Thinking about your next family sun holiday but feeling a lot less excited about the price tag that comes with it? You’re not alone — and the good news is, a little planning can go a long way.
With some smart choices, you can keep the cost of your holiday down without cutting 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 stressful, but a family holiday can work out a lot cheaper than you might think if you do some research and make a few careful choices along the way.
The aim is simple: a sunny destination with plenty to keep both kids and adults entertained, at a price that doesn’t leave you wincing.
#1. Go Where the Cheap Flights Go
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Spend some time researching destinations that match your idea of the perfect family sun holiday. Short-haul spots like Spain or Portugal often come with more affordable flight options than you’d expect, especially if you’re flexible on booking times.
Once you’re there, many of these destinations also offer lower everyday prices in shops, restaurants, bars and theme parks. Add in reasonably priced accommodation, and you’ve got a winning combination.
Speaking of accommodation…
#2. Choose All-Inclusive Accommodation
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Booking an all-inclusive family sun holiday makes budgeting much easier, since everything is covered when you pay upfront.
So not only do you get a good deal on your stay at a lovely resort, you also have meals, drinks and plenty of other extras included, taking the guesswork out of daily spending.
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#3. Look for Free Child Places
Keep an eye out for family-friendly resorts that offer free child places. Booking this option can lower your accommodation costs, leaving a bit more in the budget for fun activities once you arrive. And while the kids stay for free, they still get full access to everything the resort offers — mini clubs included.
Choosing a hotel with free child places can help bring down the overall cost of your holiday without compromising on quality. It’s always a welcome bonus to get something for free.
#4. Flexible Dates Help Keep the Cost Down
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If your dates are flexible, you may be able to pick up a genuine bargain. If you’re not tied to school holidays, try searching for dates outside the peak season — prices tend to be noticeably kinder outside those busy windows.
Alternatively, holding off and booking a late deal can also help shave some cost off your trip.
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#5. Make Sure Activities for Children Are Included
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Most family-friendly resorts run kids clubs, so double-check that yours does too, so you know the little ones will be entertained and looked after at no extra cost.
Check which age groups the kids club covers, to make sure all your children are catered for. Some resorts also offer separate children’s pools and dedicated kids’ entertainment teams, all designed to keep the fun going.
(And while the children are busy enjoying all of that, we parents get a little peace and quiet — the perfect chance to sip something cold, read a few pages of that book you packed, and take in the surroundings. What’s not to love?)
You can make your holiday even better value by choosing a resort with its own waterpark, so the kids get all the splashing fun without you needing to pay for separate entry tickets.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cheapest way to book a family sun holiday?
Being flexible with your travel dates and choosing a short-haul destination are two of the easiest ways to lower the overall cost. All-inclusive packages also make it simpler to control spending, since meals and drinks are already covered.
Are all-inclusive holidays actually cheaper for families?
They can be, because you pay one upfront price that covers meals, drinks and often activities, which helps you avoid unexpected daily costs once you’re there.
Do resorts really offer free places for kids?
Many family-friendly resorts do offer free or reduced-price child places, particularly for younger children. It’s always worth asking directly or checking the resort’s family offers before you book.
What should I check for if I want a kids club included?
Look at the age ranges the kids club covers, the hours it runs, and whether it’s included in your holiday price, to make sure it suits your children and your budget.
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