out & about
Holidays
Holidays are a big slice of most family budgets. The good news is that because of the profits at stake in a competitive market, tour operators bend over backwards to supply what the average family wants. Standards of food and accommodation are rising, extras like kids’ clubs are becoming commonplace and cut-price deals are there for the taking.
Early booking
Lacking in spontaneity but making up for it in savings (of money, stress and your sanity), there’s a lot to be said for booking your holiday when seats and accommodation are readily available. Hundreds of pounds are knocked off the price and you can relax in the knowledge that it’s done. Bear in mind:
- Most companies will be open to changing your booking to a different date (at current prices) if, for example, your sister decides to get married in the middle of the holiday booking.
- There will be a hefty cancellation charge.
- If there is a chance of school trips during the holidays, ring to see if these have been planned.
- If your children are pre-school, you can save up to half the cost of your holiday again by avoiding school holiday periods.
Camping in Europe
Huge sites equipped with entertainment and shopping, swimming and sports facilities, are a major draw and a major saving when compared to hotel accommodation. Pick up some brochures and remember:
- The position of your tent/bungalow is very important in the larger sites, particularly if your children may spend time unattended on the site.
- Make self-catering easier by bringing a starter pack of oil, sugar, salt, spices, coffee, tea, etc.
- Expect to buy meals such as pizzas and spit-roast chicken to ease the stress of too much cooking.
- Many sites only permit gas barbecues, so check ahead.
- Stock up on fresh foods from a local supermarket; campsite shops are often poor quality and expensive.
- Many of these sites have camp-grounds. You can book a place for your own tent or caravan direct with the site, saving money.
For an interesting array of top Continental sites that are more exclusive and mostly without on-site accommodation, try www.select-site.com
Package holidays
Package holidays can provide highly structured fun for the kids and free time in the sun by the pool for you. But if the kids club is not their cup of tea or the weather turns bad, you can feel stranded in a tourist trap. Read the small print and bear in mind:
- Kids clubs are strict about ages and numbers, especially where activities are concerned.
- Transfers and plane times are subject to change.
- Excursions are usually extra.
- Car hire available by the day can be a life-saver, but would vehicles be available if not booked ahead?
- Can you opt out of meals if you wish to visit local restaurants?
- How far is the beach (truthfully)?
- Beware of going somewhere that will actually be TOO hot.
Touring holidays
Independent travel where you have or hire your own vehicle and arrange your own itinerary and accommodation gives you the scope to combine many different activities into one holiday. It can be ideal for families with older children and you’ll be able to do something truly unusual and memorable. Although the expense mounts up, you will have more flexibility and control.
- Contact a travel agent about your chosen holiday even if you don’t intend to book through them. Their information will give you a helpful view of the practicalities.
- Avoid too many long days of travelling.
- Add 'buffer' days into the itinerary for catching up, or just to rest and recuperate.
- Don’t rely on just one guide book, and make sure your books are up-to-date.
- Give yourself plenty of time before you leave to arrange visas, insurance, vaccinations and packing so it's not a last-minute rush.
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