I'm a family travel expert – my five golden rules for booking a bargain holiday
Spending time with loved ones is a priority for British travellers. Here, Jen Carr shares her lessons from booking more than 50 breaks
Family travel is on the rise. Hotel bookings made using Skyscanner’s “family” filter are up 66 per cent globally year on year and, according to a Marriott Bonvoy survey, spending time with family is a holiday priority for 45 per cent of UK travellers.
As a family travel creator, I’ve booked more than 50 holidays for my family over the years, from budget beach breaks to long-haul adventures. With smart planning, flexible thinking and a few golden rules, travel can be a regular part of your life rather than a once-a-year luxury.
Whether you’re dreaming of winter sun, a city break or a staycation, here are the travel principles I live by.
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Flexibility beats loyalty
The biggest savings come from being flexible and shopping around. Instead of choosing a destination first, start with the price. I search for the cheapest dates and airports, and let the deals guide me.
If travel isn’t tied to term-time, you can slash costs by going midweek or outside school holidays. Even when bound by the school calendar, shifting your departure to a weekday can make a difference.
Use flight comparison tools
Many families don’t use comparison sites to their full potential. On Skyscanner, for example, I search “everywhere” , and choose “whole month” to find the cheapest dates. Setting price alerts also helps – a notification can be the difference between booking or missing a huge drop.
Don’t assume your closest airport is cheapest. We’ve driven two hours to save more than £1,000 on long-haul flights, and even factoring in fuel, parking and a hotel the night before, we can still come out on top.
It is possible to find deals for luxury destinations like the Maldives (Photo: Max Shen/Getty)
Consider the total cost
A cheap flight doesn’t always equal a cheap holiday. I look at accommodation costs, public transport, food prices and activities before booking. Even destinations that are considered expensive can work on a budget (our Maldives trip proved that, totalling £4,500 for four including flights, transfers, food, activities and a villa), but only if you plan.
Research supermarkets, free attractions and whether apartments cost less than hotels. Sometimes spending more on the right base saves money over the whole trip.
Self-cater smartly
We mix eating out with cooking simple meals. Breakfast in the apartment, sandwiches for lunch and dinner out every few nights. Pasta and a jar of sauce is a lifesaver.
Look for accommodation with a fridge and basic facilities. Even if you don’t plan to cook, storing snacks and drinks can save a fortune.
Weigh up packages vs DIY
Booking each element of a holiday separately is usually cheaper for us, but package holiday prices can be unbeatable for certain trips. I compare both side-by-side to see what works out cheaper.
Markets are a great spot for budget travellers (Photo: Betsie Van der Meer/Getty)
Book activities ahead
I research major attractions in advance because early-bird tickets often cost less. But equally, some of our best days out have been completely free: beaches, parks, harbour walks and wandering around local markets. So before paying for a pricey excursion, consider whether there is a free local alternative.
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Protect your money
Travel disruptions are more common than ever; cancellations, delays and lost luggage can derail a trip and your bank balance. This is where companies like AirHelp come in. It is one of the world’s largest air-passenger rights services, helping travellers secure compensation. I always recommend families check eligibility if things don’t go to plan – you could be entitled to hundreds of pounds.
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