9 money-saving tips for travelling with kids in 2023
Zara Mohammed
WriterGoing on a family holiday or day trip can be expensive enough, let alone the extra money you end up forking out during the journey itself. Here are 9 essential money-saving tricks to use whenever you’re travelling with kids this year.
1 Pack LOTS of snacks
If you’ve got a long car journey with the kids, it’s oh-so-tempting to grab food and snacks at the motorway service stations – but this is an easy way to blow your budget!
Avoid the temptation by packing loads of snacks and picnic meals that you’ve made at home. We’ve got great ideas for snacks on the go – so you've got no excuse!
2 Get a lounge pass
If you’re going on a family holiday abroad, one of the biggest hurdles is the airport itself … hello Duty Free!
Avoid temptation - for you and your kids - by getting a lounge pass.
Many of them provide free food and a day pass could end up being a much cheaper option than paying premium prices for meals and drinks for the whole family at airport restaurants – especially if you purchase it in advance.
Check out Lounge Pass and Lounge Buddy to find great deals and the latest prices.
3 Invest in a rail or coach card
If you are travelling by train with your kids in the holidays, it’s definitely worth considering a family railcard.
It costs £30 and gets you a third off most standard rail fares across Britain for one year.
Not only could this save loads on the cost of your journey, you can also get discounts on tours and attractions at your destination.
4 Don’t forget to collect - and use - your supermarket loyalty points
If you’ve got a supermarket loyalty card, don’t forget to use it when buying fuel on your journey.
You can then use these points towards meals or shopping when you get back from your holiday.
Some supermarket loyalty schemes also have great offers on train fares so always check before you book anything.
5 Buy 'treats' before you leave home
Another top tip for saving money while travelling is buying - and then hiding - treats for your kids before you set off.
This means if you do have to stop at the motorway services or are faced with the expensive on-board ferry shop, you can whip out the present you already got them.
Make it something you know they want but that isn’t that expensive. Even if you have to spend a tenner, it’s bound to be cheaper than what you end up buying in the shop … and that they lose interest in five minutes later.
6 Use comparison and voucher code sites
If you're buying plane or train tickets bookmark voucher code and money saving websites like Moneysavingexpert.com or Hotukdeals.co.uk.
Check them for discounts and money-saving tips before you book anything.
7 Travel at night
Set off after the kids have gone to sleep or in the early hours.
Not only will it save on travelling time, it also means less food and drink – and other costly distractions – needed for the journey.
8 Provide in-car entertainment
Endless cries from the back of the car of 'I’m bored' can lead to stress and irritation – and then expensive impulse purchases at petrol stations.
Plan in advance with plenty of games and activities for your kids in the back seats.
Games on your phone or tablet are always a great idea for long journeys, just make sure they're fully charged before you set off.
A pack of cards and a magnetic travel board game set is great for some much needed interaction if the kids are getting restless.
Try to think of a list of 'talking' games too - like 'I spy', '20 Questions' and a road trip scavenger hunt. Singing along to favourite tunes is also a great way to help the kids burn some energy and have a good time.
9 Be luggage savvy
Flying with children can be a costly exercise, so make the most of what baggage allowance the airlines have to offer.
Make sure you shop around before you book your flights – not all kids' prices include their own luggage allowance so check the small print.
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