Making your money go further on a family holiday

**Collaborative post**

Family holidays are one of the best ways to relax, unwind and make memories which last a lifetime. However, with the rising cost of living here in the UK, planning your getaway without blowing the budget can certainly be stressful and challenging. Over the years, I’ve picked up plenty of tips and tricks to help make holidays affordable without compromising on fun. And honestly, some of our best trips have been the ones where we’ve had to get a bit creative.

Here’s how I’ve managed to stretch our holiday funds – from booking smartly to uncovering affordable activities that keep everyone happy.

Making your money go further on a family holiday

Planning and Booking Smartly

I’ve learnt the hard way that timing is everything when it comes to booking cheap holidays.  A few years ago, we missed out on a fantastic deal for a caravan park because I hesitated too long. Now, I’m much better at getting in early for big trips. Booking in advance almost always guarantees better prices, especially for flights or larger family accommodations like cottages or villas. It’s great when you need a bit of extra space – because let’s face it, no one wants to be cramped on holiday!

That said, some of our most spontaneous trips have been last-minute deals. One of my favourites was a week in Cornwall – a beautiful holiday park popped up on a discount site just as I was hunting for something to do during half term. Within days, we were there, and it was one of the most relaxing breaks we’ve ever had. The key is to keep an eye on deals and be flexible with your dates if you can.

Travelling outside of peak times has been another lifesaver. When the kids were younger, we’d always go during term time – places were quieter, cheaper, and much less stressful. These days, being tied to school holidays means planning well in advance, but we’ve still managed to find deals by choosing less obvious destinations.

Budget-Friendly Accommodation

When it comes to where we stay, I’ve found self-catering options to be the most family-friendly and budget-conscious choice. Not only do you save on eating out, but you also get the added bonus of a proper living space. One of our favourite stays was a little holiday cottage in Norfolk – it had a kitchen, a garden for the kids to run around in, and a cosy living room where we’d play board games in the evenings. We stocked up on food from the local supermarket and had fun cooking together – simple meals, but they added to the whole family experience.

We also, always have fun when camping or glamping, and it is a bonus at meal times as the kids want to get involved and cook. You can find some of our favourite camping recipes here.

Holiday parks are another brilliant option. We’ve been to quite a few over the years, and they always deliver great value for money. The kids love the pools, mini-golf, and evening shows, and I love not having to plan out every second of the day because there’s always something to do on-site. One summer, we stayed in a static caravan in Devon, and Harry still talks about the endless games of tag he played with the other children he met there.

If you’re feeling adventurous, house-swapping can be a fantastic option. We haven’t tried it ourselves yet, but friends of ours swapped their home for one in Edinburgh and had a brilliant time exploring the city without worrying about accommodation costs. It’s definitely on my list to try one day.

Saving on Transport

Getting to your destination can eat up a huge chunk of your budget, so we’re always on the lookout for ways to save. I’ve found that budget airlines often have great mid-week deals, though I’ll admit flying with kids can be a bit of an adventure in itself! For closer trips, trains have been our go-to. We always grab tickets as soon as they’re released and use our Family & Friends Railcard – the savings are incredible, especially when you’re travelling as a group.

For UK-based holidays, we often drive. It’s easier to pack the car with everything we need, from snacks to scooters, and it’s a lot less stressful than worrying about baggage limits. One memorable trip to the Lake District had us stopping off at random little villages along the way, turning the journey into part of the holiday. There’s something about road trips that always feels like an adventure!

Affordable Activities and Entertainment

Keeping the kids entertained while staying on budget can be a bit of a juggling act, but I’ve discovered so many wonderful (and often free) activities over the years. Beaches are a firm favourite – Harry loves building elaborate sandcastles, while Emmy can spend hours rock-pooling or just lying on a blanket with a book. Pack a picnic, a kite, and maybe a frisbee, and you’ve got a full day of entertainment without spending a penny.

When we’re exploring cities, museums and galleries are our go-to. So many offer free entry or family passes, and they’re a brilliant way to spark the kids’ curiosity. I remember visiting the Natural History Museum in London with them when they were younger – Harry was obsessed with dinosaurs at the time, and seeing his face light up when he spotted the T-Rex was priceless.

Local festivals or street markets are wonderful experiences for a great day out, and you could actually just wander around and just take in your surroundings without spending any money. During one trip to Yorkshire, we stumbled upon a food festival in a little market town. We spent hours sampling delicious locally made treats, watching the street performers, and soaking up the atmosphere around us, and of course, people-watching (a favourite for Emmy and myself) – all for the cost of a couple of ice creams.

Final Thoughts

Planning a holiday on a budget may take a little more planning, but it really does make the whole experience even more rewarding. There’s something satisfying about finding a great deal, discovering new places and making the most of what’s available without having to overspend.

Some of my favourite memories are of the simpler things, such as eating fish and chips on the seafront, playing cards or board games in the caravan, or exploring a nature trail. By booking smartly, choosing family-friendly and cost-effective accommodation, and making the most of free or low-cost activities, you can easily enjoy a perfect holiday without the stress of overspending.

Holidays shouldn’t be about how much you spend – they’re about the memories you make. Emmy and Harry, still talk about a family holiday to Cornwall, staying with their Auntie Di and bagging some bargain HexBug toys from the local charity shop which kept them entertained for days. That holiday was in 2019 and they could probably recall everything we did on that trip as they made so many lasting memories.

What has been your favourite low-cost holiday and why? Please share your experience in the comments so we can help each other with some money-saving tips.