After the festive season, we often dream about booking a holiday in the sun with our families. However, as the majority of us have spent too much money over Christmas, we often push this idea to the back of our minds.
Budget wisely
As it can be easy to overspend when you are on holiday, especially if you take credit cards along with you, it’s imperative to come up with a daily budget which you can stick to. If you don’t, you may have a nasty surprise when your next credit card bill arrives on your doormat.
Consider getting a pre-paid credit card before you go away. Opting for this type of card can ensure that you don’t go over your budget, especially if you want to enjoy the holiday and return home without any extra debts.
Also avoid using your mobile abroad if possible in order to save money. You can communicate with friends and family on social networking websites such as Twitter and Facebook instead. Using email is another way to reduce communication costs.
It is often feasible to book a holiday when on a limited budget, but you will need to know the right way to go about it. Booking ahead and being determined to find a good deal will ensure that you and your family get the holiday you deserve. To get some extra cash for your holiday, why not sell some of your old gear like games consoles or music players rather than have them just taking up space in a cupboard? Here are some tips on how to get cheap family holidays when on a budget.
Consider different types of accommodation
When deciding on the type of accommodation for your holiday, you’ll need to consider whether a self-catering holiday will be more cost-effective than an all-inclusive hotel. While an all-inclusive deal can sometimes be cheaper by covering all your expenses upfront, staying in self-catering accommodation might allow you to explore local areas more freely and save money.
For example, choosing Accommodation in Cardigan Bay (if you’re visiting there), a popular destination known for its stunning coastline and outdoor activities, can give you the flexibility to cook your own meals and have extra spending money for local attractions. Similarly, staying at a charming countryside cottage in the Lake District or a beachfront apartment in Cornwall may offer a self-catering experience that lets you immerse yourself in the local culture while keeping costs down. However, if you plan to spend most of your time by the pool, an all-inclusive resort might be more economical.
Alternatively, if you’re traveling on a tight budget, you might consider staying in a backpacking lodge. However, this may not be ideal for families with young children. It’s essential to do your research in advance to determine whether a backpacking lodge, like those commonly found in national parks or coastal regions, suits your travel needs.
When looking for an holiday accommodation, be it a hotel, bed and breakfast, youth hostel, or spa resort, keep in mind to first decide what type of experience you are aiming for. Based on that, you can check out a holiday accommodation platform such as cozycozy or similar others where you can search for multiple options and compare to decide what might work for you. For instance, a group of young friends might prefer an inexpensive hostel, whereas a family with kids could opt for a resort with pool, spa, and other luxuries. Additionally, you can save money by searching online for promotional codes. Many travel companies offer discounts to attract new customers, so be sure to shop around for the best deals.
Always do your research
Planning ahead can often save you cash on your holiday. Book your flights and accommodation as early as you can in order to make a substantial saving. Do your research to find a holiday deal which will cater to your budget, and don’t always book the first offer that you see. With the right research, you can even find deals that are catered to your location. For instance, you could avail package Holidays from Glasgow Prestwick airport (or whichever airport is closest to you), which would be very convenient as well as easy on the wallet.
Alternatively, book a last minute holiday, which can be a great way to save money. Travel companies often reduce their rates because they want to fill empty seats, ideal for travellers who don’t mind booking a holiday and travelling at the last minute.
Whatever you decide to do, ensure that you have the necessary travel insurance in place to protect you when you are on holiday. There is nothing worse than experiencing an emergency abroad and having no way of rectifying the situation.
Choose a staycation
You and your family don’t always have to travel abroad in order to have a great time. There are plenty of attractions to see and experience in the United Kingdom, many of which won’t break the bank. Decide on a list of locations that you have always wanted to visit in the UK, and then decide whether a staycation will be as fun as travelling abroad. Remember to consult every member of your family and come to a joint decision on the best course of action to take.
Many holiday parks in the UK also offer the chance for you to go “glamping”, a new spin on conventional camping. You can stay in a Mongolian style tent called a “yurt”, which contains many home comforts, rather than sleeping on the ground in a sleeping bag.
