s and you can rent them in best locations.
Use your credit card rather than pay for commission on currency exchanging as the banks do all currency transactions at the end of day en-bloc you get a better exchange rate
Check out trips and excursions before you go on holiday, you may find that you can save a lot of money by pre booking. Plus you can check out other peoples reviews and experiences to avoid disappointment
Save money on airfare by packing light (and therefore paying for less luggage), and instead take a couple of tubes of travel wash.
Go self catering so you have your own fridge, kettle, cooker, microwave etc then buy food when your there, works out much cheaper
Don’t go mad buying a new holiday wardrobe, only buy what you really need and try to avoid buying anything too loud or niche fashion so anything you do buy can be worn anywhere at home afterwards.
Packed lunches for the beach – saves a fortune on eating out!
We alway rent a house/flat rather than hotels – we have our own space and can cook all our own meals so save a fortune on hotel food or eating out
keep watching the sites and try to book at the best price, prices go up and down depending on demand you just have to get the timing right
Shop around for quotes or codes
Go on any many holidays as possible before your children start school
book on line to save money
Buy all toiletries at the supermarket resort-especially if a large party travelling-more room for clothes 🙂
check reviews they will tell you how much it is to upgrade board basis and it is normally cheaper to upgrade when you get to your hotel
budget for everything. all inclusive i think is best if you have kids as you will need lots of fluids and ice lollies!
Do plenty of research and plan everything to get the best price possible for things you want to do.
I always check deal websites for the latest offers.
Always compare to find good offers .
Most airlines release their cheap fares 3-6 months in advance, so put a note in your diary to check when tickets have been released, or sign up for email alerts, in order to get the best price on your flight!
Prebooking excursions can often save you money
Do your research and shop around for a good deal
Always compare online deals to those offered by travel agents
Don’t be afraid to wait until last minute as there are some great deals out there. We’ve just got a great AND a free child place leaving in 5 weeks.
Don’t know if it counts as money saving, but its something we do each year before our holiday. We take our pennies jar into the supermarket where they have the change sorter, and the money we redeem is added to our holiday pot – last year it was about £70 !!
To save a bit of money take a few basic food items with you. for example tea, coffee and cereals.
If your child has allergies ring the airline and request medical baggage allowance to cover the weight of taking any special formula or food with u
Look online for best price.
Buy things when they are on offer, buy one get one free, 3 for 2 etc and use loyalty cards to get points, buy a few things each month so it doesm’t cost a lot of money all in one go
The best advice I could give anyone is book your holiday as far ahead as you can I have saved loads over the years by doing this
An aquadoddle or similar is a great way to keep little ones entertained and saves you getting an expensive dry cleaning bill if they make a mess with crayons.
Be a smart shopper for example Zara is a lot cheaper in Spain than here so stock up on kids clothes if you were planning on buying them anyway.
Be aware of the EU compensation rules if your flight is delayed or cancelled. BA cancelled my flight when I was flying with my toddler son. Complained and got a voucher. Pointed out the EU rules and got a cheque covering the costs of our flights and more. Took the sting out of having to pay full adult fare for my son.
Check out for last minute deals for holidays and bring snacks for the plane!
Always take more money than you think you will need to cover emergencys
Take very little in summer clothes and just wear and wash when on holiday if a warm place they dry really quickly
Try to self-cater and avoid expensive meals out (well, except 1 night!!)
Pack food for the plane!
Always use price comparison websites for hotels and flights,the prices can vary greatly.
As well as using cashback websites for everything holiday related we put aside an affordable amount every month for spending money to spread the cost and make us feel less guilty about spending
plan ahead with what you need to take and buy toiletries, sun lotions etc when they are on offer
Book with local operators where possible, cut out the middle man.
Shop around for the best flight deals
After many holidays we found the cheapest way is to go all inclusive especially with children. we spent more going self catering after taking into account the food , drink and activities. also if you find the holiday cheaper on a different day the same week you want to go ,ask the travel agent to match this .We wanted to fly wednesday but the saturday was cheaper, we asked to match the saturday price and they did and saved £300.
Plan ahead so you can look for deals with holidays and days out and car hire abroad.
If they made Trunki’s big enough, I’d ride on one and have my kids pull me round 😉
Holidays abroad you can’t beat an all inclusive for families! The kids always love never ending ice cream! Try and pack outfits together so you don’t pack more than you need and get just a couple of pairs of sandals in colours that will match all your outfits to save room!
One of the biggest way to save money is trying to go in off peak times although not easy when children are at school so going all inclusive is best, save a lot of money in long run even if holiday is little more but you get your money’s worth with drinks especially when you have children. But also shopping around for a good deal or split up who you fly with and who you go with for your hotel 🙂
Look for holiday rental apartments and cottages/houses. They cost a fraction of the hotels and you get a lot more space for your money.
Always compare prices for travel money online, to make your £ go the furthest / best deal!
don’t overfill your suitcase just take what you need to save getting caught with luggage charges ( do you really need 16 pairs of shoes)
Always use travel comparison sites and check out flight prices directly through the airline before you ring a holiday company/travel agent.
I find booking holidays a bit of an adventure. We are staying in the UK for our Summer holiday. Shop about. The beauty of the internet that you can take a bit of time to research and get the best deal you want. We are wanting to go to York. Staying at Leeds Travel Lodge and rather than paying enormous hotel prices, we will have a journey of less than an hour to get to our planned destinations. Easy and saving us a fortune at only £21 per night!
book well in advance on flights
I’ve been on sun holidays for the last 3 years and save my 50ps as spending money
We always take plenty of snacks from home as these can be expensive to buy when on holiday.
If going independently sign up to Skyscanner for flight price alerts and book as soon as a special deal hits your flight.
always shop around
Bulk buy your little one’s favourite snacks to take with you as they may be expensive or hard to get hold of in resort. Give older children a fixed sum of money to last them through the whole holiday. Explain budgeting to them and let them they buy their own treats/ice creams and souvenirs that way they won’t be constantly asking for money.
If your child uses a soother take plenty with you. We took a couple with us when we visited Tenerife when my daughter was 18 months. The first one got dropped down the aeroplane steps the other just disappeared resulting in a frantic search for pharmacies and a lot of cash spent as they were really expensive there!
If your booking to go abroad during school holidays book to go the last week in August seems to be cheapest time….while away
look around for cheapest places to buy things you’ll often buy something then find it in a shop or restaurant a few doors down cheaper
Be organised and plan ahead.
Research for trips, and dont go in shops whilst away
If your hotel room has a kitchen, make your own breakfast
Always carry plain biscuits in your handbag – keeps the hunger pains away and can save a fortune in money and stress!
research before you go planning is key
I would probably say don’t plan anything just see what happens but set a simple budget for each day.
Go all inclusive, I feel it represents good value for money and you don’t have to worry about eating or drinking the whole holiday!
Take snacks and juice for the kids it’s far cheaper here and means you don’t have whingy kids when you can’t find anything
When going to theme parks, zoos and places to visit on your hols check the internet/papers for money off vouchers ans when visitng these places take your own food and sweeties etc as in some places food is expensive
Try to go to unusual destinations, either countrywise or places within that country. They tend to be cheaper. EJ D
Make sure you calculate exchange rates right. Even if this means using a calculator and don’t forget the cost of commission it’s so easy to believe you have gotten a bargain especially after a few sangrias
When going abroa, using a credit card with no fees on foreign spending usually gives the best exchange rate.
Don’t be afraid to book things separately for a better price.
Self catering 🙂
Book flights and hotel separate yourself you can often find cheaper deals than package holidays
Plan as much as you can. Get discount codes or vouchers such as clubcard vouchers may be helpful.
Choose your credit card wisely. When using a credit card overseas some companies add a “load” onto the exchange rate meaning it costs you more. They also charge for cash withdrawals and/or a penalty every time you spend on the card. If you are careful about which credit card you use, you can avoid these excess charges. Don’t assume all credit cards are the same.
If it is a holiday in the UK – request the places to visit booklet and other leaflets from the tourist board for that area and they normally have great money off vouchers. Also find vouchers online before you go
Look in to food prices and plan a set amount to spend on eating out.
When holidaying in up the uk, collect as many coupons as you can. For places to eat out, supermarkets , attractions” . A,so find all the local free attractions such as museums or local events
Plan your days so that you are not spending money on a whim
I try and do lots of research on what’s around before hand and look out for vouchers, deals and discounts for big attractions. It can save you a lot on pay at the gate prices.
Try to eat where the locals eat rather than the touristy spots and put together packed lunches.
I always have a good look online for any special offers for eating out and day trips, it’s always much cheaper to plane ahead and book in advance for any attractions x
We plan meticulously and book it all DIY and so far have managed to save money. You get to do and see what you really want to rather than get the standard thats in your package. We also make use of Lastminute’s top hotel secret but mkae sure you do research and figure out which hotel it is before booking
Check online for deals and coupons before you go
set a strict budget and stick to it
Book it yourself not with a travel agency! It’s cheaper!
Book in advance & then when you’re there set a daily budget
Book everything independently, save a fortune.
Shop around for best deals and do loads of internet searching
Planning well in advance and try and book all inclusive the there are no unexpected costs.
Book things in advance & check things like city explorer tickets for transport and attractions!
Make a budget before you leave. plan each day and look online for reasonable but good restaurant reviews and stick to it!
go where the locas eat and drinker, you will find its better quality and cheaper
Look at doing the holiday booking yourself rather than through a tour operator, check each hotel you like with trip advisor reviews before booking, you can save alot of money for a bit of effort
make packed lunches sometimes instead of eating out all the time
Plan your budget and stick to it so you don’t run out of money! Also try to book things before you go by searching discount websites such as groupon, wowcher, and day trip finder!
A month before we travel I make lists of what to pack, what important docs / money to take plus a list of things to do before we leave the house eg. switch off water, appliances not in use etc
Lots of research before you go, divide budget into days and stick to it as best you can 🙂
go to the travel agent with your budget and an open mind and see what they can find for you!
Look at house swapping for the summer holidays … its a great experience and can work out an extremely cheap way to travel and holiday with kids
I know it sounds old fashioned but I find saving in cash effective!
I buy my euros and envelope each activity, meal and spending pot for the day, then I know I’ve enough available for each day.
Always use the currency converter on your phone or make a little card for your wallet with the conversions for various amounts of money. It’s so easy to get it wrong and think you have a bargain when you dont.
consider staying in a villa rather than a hotel. Allows for self catering and staying in larger groups to split the costs
use cash back sites to get discount on your hols x
plan plan plan !!!!! …. budget and of course a first aid kit ! dont forget the plasters holiday shoes rub !
Plain and shop around.
Always research hotels, flights & car hire online first, you’d be suprised at how much you can save looking around.
If diving it can be cheaper to book this when you arrive. It certainly was in Egypt.
Buy train tickets in advance and split tickets where cheaper
pay and organise excursions before you go
use comparison sites to find the best deal
Book your holiday online as it’s normally cheaper than using a travel agents and don’t neglect creating your own holiday package; we’ve saved lots of money from booking flights and hotels seperately.
Book your next years’ holiday as soon as you return from this years…pay it off in the first 6 months-and use the next 6 months to save the spending money for it 🙂
The key is definitely planning. Search online for vouchers and deals to use for attractions etc
picnics wherever possible!
A bit of planning and price comparison is good!
Get off the beaten track
take plenty of toys to entertain the kids to save u having to shop and find something to keep them entertained whilst your there
If you have access to washing machine, take your own washing powder
when going camping take all the necessities with you: fill a box with food, drinks and toiletries. they are always more expensive around camping sites
Shop local much cheaper
We always wait till nearer the time we want to travel, then look online at last minute deals. We always save hundreds this way
Use the local supermarkets for lunches and drinks. Much cheaper than the restaurant or snack bar
Save small amounts of money over the year so spending money isnt an issue
If going on holiday in the uk ( holiday parks) take tinned food ect & washing powder with you, on site shops are expensive.
Best Tip for Saving money on holidays is to go All Inclusive
Take provisions with you
Shop around for bargains
We go on holiday in Yorkshire, only 3 hours away, saves so much money on the travel aspect and is less stressful with small children. Go on holiday off peak while you have preschool children.
Shop around for the best deals and try to pre book any trips you plan to go on.
Where possible use a no fee credit card to pay as you’ll ensure you get the best rate of exchange.
Do research and the more you do the cheaper you will find things to do.
Use a comparison site for travel insurance, hotel and flight deals.
Plan, plan & plan some more!
Search well in advance for money saving coupons for the attractions that you would like to visit.
Don’t just stick to the really touristy places for food and drink – they’ll normally charge more! Eat and drink where the locals eat and drink – you’ll be likely to enjoy more authentic food and locals’ prices too.
Take your own food for the plane for the little ones
go all inclusive
Set a budget for each day and stick to it. Also have picnics, getting your food at a local supermarket instead of eating out everyday is much cheaper x
Long haul flights often seem to be cheaper on a sunday so I am always flexible either side of our dates!
Check the area and accommodation out by going on google earth!
Do lots of research before booking! Check out sites like Tripadvisor for restaurants and activities in the are to give you a rough idea of costs when you are there!
Stay away from the tourist areas and eat like a local! More enriching and usually a lot cheaper too!
Avoid peak times, if you can travel at non school holiday times or look at when Scottish kids are on hols. It might be worth traveling to Edinburgh and flying from there if Scottish kids are still at school cos you get a better deal 🙂
Book last minute if you can – you can get some great deals
Forget flying off to foreign parts – a UK farm or seaside holiday is the best for children. They will remember it for years to come – who needs interminable waits in airports and swimming pools!
Be well prepared with children, as it takes the stress out of travelling!
Work out your total spending money for your holiday and divide it by the days on holiday.Only withdraw that amount daily and if you have overspent during the day stay in during the evening(unless of course you are all inclusive.)I’m a mum of 4 they are all grown up now but we did this every year and never ran out of money on holiday.
Research online and if booking this way then check if there are any discount codes for your operator or book via a cash back website
Buy from the TravelZoo top 20… released every week. I always stay open minded about where to go and just book something really good from there, no matter where too x
If you have booked your holiday in advance buy everything you need in the sales including sun cream (can spend half as much for the same products)
Search the internet it is worth the time to shop around to save money
For me it Is going all inclusive and making the most of the resort you are on. Look for deals before you go if you know there are certain places to go, such as the waterpark or theme part etc. Budget your spends whilst away to avoid dipping into credit cards and avoiding the extra charges.
Try approaching the hotel or resort direct – cut out the middleman
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