Budget-Friendly Tips for Families on the Go

Family holidays don’t need to break the bank. With smart planning, you can create memories that last a lifetime without overspending. Accommodation, food, and activities can be surprisingly inexpensive if you know where to look.

Whether you’re booking a short weekend getaway or a fortnight in the sun, check out our guide on stretching your budget below.

Set a Realistic Travel Budget

Before you book your tickets and accommodation, start by planning your budget. Consider where you want to travel and how long you’ll spend there, factoring in inter-country travel to different cities. Research the costs of flights and accommodation in those places.

Travel outside of peak season and avoid school holidays. Book for just before or after these dates during the shoulder season, as accommodation and flight costs are usually lower and crowd sizes are smaller. Even if you have to book during peak season, planning early gives you a better chance of finding low-cost deals.

Find Affordable Flights and Accommodation

Finding inexpensive plane tickets and hotels is usually easier if you book a few months in advance, but you can take advantage of last-minute holiday deals if you look in the right places. Travel agencies can streamline the booking process by interfacing with you, airlines, and hotels in your destination, saving you from sifting through different websites.

Comparison tools will let you check whether you can save by flying early in the morning or late at night or if adding a stopover would help. Booking your accommodation and flights in one package deal to family-friendly destinations like Italy and Spain is often cheaper than separately due to agencies’ access to exclusive deals and packages.

Save on Food During Your Trip

Staying in a room with a kitchen is one of the best ways to avoid overspending on food during your holiday. Shop at discount supermarkets and stick to essentials to make healthy meals, and freeze or refrigerate leftovers for later.

Eating out can be expensive, but it’s the best way to experience local cuisines. To get an authentic experience without breaking the bank, avoid cafes and restaurants within short walking distance of major tourist attractions. Ask locals about their favourite spots and check apps and websites where they post reviews. Staff members at your accommodation and taxi drivers are unlikely to eat in touristy parts of the city and may have interesting recommendations.

Plan Low-Cost or Free Activities

There are subtle ways to use the power of numbers to enjoy discounts abroad. Many attractions offer family coupons and marketing campaigns, such as kids-go-free weeks or museum exhibitions that don’t charge entry for children.

Hiking is a great way to get the kids outdoors, and it’s usually free of charge. Opt for easy terrain with well-maintained paths and keep it under three hours to prevent the kids from getting too tired. Pack well-fitting hiking boots and enough snacks to energise the whole family while you take in the views.