When you are travelling with children the costs can spiral very quickly, especially if you have to travel during school holidays. If you have children you will know that prices skyrocket during these times. Therefore you will want to keep costs done when travelling with kids. Having travelled extensively before having children we know that there are a lot of deals to be had for solo travellers and couples who are not restricted when it comes to when you can take your holiday and where. As a solo traveller or couple, you can tighten your belt in some areas and still have a great getaway.
With kids in tow, you have to factor in the extra expense of not only travelling but also food and attractions to keep them entertained. From personal experience, it seems that travelling on a budget with school-age children can be quite difficult. If you are in the same boat, we hope that some of the ways listed below will help you keep costs down when travelling with kids.
Free Child Places
Many holiday companies offer a certain number of free child places. This means that one child will travel for free usually if there is two full paying adult in your party. Depending on the per person price, this could save you a lot of money on your holiday cost. The child’s age where a free child place is available is displayed on the webpage outlining the holiday. It is important to note that the child’s age on the date of return must not exceed the specified age to take advantage of the free child place.
This age does vary depending on the company you choose to book your holiday with. However many consider 12 and under to be a child. You may be lucky and find a couple that offers free places for those under 16. Free child places can be limited. Therefore the further in advance you can book your holiday, the more likely you are to get one.
All-Inclusive Resorts
Before having children, the idea of all-inclusive resorts filled us with dread. Visions of kids running wild and people overindulging on the buffet food and open bars was not something we could get on board with. Plus several all-inclusive resorts are quite remote. This means seeing the sights can be tricky. However now we have children and know how much they eat, drink and are uninterested in history, art and culture, an all-inclusive gets a big thumbs up from us.
Yes, the initial outlay is likely to be more than a self-catering holiday. However, they can keep costs down when travelling with kids when you add up how much you would spend on food and drinks during the duration of your holiday if you had to eat and drink at local restaurants. Plus they are likely to have activities and kids clubs to entertain your children.
Apartments/Hostels
One way to save a lot of money is opting for an apartment with a private kitchen. If you are prepared to cook all food in your apartment, you will not have to spend money on eating out. Another option is a hostel with a kitchen. If you are happy to share the kitchen facilities, this is another way you can save money. Not only is the daily rate for the hostel likely to be less than other types of accomodation but you can cook your own food again. Therefore, saving you spending cash on eating out.
Yes, you will have to visit a local supermarket and stock up at the beginning and possibly during your holiday. However, the saving you will make from buying food from the supermarket rather than at restaurants is a sure-fire way to keep costs down when travelling with kids. And knowing how much children eat throughout the day, a self-catering holiday is a great option.
Reusable Bottles
In the year 2022 many of us use reusable drinking bottles daily. Therefore when we go on holiday, we should also remember to take them with us. This is a great money-saving option. It also means that we are all doing our bit for the environment and reducing single-use plastic use. By having your bottle with you it means you will not have to spend a couple of quid everything you are thirsty. That money, even though you may not think about it at the time, throughout your holiday can soon add up.
Depending on your destination, there may be the option to freely refill your bottles from fountains, taps etc. Now if your children are like ours, water is officially ‘yuck’. Therefore, we always carry a tiny bottle of double concentrated squash to dilute to ensure they drink their water and don’t nag for shop-bought drinks. This from our research appears to be a UK thing. Who knew?!
Free Admission Days/ Free Attractions
Keeping kids entertained can be costly and it becomes more costly the more children you have. Therefore, when planning your itinerary look at options available to save a few quid while still ensuring your children have a fun holiday. Research free attractions at the destination you are visiting. These could be as simple as parks and beaches. Or for example, in England, museums are free to visit and because there are so many, you will likely find at least one to pique your children’s interests.
Another way to save some money is by looking for free admission days at certain attractions. From our research, this seems to be a US thing, where attractions offer free admission or pay what you want admission on certain days throughout the year. If one of these fall within the duration of your holiday, why not swap your itinerary around a bit to take advantage of the offer?
Travel Discount Sites/ Promo Codes
If you are like us, before you buy anything online, you google to see where you can get what you want for the cheapest price. Booking your holiday should be no different. You must shop around. Even if you can save just a few quid, it is better than nothing – a saving is a saving. For example, check out Skyscanner which is a flight comparison site for flights and sites like Trivago or TravelSupermarket, which are hotel price comparison sites, to get the best deal on accommodation.
Another thing that you may already do is check for money-saving promo codes for what you want to buy. Again you check when booking your holiday as well. There are several promo and voucher codes sites that offer codes you simply enter at checkout. The codes may be few and far between, but what’s the harm in looking and potentially getting some money off?
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