Dosh dilemma – can I afford a family holiday without taking the kids out of school?

Lucy’s had enough of trying to keep two bored kids entertained during the school holidays. She’s dreaming of an escape with the family but is struggling to make it work financially.  

She reached out, asking if there’s any way to cut costs without pulling the kids from school when the price of holidays are – annoyingly - cheaper. 

Good news, Lucy, there’s ways to make it happen.  

Here's how you can keep your family holiday costs low.  

Go on holiday at Easter  

Why wait for the summer when Easter can save you big bucks? Travel experts On the Beach says trips in April can be 50% cheaper than in July or August. 

And you don’t even need to go abroad.  

Camping is a wallet-friendly alternative that can be cheaper than flying overseas.  And, with fewer crowds, lower prices and plenty of space to spread out, Easter can be a great time for a family camping holiday.  

Plus, with Easter Sunday falling on 20 April this year, we could be in for some early spring sunshine and perfect temperatures. Ideal for stargazing and family fun. 

And, let’s be honest, a family holiday in the scorching August heat can be exhausting anyway. 

Book early (or last minute)  

Getting in quick by booking early can mean you’ll grab a great deal before demand really soars. Some travel agents even let you pay a deposit, so you can spread the cost.  

Research from Which? shows that booking eight months ahead saves you an average £176 per person on a week-long holiday to Portugal.  

That said, if you’re spontaneous and ready to pack your bags at the drop of a hat, last-minute deals can also save you money.  

Be flexible 

Dreaming of a two-week escape but the cost is out of the question? How about a 10-day trip, or even just a long weekend?  

Sometimes a short break is all you need to recharge. 

Fly at off-peak times 

The cost of flights varies quite a lot depending on what month, day and even time you travel. Weekends tend to be more expensive, as do convenient times of the day.  

The cheapest days to travel are typically Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday. So, if you’re willing to fly out at 6am on a Tuesday, you’ll keep your wallet happy.   

Book airport parking in advance 

Getting to the airport can add up too. Buses are usually the cheapest, followed by trains. But if you have to drive, pre-booking parking is the way to go, as rocking up last-minute at the airport could cost a small fortune. 

Consider non-direct flights  

Non-direct flights might take longer, but they can save you serious money. Besides, a stopover can be a fun way to check out a new city you wouldn’t have visited otherwise.  

Just make sure you do the maths on hotel stays, meals and extra costs, as it could end up being more expensive than flying direct. 

Pack your own snacks  

Airport food is notoriously expensive. Instead of shelling out for overpriced snacks, pack sandwiches for the family - you’ll save a fortune!  

Explore other travel options 

Flights aren’t your only option. You could hop on a coach, take the ferry, drive your own car, or even catch a train.  

National Express has coaches to Paris, Brussel, Amsterdam and Ireland, while Direct Ferries lets you compare ferry prices.  

For budget-friendly bus travel, FlixBus  has routes to over 3,000 destinations across 40 European countries.  

Opt for package deals or all-inclusive holidays   

Choosing a package deal that includes travel and accommodation can help you cost cuts.  

All-inclusive holidays take it a step further, covering meals, drinks, snacks and even activities – perfect for those endless ice-creams runs with the kids!  

For the best deals, search Travel Supermarket where you’ll find loads of all-inclusive holiday offers up for grabs.  

Use loyalty schemes and reward points 

Savings are there to be had with travel loyalty schemes. Collecting points with the likes of Booking.com can reward you with discounts and even free hotel stays.  

Download airline apps 

Airlines like Ryanair and easyJet often run flash sales. By downloading their apps, you’ll get first dibs on those sales.  

So Lucy, there you have it, plenty of ways to keep your family holiday budget-friendly without pulling the kids out of school.  

Happy budget holiday hunting!