The thought of going on a frugal family holiday can be somewhat confusing for a lot of people. However, it is totally possible with a lot of planning and consideration beforehand.
Here are three top tips to help you achieve both fun and frugality on holiday.
Location Location Location
When it comes to reducing the cost, being able to compromise a bit when it comes to the location will help you to save money. While many believe that a staycation will reduce the costs significantly, actually this is not always the case and definitely depends on a number of factors.
If you are keen to soak up the sun, if you are less fussy about the country you fly to, you can undoubtedly find something fairly reasonably priced. Don’t be fooled by the free child places either as sometimes the holidays can still be pricier than those without this offer.
If you wish to stay in the UK, caravan parks are great fun and if you leave it until the last minute, you can often grab yourself a great deal, but again, this relies on you not being overly bothered by the where.
Mealtimes
When the kids are not at school, it is possible to spend a fortune on food, right? It’s the same on holidays, so this is an area where you really need to watch your wallet. It can be tempting to eat out for every meal, but the costs add up very quickly if you succumb to the pressure of doing so.
Instead, grab a loaf of bread for breakfast and do toast or some fruit and cereal bars if you don’t have a kitchen. Making sandwiches along with some crisps and a piece of fruit will do for lunch.
If you are able to get a good deal on an all-inclusive or half board holiday, try to make the most of it. Some will have food and drink on offer 24/7. While the food might be a little basic and the drinks are usually the house specials rather than brand names, this can save you a small fortune as we all know how much kids say they need when you are away.
Sightseeing
Wherever you find yourself, it is unlikely that you will want to remain on-site for the entire holiday. There is always so much to see and do, whether you are in Rhyl or Rhodes, Looe Bay or Lyon.
Do your research before going away and see the local attractions that you would like to visit. If at all possible, use vouchers to pay for them. For example, Tesco Clubcard points could pay for things, or you can find coupons on food packaging.
If this isn’t possible, especially if you are heading abroad, try to plan your itinerary in advance. Booking excursions beforehand can help to save you money. Furthermore, it will help you avoid the inevitable whinging when you ask people what they’d like to do that particular day.
