The Best Value for Money Cheap Family Holidays

It has been a long, hard recession that has left many of us counting our pennies and being more cautious with our pound coins. It is no surprise that many families have sacrificed their annual holidays abroad as a means of being more frugal, but as we emerge out of the recession is it time to start packing our bathing suits?

Flying abroad needn’t be financially crippling, if you plan ahead and stick to a budget, a trip through the clouds may not be a complete fantasy. There are many options available from Travelzoo like fly drives, cheap cruises, bargain package deals or renting out a home abroad.

So, how do you ensure you get the best value for money when booking a cheap family holiday?

 

Plan Ahead or Go Last Minute?

Waiting until at least eight weeks before you want to fly will mean that you can find discounts on package deals. The simple reason being that the tour operators have booked and paid for the room and now need to sell them or risk being out of pocket. If you can book a late deal you will find your bank account having less of a shock when the statement comes through, however a late deal also means limited choice and if this doesn’t suit, the trick is to book as early as possible. If you can book up to a year in advance, you can make massive savings that can really affect your choice of destination.

Pay Now, Eat Later

All inclusive deals come with a bigger price tag but further down the line may make much more economical sense. For families of four or more a two-week break can mean a significant amount of spending money when it comes to eating out. Choosing an option like a cruise, or all inclusive deal, means that once you have paid for the holiday you don’t have to factor in the same amount of holiday cash.

 

Hi De Hi

Food is not the only expense on a holiday, if you are traveling with young and active children you also need to keep them entertained day and night. Whilst an adult’s idea of a break may include long leisurely suppers with a good glass of red, your off spring may prefer jetting off to the local disco and spinning some moves with the other children.

If you choose a child friendly holiday, and again many cruise ships are set up with crèches, kids clubs and night-time entertainment, you will be able to sit back with that glass of red whilst watching the kids be entertained by the resident team. You can relax whilst the children have a whale of a time.

 

Author:  Jane Blackmore is a writer, editor, and blogger who likes nothing more than to feel the sun on her face and watch her three energetic children have a marvelous time. When not planning her next holiday she can be found furiously typing away desperately trying to pen the next best selling novel.