Family Holiday on a Budget

August 18, 2011

In times of economic turmoil – or even at any time – a family holiday isn’t always too affordable. Yet family holidays offer a chance to relax for both adults and kids, so it’s worth considering a budget trip if you need to save the pennies for the bills and your mortgage.

The secret to a successful budget family holiday is often finding a deal or discounted prices that can help move the trip from ‘expensive’ to ‘affordable.’ Even at the planning stage, think a long time ahead. You might be able to scan the internet for cheap airfare tickets for next summer for example and get some hefty discounts. Timing is also important when it comes to last minute deals; a trip organised a few days before the plane leaves may be chaotic to prepare for but can be lighter on the wallet thanks to attractive transport and accommodation prices. When booking your trip consider flights that fall in the middle of the week, rather than weekends, as you can save money in this way too.

Your choice of accommodation can be a major factor in how affordable your family holiday is. A campsite stay may have a few disadvantages but it does promote a chance to have fun in the outdoors, it’ll be cheaper than many other places and you’ll be well positioned to explore what the countryside of your destination has to offer. More unusual accommodation for holidaying families, such as hostels and home swaps, have become more popular and you should bear these in mind. Hostels in particular are not just for skint backpackers.

In terms of destinations, your first thought for a budget family holiday should probably be the UK. Staying at home may seem dull at first thought, but you’ll be able to cut a few costs, such as having to hire a car when you’re abroad and you’ll say goodbye to some hassle too, such as changing money for a foreign currency. You can use the opportunity to explore some of the UK’s notable landmarks such as Stonehenge or head to charming historic towns like Bath. Somewhere like the Lake District is highly suitable if you’re looking for scenic landscapes.

Heading abroad, budget destinations include places such as the Turquoise Coast in Turkey, with its picturesque coastline and mud baths, as well as the holiday resort areas such as Bodrum, also in Turkey. Menorca is a more tranquil Mediterranean island and families will find it welcoming and an ideal destination for those using low cost holidays voucher codes. Menorca features beaches as well as opportunities for alternative accommodation such as self-catering cottages.