Family holidays are a fond memory many of us carry with us forever. From our first adventure abroad to annual UK breaks as soon as the weather perks up, taking a break and enjoying time with the family is something we all look forward too. One thing that can get us down however is the price tag it comes with. From the costs of a hotel to the rising prices of plane tickets, finding any way to scrimp and save has become an essential part of holiday planning. This is especially true if you have more than one child, and therefore need more space, more cash set aside for meals and more activities lined up. However, when booking your holiday essentials online there are many ways to save on each one.
Free Travel Tickets
Wherever you are journeying, there are plenty of opportunities to save on your family break with free tickets for the little ones. From train to plane, many companies value tiny travellers and therefore offer free places for kids from babies to teens.
UK: If you are travelling within the UK, you can save on kid’s places on several rail services. For those travelling in London with under 11’s, getting a Zip Oyster Photocard entitles them to free travel on the London Underground and over ground services where an Oyster card can be used. For buses and tram journeys in and around London, travel is completely free with or without an Oyster card unless the child looks older than 10 where a photocard is needed.
International: For many airlines and ferry travel providers, “Kids Go Free” deals regularly make an appearance throughout the year. Although these offers are usually not ongoing, popular airlines such as British Airways often offer free child places during the peak holiday booking times such as for summer breaks and half term holidays. Ferry travel with companies such as Stena Line offer free kids tickets to specific ferry journeys to Britain, Ireland and France but only for a limited time.
Free Kids Stays & Inclusive Breaks
Large hotel chains such as Travelodge often welcome families all year round with free stays for kids. Most cut off ages for free kid stays is 16, although some extend this to 17, and often they include a package deal where kids stay free in family rooms.
As well as free rooms for kids, many holiday providers offer all inclusive breaks where the whole family get a discounted break from the hotel to the activities. Holiday package websites such as On The Beach and EasyJet have an entire section dedicated to package deals with kids stays included. Explore travel companies such as Love Holidays for a complete list of holidays abroad with free child stays.
Free Holiday Extras & Activities
UK: Many UK attractions offer free entry for kids including museums, heritage sites and theme parks. Most of these places offer free kids entry all year round, however you can also enjoy one off deals at places such as London Theatre who offer a “Free Kids Month” where for one month a year kids can go to any London shows for free. Looking for free meals? UK hotels including Holiday Inn, Travelodge and Apex Hotels offer free meals for kids under 17.
International: For those travelling further afield, TUI Holidays offer free kids clubs with their “Family Life” holiday packages; with hours of activities for kids aged 6-16. Booking an inclusive break with companies such as Love Holidays, also means that you can enjoy free kids stays, meals and activities. Online holiday booking companies such as Jet2Holidays also have a built-in search tool where you can filter out the holidays which include free child stays, as well as any freebies for kids such as meals, luggage and activity clubs.
The expense of a family break can easily add up, with even the tiniest of travellers adding to the mounting costs. Whether booking a break abroad or in the UK, finding free child stays, kids meals or activity clubs can help you not only stay well within budget but also leaves you with more money to spend on the rest of your break. As well as one of savings on room bookings, ferries and flights, getting a kids Oyster card or signing up to a free activity club can save you a bundle, with countless free journeys and hours of free entertainment. Don’t let your budget put a dampener on your break and secure some fantastic freebies for the kids.
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