14 genius ways to book a cheap family holiday in 2023
Juliet Blank
Associate EditorLast updated by: Jennifer Howze
Want a holiday but not sure you can afford one? Fear not. We’ve got 14 clever ways you can book a cheap family break this year. From the best family holiday destinations to sorting budget accommodation, bag a family holiday bargain with these hacks.
1 Look out for flash sales
Websites like Holiday Pirates and Secret Escapes have ‘flash sales’ listing discounted package holidays, flights and hotels for a limited period.
These can offer big savings, so sign up for their emails to get alerts.
2 Pick the location carefully
Some destinations are cheaper to get to, some are cheaper once you arrive. However you spend your holiday budget, there's a wide range of experiences out there.
For example, the Post Office Beach Barometer compares prices for 12 beach items including a bucket & spade, inflatable lilo, swimming goggles and water rides. In its most recent report (from 2022) it rates Marmaris in Turkey as the cheapest resort for children’s extras. (Be sure to keep an eye out on the Foreign Office website for up to date advice on travelling to Turkey, here.)
Also offering great value are:
- Portugal – Visit cities like Lisbon or Porto, the Algarve for beautiful beaches and great value or the gorgeous island of Madeira
- Cyprus – One of our favourite countries to visit with children, from Paphos to water sports to Alagadi Turtle Beach to see turtles nesting
- Bulgaria – Sunny Beach, adventure parks and loads of culture
- Poland – Affordable accommodations in Krakow and Warsaw plus impressive castles, a reasonbly priced public transport system and less known gems like the mountain resort Zakopane
- Hungary – Budapest's stunning architecture, thermal baths and a range of affordable accommodations and dining option
3 Book your flights at 4am
Could be time to set your alarm! According to holiday website Kayak, you can save up to 42% on the cost of your summer holiday flight by booking at 4am, compared to later in the day.
For Easter flights, booking at 11am is up to 66% cheaper than booking later in the day.
No, we’re not sure how the science behind this works but it’s definitely worth giving it a go! And don't miss the rest of our insider tips for booking cheap flights.
4 Look out for ‘cancellation holidays’
Some travel websites offer ‘cancellation holidays’ – trips that other people have booked and then had to cancel last minute. And because they’ve often already paid for part of the trip, the holiday companies can then sell on to you at a discount.
Check out LoveHolidays. They are often last-minute deals, so make sure all your passports are up to date before you book.
5 Have your main holiday in October half term
According to travel experts, you could save up to 40% on a family holiday by going in October, rather than in the summer.
If you want somewhere hot for the kids, look at destinations including the Canary Islands. And to fill your Easter or summer holidays, we’ve got loads of ideas for budget breaks and day trips in your area.
6 Book – and travel – on a Tuesday
The day of the week you book your holiday – and when you travel – is a simple way of cutting the cost of your holiday.
According to travel experts, many travel companies adjust their prices on Tuesdays, especially if certain holidays aren’t selling. And this means you could bag a great deal on your family holiday.
And travelling midweek is often cheaper than going on a Friday or Saturday.
7 Book a villa
Private accommodation through websites like Airbnb, VRBO or Owner Direct can work out much cheaper than staying in a hotel. You can ensure you have elements important to you (say, a garden for the kids to play in) and ones you don't want too (a terrace that's not toddler-safe).
Not only can you save on the price of accommodation, you’ll cut food costs because you can eat in.
8 If you’re going abroad, book early ...
Booking your holiday early – from December to February for your summer break – can be a money saver.
Holiday companies often offer free child places and low deposit schemes. These give you time to save up and pay for your holiday, rather than a last-minute deal where you have to pay the whole amount straight away.
9 … or go VERY last minute
If you can hold your nerve and book – and then travel – just a day or so later, it's possible to bag a bargain holiday.
Expedia has a section of very last-minute holidays, while LastMinute has some great ‘last-second’ deals. You’re more limited in choice, but if you are flexible on where you go, this can be a great money saver.
For families who love being spontaneous and eager for surprises, it can be a fun way to experience something new together.
5 Go all-inclusive
All-inclusive holidays can be a real bargain whatever your budget. According to ABTA, all-inclusive holidays have rises this year as families seek to manage their finances. The Canaries, the Balearics and Turkey are among the most popular destinations.
And all-inclusive holidays can really save you money on things like travel and transfer as well if you don't have to splash out on children's activities such as water sports and treats or cocktails for the grown-ups.
11 Pick your holiday dates carefully if you're going all-inclusive
Going on holiday in the middle of the school summer holidays is one of the most expensive times you can book.
Try going the last week in the summer break – according to travel experts this can work out far cheaper. We’ve got even more tips from the travel experts on how to get a great all-inclusive holiday deal.
12 Take the coach
Travelling by coach is one of the cheapest ways to get to many European and UK destinations … and can be a lot less stressful than driving.
Coach companies like National Express can have ridiculously cheap fares ... and even holiday packages that allow for door-to-door travel.
13 If you’re camping, book in March
According to travel experts, the best time to book a Eurocamp holiday is between January and early March.
They have a range of deals for July and August including a 20% price reduction at selected sites.
And don't forget to check out campsites in the UK for great deals.
14 Go to a holiday park
You can go as luxury – or as budget – as you like with a holiday park. And no matter where you stay, you know your kids will LOVE it.
Many have on-site entertainment, pools and other activities to keep them entertained. Check out our listings of holiday parks across the UK.
Need more help plotting your family getaway? See our holiday planning advice in the articles below, or get budget trip tips from other parents in the forum:
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