January is all about planning and looking ahead at what the year will bring us.
What do I want 2017 to bring me? Fun time with my family is always top of the list and this year I want us to take our first trip abroad all together. I’ve been abroad with Maisy and Bella before Lottie was born but little Lottie has never been on a plane!
For two reasons; first being as a single parent the thought of me and three children in another country is quite scary. Secondly is the cost, it is so expensive to travel nowadays so as I shop around I am sharing some of my top tips for family travel on a budget.
Shop around online
As easy as it is to go straight to a big well known travel agents and book, it is usually more expensive. Have a look for online discounts think about booking the flights and accommodation separately while a package deal is quick it rarely works out the cheapest option. I am looking at Spain for the girls and I as the flights are short and it’s such a family friendly destination renting an apartment works out so much more cost efficient for us.
Take into account extra costs
It is easy to think oh that’s a good deal – book! You really need to do your research into the small detail’s first. What’s included with your airline, baggage or inflight meals? Are transfers included?What is there to do locally for the children?
I would always look for accommodation that is near to the beach it doesn’t cost anything to take the kids to the beach and if yours are anything like mine they will spend hours happily on a beach. Spain-Holiday.com actually allows you to property search by how distance to the beach, so handy for any like minded families!
Travel light
Avoid expensive charges at the airport and don’t pack 4 pairs of shoes per person – you will not need it. Think about what you actually need and just take that. Having some space in your case is always a good idea because you are bound to bring extra souvenirs home.
Think food
Do you enjoy eating out on holiday? If so all inclusive will be a waste of time for you. Do you like chilling by the pool with unlimited cocktails? Yes!? Then all inclusive will save you money in the long run. Different board options are always available check them out first do the maths and see what is worth while for your preferences. Also check out reviews, they always talk about food if it sounds naff go for self catering or just B&B options.
Wait for last minute offers
Last minute offers can save you a fortune but they can be risky if you have specific dates you would like to travel. I am someone who needs to pre plan and know exactly where I am going months in advance but if you are less of a control freak last minute deals would be great for you.
So those are my tips for saving some money when travelling abroad, do you have any more to share?
Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post.
Good article, I’m always on the lookout for tips when booking a holiday. It gets so expensive with a family and I tend to agree about staying near the beach, kids can play all day with sand and water and it costs nothing. Win win!
Good article, I’m always on the lookout for holiday booking tips, we are all trying to save cash these days and it doesn’t come cheap with kids.
Agree re staying near the beach, sand and water costs nothing and will keep my 2 occupied for hours.
I personally love a bit of all inclusive – yum!
Some great tips there on how to save money when travelling. I love planning our holidays to every last detail and saving as much money as possible. We haven’t taken D yet but these tips will definitely come in useful
Family travel can be SO expensive so you’ve got some really great and useful tips here lovely! xx
Love this post! I can’t wait to take my 3 abroad this year. We go to Spain with my mum in May and then we are getting married in Santorini in September – can’t wait! Some great tips here! x
Ooo some fab tips here! I definitely need to learn to pack light – we’ve not done an overseas trip since having the baby, and I wasn’t that good before, so I really need to focus on this when we do eventually go away.
Great ideas. I think not having to rent a car can save a lot of money (and hassle taking car seats). So staying by the beach or main attractions is a good idea. I also think its a good idea to stagger getting your passports. Otherwise they’ll all run out at the same time and cost a fortune to sort! x
We’ve not been abroad with our kids yet (mostly because of the cost) so it’s great to find out some tips for keeping the costs down. I’m a planner too – I want to know months in advance what’s happening. #TheListLinky
It’s always tricky deciding whether to book early to get what you want or wait for a bargain. With little ones it’s probably best to book early and look for early deals.
Great tips! We’re going down the last minute route this year in the hope to grab a bargain!
We are booking our first trip this year, being on maternity leave these tips will definitely help. Thank you!
Great tips thanks for linking #thelist
Great tips – we often forget to budget for our food on holiday and end up spending loads on it. Need to get better at planning meals when away!
Some lovely tips for family holidays. Agree, pack light especially as a single parent. You have kids to look after and want luggage down to a minimum
All fab tips. I think shopping around online is defo the most important and being wary of hidden costs x
Some great tips. We tend to always go all inclusive and then maybe just eat out once or twice. I find it so much easier with kids too as they tend to always be hungry! xo
Fab post lovely!! I like a bit of both — saving on flights and splashing out on a decent apartment. And I love Spain too — Alicante is one of my favourite places in the whole world. I love it there xx
This has some useful tips. I’d love to travel abroad again this year too.
Definitely. I am looking forward to read more articles on how we can go on the family trip without spending too much money.
Great tips! I’ve never taken the kids abroad, my husband and son don’t do too well in the sun. I’d love to take my daughter sometime but have always been put off by the cost, but it looks like you can do it on a budget if you try.