Six Ways to Save Money on a Last-Minute Family Holiday This Summer

Summer is supposed to be a time of relaxation and fun, but for many families, the thought of booking a holiday can be overwhelming, especially with prices on the rise. According to recent research from travel deals platform HolidayPirates, the cost of a summer holiday has increased by 17% since last year, with the typical getaway now costing a staggering £2,363 for a family of four.

Summer is here, and it’s time to plan your family holiday

However, all is not lost. There are still ways to save money on a last-minute family holiday. Here are six tips to help you keep your budget in check:

Travel at the End of August

Many people like to take their holidays at the start of the summer break, but delaying your trip until the end of August can help you save money. According to research from global travel app Skyscanner, travellers can save an average of 44% by booking a trip in the last week of the summer holidays instead of the first.

Take, for example, a week-long all-inclusive break at the brand-new Elios Hill resort near Heraklion in Crete. The price falls from £1,283pp to £1,030pp for a departure on 27 August – a saving of over £1,000 for a family of four.

Book on a Tuesday

Finding the best prices for flights and hotels can often feel like pot luck. However, according to digital booking platform HotelPlanner, there’s a sweet spot for making bookings during the week that could help you save money. The company’s research reveals that holidaymakers can save between 5% and 8% on international travel by booking on a Tuesday.

Save money by booking your holiday on a Tuesday

Try Destination Dupes

Aveiro in Portugal looks a little like Venice, but without the tourist crowds and high prices. These destination dupes are holiday spots that have similarities to more popular places but are more affordable because they’re less well-known.

For example, you could swap Amsterdam for Utrecht, Barcelona for Tarragona, and Venice for Aveiro in Portugal. On the summer holidays front, you could swap Croatia for neighbouring Montenegro, switch Mykonos for seaside Rabat in Morocco, or trade the Spanish Costas for the Albanian Riviera.

Switch Holiday Parks

According to data from consumer champion organisation Which?, Center Parcs is the most-visited holiday park brand in the UK, but it failed to deliver value for money among the respondents to its annual survey. However, Hoburne Holidays and Hoseasons fared much better, receiving four stars each for value for money.

Consider switching holiday parks to save money

Do Some Background Research

At this time of year, holiday companies often release data on the best-value summer holiday destinations, which can be found during a quick scan of company blogs or through a Google search.

Take, for example, Marrakech, Istanbul, and Antalya, which have been earmarked by Skyscanner as some of the cheapest places for a hotel stay this July and August. Riad Porte Royale in Marrakech, for example, has double rooms for £76 B&B per night in mid-August.

Let Exchange Rates Inspire You

Finally, consider destinations where the pound is strong against the local currency, meaning you’ll spend less on everything from meals and drinks to local transport and excursions.

The pound will stretch further in Turkey, compared to some other beach destinations

Look into holidays to Turkey’s Bodrum and Antalya areas, Bulgaria’s Pomorie and Nessebar, Tunisia’s Hammamet, Sousse and Skanes, Morocco’s west coast around Agadir, and North Macedonia’s up-and-coming Ohrid area, which is ideal for families.

By following these six tips, you can save money on your last-minute family holiday and still have a fantastic time. So why wait? Start planning your dream getaway today!