Thinking about your next family sun holiday, but feeling a lot less excited about how much it’s going to cost? You’re not alone. Between flights, accommodation, and keeping everyone fed and entertained, family holidays can add up fast.
The good news is that with a few smart choices, you can bring the cost down without sacrificing the fun. Here are 5 ways to make your family sun holiday cheaper.
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Family Sun Holiday Tips
Fitting all the family’s holiday wishes into a budget can feel like a juggling act. But a family holiday can work out a lot more affordable than you’d expect if you do a bit of research and make some careful choices along the way.
The goal is simple: a sunny destination with plenty for both kids and adults to enjoy, at a price that doesn’t leave you dreading the credit card bill.
#1. Go Where the Cheap Flights Go
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Spend some time researching destinations that fit your idea of the perfect family sun holiday. Choosing a short-haul destination like Spain or Portugal often means cheaper flights, especially if you book at the right time — sometimes even cheaper than a train journey for the whole family.
Once you’re there, shorter-haul destinations also tend to offer lower prices in shops, restaurants, bars, and theme parks. Add in more affordable accommodation, and you’ve got yourself a winner.
Speaking of accommodation…
#2. Choose All-Inclusive Accommodation
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Booking an all-inclusive family sun holiday makes budgeting far easier, since everything is covered when you pay upfront.
Not only do you get a good price on your stay in a lovely resort, but your meals, drinks, and plenty of extras are usually included too — no surprise bills waiting for you at the end of the week.
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#3. Free Child Places
Look out for family-friendly resorts that offer free child places. Booking this option means spending less on accommodation overall, leaving more room in your budget for holiday activities. And while the kids stay for free, they still get full access to everything the resort has to offer — mini clubs included.
Choosing a hotel with free child places can bring the cost of your holiday down without compromising on quality. And who doesn’t love getting something for free?
#4. Flexible Dates Help Keep the Cost Down
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If your dates are flexible, you could pick up a real bargain. If you’re not tied to school holidays, try searching for dates outside those peak weeks — prices can drop noticeably once demand eases off.
Alternatively, holding off and booking a late deal can also help you save a few euro on the overall cost.
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#5. Make Sure Activities for Children Are Included
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Most family-friendly resorts run kids clubs, so it’s worth double-checking that yours does too — that way, the little ones are entertained and looked after at no extra cost.
Check what age groups the kids club covers, so all your children are catered for. Some resorts also have separate children’s pools, or even dedicated kids’ entertainment teams, all designed to keep the fun going.
(And while the kids are having the time of their lives, parents can enjoy a bit of peace and quiet — maybe even a cocktail and a good book by the pool. What’s not to love?)
You can make your family holiday even more cost-effective by choosing a resort with its own waterpark, so the kids get plenty of splashing about without the need for pricey entry tickets elsewhere.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What’s the cheapest way to book a family sun holiday?
Booking short-haul destinations, staying flexible on your travel dates, and choosing all-inclusive accommodation are among the easiest ways to keep costs down. Booking outside peak school-holiday weeks, where possible, also tends to bring prices down.
Is all-inclusive really cheaper for families?
For many families, yes. Paying upfront for meals, drinks, and extras makes it much easier to control your overall spend, since you’re not adding up costs day by day once you’re there.
Do all resorts offer free child places or kids clubs?
No — this varies by resort and by operator, so it’s always worth checking directly with your travel provider or the resort before booking to confirm what’s included for your family.
When is the best time to book for a cheaper family holiday?
This depends on the destination and provider, but flexibility around your travel dates — and staying open to a late deal — generally gives you the best chance of a lower price.
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Save This for Later
Planning a family sun holiday takes a bit of time, so why not bookmark this page or share it with a fellow parent who’s in the middle of researching their next trip? You’ll also find plenty more family travel ideas across our adventure section whenever you’re ready to plan your next getaway.
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