Are you planning a family getaway this coming half term? Are you looking for ways to save money in your travel costs?
Here are seven tips to help you do just that – and more:
House swap and cut your accommodation costs
Doing a home exchange with another family can cut your travel costs because you have free accommodation and somewhere to cook. Try websites like Homelink.org and Matchinghouses.com to do UK and worldwide house swaps.
Venture beyond the UK – it could be cheaper and staying at home
Theme parks and other attractions can start to rack up – tickets for a family of four, plus refreshments can cost in excess of £100. Double that amount and you could travel abroad and get much more fun out of it. FloridaTix is a good website to check for tickets to Florida attractions like Walt disney World and Seaworld. You can also try websites like Groupon for other deals.
Check your visas
If you need visa entry into a country as an adult, so will your children, so check in advance to avoid disappointment.
Prepare your children
Fun activities like exploring maps, the history and the type of animals in a country is a great way to get the children geared up for the holiday – especially if you’re going somewhere tropical.
Send heavy items by courier
Prams or pushchairs can be enough of a nuisance when you go shopping, but juggle them with your luggage and you’ll soon wish you hadn’t. Instead, use a courier company to send them to your destination or hotel. It is expensive – for 30kg it can cost as much as £110 – but some things are worth paying for.
Help for single parents travelling alone with the kids
If you’re travelling alone with your children and need some help juggling them with your luggage, you can ask the airport in advance for a meet and assist service. It is free of charge, and depends on their availability but single parents will be given a priority.
Pack wisely
If you’re travelling to a hot country, pack clothes that are made from natural fibres like cotton to reduce sweat, which can irritate skin and/or cause a sweat rash. Children will need at least two sets of clothes a day, and babies will need at least three.
