Low cost destinations
Try to choose countries where the cost-of-living is comparatively low. Upmarket family resorts for both sun and ski are always likely to be exorbitantly expensive and so prepare your budget accordingly.
Markets where tourism is only developing can be relatively cheap compared to more traditional destinations. Currency can also work to your advantage. At the moment, given the weakness of the dollar, the US is offering families fantastic value although the extra cost of the transatlantic flights needs to be taken into account. South Africa is also a great option if you want an adventure, wildlife or a safari holiday and countries like Turkey and Tunisia also offer good value.
Cost cutting while on holidays
Travelling with kids is not cheap and when you start multiplying meals and drinks out by four, five or six this can have a significant effect on your spending money. Try to save money by doing things like taking drinks made by Orange squash or Ribena which will generally be better for your children anyway than fizzy drinks.
Another way to cut costs would be to book a family room, a suite, or an apartment instead of two interconnecting rooms although you will need to be sure that your family can all live in the same room and that the sizes are adequate. Self catering and hiring an apartment in a city are great options. Have a look at James Villas, Meon Villas or The Apartment Services.
See things for free
In many cities there are dedicated days to see attractions or museums for free. On the first Sunday of the month in Paris the Louvre, the Centre Pompidou and the Picasso Museum are free. In New York an insider tip is to take the Staten Island Ferry around the harbor and the Bronx Zoo has a pay what you wish day on Wednesdays. Check the local online guides all of which will have oddles of free stuff and ask your Operator or concerige.
Hire a car
Consider hiring a car and doing your own DIY exploring rather than an organised tour. This is always better for families anyway as it gives you extra independence and privacy. Another option while you are holidays is to eat a picnic on a beach with wonderful locally produced foods. Have a look at our Smart car hire or car rental for families for some money saving tips.
Avoid airline food
Most regular European family holiday destinations can be reached in three hours or less, so save on the price of your charter airline food by opting out of the in-flight meal, where possible. Stock up instead on what you need before your flight or have something to eat while waiting for your departure. This option makes particular good sense on flights that involve eating at abnormal meal times. If you don’t normally eat late at night, why pay extra for the privilege on a plane? Saving can also be made on no-frills flights by avoiding pricey onboard drinks and snacks.
Talk less or talk smart
While on holiday try to actually take a break from the mobile and talk only if absolutely necessary. If you have to use the phone be smart by checking out the charges on price comparison sites such as roamingadvisor.com which compares global and local Sim cards to save you money on holidays.
You will find lots of family friendly travel tips and advice in our research and advice section to help you book the right family holiday. Check out also the experiences of other parents and travellers in our parents forum and add your own experiences as we are a great believer in real parent's experiences as the best measure of whether somewhere will suit you for your family holiday.
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