School Holiday Rates - How To Mitigate Them

Taking the kids? Reducing the costs can help the enjoyment

With half term looming, there have been further discussions in the media regarding the fairness of Holiday rate hiking during school breaks. With parents facing hefty fines if they take their children on term-time holidays and travel companies claiming that school holiday vacations are the only time they can make a profit, the argument seems set to last a while longer yet.

So what can you do to try and mitigate these increased costs for your family breaks? Here are a few ideas, simple, but they may save you some money and help turn an expensive and stressful time into a great family holiday.

Have your Holiday in Britain

It can be important to book early, and your break may well depend on the vagaries of the British weather, but UK holidays can be a viable alternative - ask many who holidayed at home last year in the long, hot summer. It may not be as hot and sunny as Malaga or Tenerife, but it may be cheaper and just as much fun.

Plan and Book Early

If you haven't booked flights for July and August - do so soon. Air Companies like to see seasonal seats filling up early and offer incentives for you to do so.

Package Holidays can be a little more complicated as last minute deals can be very cheap indeed - yet hoping you find one in time can be exceptionally stressful. Always look at the total price when you compare.

Mid-Week Travel

This is almost always cheaper than weekend travel and usually more pleasant as it is quieter. Self-catering holidays are usually Saturday to Saturday - but not always - it pays to look.

Travel late in the Break

Holidays late May in the Whitsun break or late August in the main holiday are often quieter and cheaper. You may only get a week's holiday, but if that's what you're looking for then that's the time to look at. The resorts may well be quieter too.

Popular Destinations

These are cheaper because availability is greatest. Competition is good too, so choose Spain, France or Portugal for popular vacations where these two factors - competition and availability - mean more chance of a cheaper deal.

If you plan well, think ahead and do some research you should be able to save that hard earned money to pay for more excitement, more fun, better food and less stress on the break itself.

And don't forget that by having your Travel Insurance on board when you book you may well save your deposit if it is jeopardised by unseen circumstances - check our website HERE for competitive rates.