‘Booking a summer family holiday doesn’t have to mean blowing the budget or spending hours trawling the internet,’ says Jen. ‘With the right strategy, flexibility and a few insider tricks, you can still create unforgettable memories without the stress.’
Let price guide destination – not the other way around
Instead of choosing where to go first, start by looking for what’s affordable. When demand is high, the families who save money are the ones who stay open-minded.
Use flexible calendars to spot hidden bargains
When searching flights, always open the flexible calendar view.
• Mid-week departures are usually cheaper than weekends.
• Flying home on a Tuesday or Wednesday can save £100s.
• Even shifting your trip by one day can make a huge difference.
Sign up to holiday deal mailing lists
Websites like mine that specialise in family holiday deals can help you bag the best price. We have mums searching through holiday deals throughout the week, which can save you a lot of time and money.
Think total cost, not just cheap flights
A £30 flight to Scandinavia might sound amazing - until food, transport and accommodation triple your spend.
Before booking, research:
• Accommodation prices.
• Cost of eating out and supermarkets.
• Public transport and airport transfers.
• Attraction ticket prices.
Some destinations appear pricey but work out cheap with strategy. The Maldives, for example, becomes affordable when you stay on local islands rather than resorts.
Self-catering is a family's secret weapon
I always look for accommodation with:
• A fridge.
• Basic kitchen facilities.
• Nearby supermarkets.
Breakfast in the apartment, snacks for the day, then dinner out every
few nights = happy kids + budget preserved. Even a simple
pasta-and-sauce night frees up budget for something more fun like an
excursion (or cocktails!)
Travel with Airhelp.co.uk to protect your money
Travel disruptions are more common than ever: cancellations, delays
and lost luggage can really derail a trip and your bank balance. This is
where companies like Airhelp.co.uk come in. They are the world’s
largest air-passenger rights organisation, helping more than three
million travellers secure compensation for delays, cancellations and
missed connections. Travellers can quickly check if they’re eligible
using AirHelp’s online tool and choose to claim independently or via
AirHelp’s specialist legal team. You could be entitled to hundreds of
pounds per person, even for flights taken in previous years.
Saving money isn’t just about the booking – it’s about protecting what you’ve spent
Book extras early - but don’t overbook activities
Early-bird deals are real. Reserve big attractions in advance for
best pricing, but you don’t need to fill every day with paid activities.
Kids often prefer:
• Pools.
• Beaches.
• Playgrounds.
• Nature.
• Ice cream stops.
Free memories are sometimes the best ones!
The real goal is having something to look forward to
A holiday booked in that hazy, cosy time between Christmas and New Year is more than a purchase – it’s a promise. A plan.
Book smart, use tools to your advantage, stay flexible and let price
guide you. With the right strategy, 2026 could be your most travelled
year yet.
Visit Jenna Carr’s weekly tips for affordable family holidays at https://thetravelmum.com.
Jenna’s new book Yes, You Can Travel With Kids is available on Amazon, price £12.49 paperback.
Visit www.amazon.co.uk
