Planning a memorable family holiday abroad can feel daunting, especially when faced with soaring costs. However, one bargain-loving travel expert and mother of two is on a mission to prove that creating lasting memories doesn't require emptying your savings account.
Mastering the Art of the Budget Getaway
Jen Carr, a former NHS doctor who now runs The Travel Mum, has booked more than 50 affordable trips with her family. She advocates for a smart, flexible approach to travel, starting with ditching expensive package deals in favour of a DIY holiday. Her first crucial tip is to be flexible with flights and airports. "We recently saved £1,000 flying to Sardinia from London rather than Manchester," Carr explains, highlighting how checking alternative departure points can lead to significant savings.
She always begins her search on comparison websites, praising Skyscanner as "unbeatable" for flights. For accommodation, she recommends using platforms like Hotels.com through her site's DIY trip-builder to compare options effectively.
Smart Packing and Accommodation Choices
Packing light is another major money-saver. Carr points out that a family of four can each take a rucksack under the seat for free, avoiding costly luggage fees. "You can fit an awful lot of clothes in a small rucksack, especially when the kids' clothes are tiny," she advises, suggesting everyone wears their bulkiest items on the plane.
She also shares a clever hack for luggage allowance: most airlines allow a car seat to be checked in for free. "We usually put the car seat in a car seat bag and then within that bag we put in another rucksack with extra things in," she says, effectively creating a free checked item.
When it comes to where to stay, Carr is a firm advocate for self-catering accommodation. Having your own kitchen allows families to save a fortune by preparing breakfast and dinner themselves. She suggests going out for lunch instead, as menus are typically cheaper, and seeking places with promotions or kid-sized meals.
Finding Value in the UK and Beyond
Carr believes UK holiday parks are highly underrated. She recalls a fantastic trip to Butlin's, where her family paid just £89 for four nights. With included amenities like playgrounds, swimming pools, and fairground rides, the need for extra spending was minimal.
Her philosophy extends to activities, prioritising free options over paid attractions. She recommends beaches, museums, playgrounds, picnics, and local markets as excellent, cost-free ways to enjoy family time. For those considering a last-minute package, she notes that TUI often has a reliable deals section worth checking.
One of her most powerful strategies is collecting reward points. "Be smart with where you book and spend your money in everyday life," Carr advises. She collects Avios points via a credit card, which can be redeemed for flight upgrades or even a full set of family tickets annually. Similarly, using Hotels.com accumulates OneKeyCash for future hotel stays.
Finally, she recommends paying for holidays in instalments where possible, as many providers offer this option to help with budgeting. A little preparation, like taking toys and games on days out to avoid expensive impulse buys, can also keep costs down. With these expert tips, affordable family adventures are well within reach.
