Planning a family holiday? We share some top tips to cut costs
Published
With prices continuing to rise, a UK family of four taking a two-week break is likely to cost an average of £4792. With this in mind, the experts at Choose Leisure wanted to reveal the main reason less people are planning holidays by analysing Visit Britain’s sentiment tracker to highlight the main concerns.
Participants were asked “How, if at all, would you say the ‘cost of living crisis’ is likely to influence your UK short breaks or holidays in the next six months?”
Choosing cheaper accommodation was the most common way people planned to save money on their holidays with less than a quarter (22%) stating this is a key way to cut back for many.
Almost one in five (19%) said they were willing to spend less on eating out and opt for free activities to be able to afford a short break or holiday in the next six months.
Money-saving Changes Total
Choose cheaper accommodation 22%
Spend less on eating out 19%
Look for more ‘free things’ to do 19%
Take fewer UK short breaks/holidays 13%
Cut back on buying gifts/shopping at the destination 13%
Do fewer activities 13%
Choose self-catering accommodation 12%
Travel when it’s cheaper (i.e. outside of busier time periods) 11%
Stay with friends or relatives 11%
Visit fewer visitor attractions 11%
Kent motorhome company, Choose Leisure, who conducted the research shared the most effective ways to save money while travelling:
1. Choose Alternative Accommodations
Instead of hotels, consider vacation rentals such as studios, chalets or motorhomes for more space and a kitchen to save on meals. For a free stay, try home exchanges but hostels are also great for budget-conscious solo travellers.
2. Travel Off-Peak & Book Smart
Avoid peak seasons as travelling in late September instead of July can cut hotel costs by 40%. Shifting check-in dates away from weekends can also help. Book flights and stays as early as possible following these rules: 3 months ahead for domestic trips, 6 months for international.
3. Use Loyalty Programs & Travel Credit Cards
Hotel rewards programs offer discounts and free stays through being loyal and collecting points. Travel credit cards provide cashback, free lounge access, and travel insurance. Frequent flyer miles can also lower flight costs.
4. Cut Food Costs
Book stays with free breakfast or a kitchen to save 30-50% on dining. Buy groceries locally and eat out strategically to avoid a big final bill, many restaurants also offer lunch specials which tend to be cheaper than dinner.
5. Use Public Transport
Skip taxis and rentals, many UK cities, including Manchester, Edinburgh, and Birmingham, offer affordable tram and bus networks with day passes. London offers unlimited travel options on buses, the underground and trains with designated zones - ideal for tourists planning to visit multiple sights in a day.
