Planning a family holiday can be expensive, but if you’re savvy with your choice of destination, accommodation and planning, it’s possible to take a family holiday without breaking the bank. Here are some tips to help you save money on your next trip.
Be flexible with your dates.
You can save a lot of money by being flexible with your dates. If, for example, you can’t get the dates that suit your family’s needs and preferences, check out some other options. Maybe there are more affordable destinations in another world that might fit better into your schedule? Or perhaps you should consider travelling during the off-season so that accommodation prices go down and travel costs are reduced?
Being flexible with your dates also applies to alternative accommodation types like hostels or camping grounds. Many budget-friendly options are available if you want to try something new!
Check out holiday parks.
The most obvious way to save money is by staying in a holiday park. These campsites offer accommodation and other amenities like pools and shops, but they’re usually cheaper than hotels or apartments.
There are many benefits to staying at a holiday park, not least because you don’t have to pack up your belongings daily and move them elsewhere. There are also plenty of activities for kids so they won’t get bored or irritable; this is especially important if you have young children who need frequent stimulation! It’s also easy for parents because all meals are provided (you have to pay extra for drinks) and someone is cleaning up after everyone else!
Search for package deals.
Package deals are a great way to save money on your trip. They usually include flights, accommodation and activities in one. That means you can find an all-inclusive holiday at a very affordable price and get more out of your money.
One thing to remember is that not all package deals are created equal. Some may only include the basic package, which does not offer much value for money compared to other packages with better features or perks. If you have time before your trip, research the various packages available so that you don’t spend more than needed on what could have been included in another package deal (e.g., airport transfers).
Don’t assume that all-inclusive is cheaper.
First of all, an all-inclusive holiday can be costly. Please don’t assume it will always be cheaper than staying in a hotel or apartment. The price may include food and drink but often doesn’t include activities, transportation or souvenirs. If you want to lose weight on holiday, don’t overeat at the buffet breakfast!
Besides, if you stay at one of the top hotels in town (luxury), you will pay for it, even if the price includes meals and drinks.
If you are looking for value for money, book early or consider staying outside of town where there are fewer tourists around and less competition from other hotels offering similar prices. Unless otherwise stated by your travel agent/airline or hotel staff, remember that quoted prices generally exclude taxes, which can sometimes amount up to another 10% depending upon location (for example, Greece).
Look out for last-minute deals.
- Look out for last-minute deals. As the saying goes, ‘the earlier you book, the more you’ll save. If you’re planning on travelling during peak season, it’s best to look at prices around six weeks before your trip. While some websites let you book up to one year in advance, some flights can sell out quickly, so it’s worth booking as early as possible; if possible, book your flight and accommodation for at least two months.
- Booking early won’t guarantee a bargain price, but it will likely reduce how much money you spend overall compared with booking later or waiting until closer to your departure date.
Consider alternative accommodation.
If you’re looking for accommodation close to the beach, airport or city centre, booking as far in advance as possible is best. This way, you’ll have a better chance of finding lower prices and ensuring that your reservation is secured. If you’re travelling with a large family, this may mean booking multiple rooms at different hotels or hostels.
There are also many alternative ways of getting cheap access to accommodation: using Airbnb or Stayz instead of hotels can often result in substantial savings (especially if there are two adults), but these websites usually only offer short-term rentals, so make sure that all members of the group can stay together under the same roof before booking!
Explore alternative destinations.
A big part of being able to afford a family holiday is deciding where you can go. You will find that the most popular destinations are often expensive and crowded. If you want an affordable holiday, consider exploring alternative destinations or even places that aren’t usually on your list of places to visit.
That doesn’t mean you must travel somewhere completely unknown or unusual—farther away from the tourist spots than usual. For example, instead of going to Bali or Thailand every year, why not head to Indonesia? If you’ve always wanted to see Europe but can’t afford it now, why not explore Eastern Europe?
It’s possible to take a family holiday without breaking the bank if you’re savvy with your choice of destination, accommodation and planning.
- Plan ahead
- Choose the right destination
- Choose the right accommodation
- Find the best deal for you, and be flexible if necessary
- Be aware of costs and benefits
Conclusion
This post has tried to give you some easy tips for a more affordable holiday. But remember that it is not about how much money you spend, but about spending time together as a family and having fun!
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– Written by Boyan Minchev