Family Holiday Money-Saving Tips: It's All About Timing

Family holidays are expensive, but the price of the same trip can vary enormously depending on when you go and when you book. Timing is often the biggest single lever you have on cost, and it doesn't mean compromising on the kind of holiday you want. Here's how to use it to your advantage.

Choosing when to go

Make the most of the pre-school years

Prices rise sharply in school holidays: summer, Christmas, Easter and the half-terms. If your children aren't at school yet, this is the time to travel out of season. Even moving a trip a week before or after the school holidays can reduce the cost considerably, and resorts are usually quieter too.

Term-time holidays

Taking children out of school during term time is a personal decision, but be aware of the rules. In England, head teachers can only authorise absence in exceptional circumstances, and schools or local councils can issue penalty notices for unauthorised absence. Rules differ in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland. Check your school's policy and the current guidance on GOV.UK before you book anything.

Be flexible within the holidays

If you're tied to school holidays, there are still savings to be made:

• Try different days of the week. Midweek flights are often cheaper than weekend ones, although some business routes can be cheaper at weekends.
• Use flexible-date searches. Many booking sites and airlines show prices for the days either side of your chosen date. A day's difference can change the price noticeably.
• Look at the edges of the holidays. The first and last weekends are often the most expensive. A trip that starts a few days into the break may cost less.
• Consider shorter breaks. A long weekend or a five-night trip can cost far less than a full week, especially during half-term.

Watch your children's ages

Children's ages affect prices more than many families realise. Infants under two can usually travel on a parent's lap, which costs much less than a seat, although airlines generally charge a fee for infants. From two they need their own seat, and once children reach the age at which hotels, attractions or tour operators charge adult rates, costs rise again. If a birthday falls just before your trip, it can be worth checking whether travelling a little earlier makes a difference.

Choosing when to book

Early booking: choice and value

Booking early gives you the widest choice of flights, rooms and dates, which matters more for families than for couples. Family rooms, interconnecting rooms and villas with the right number of bedrooms are often the first to go. Many tour operators also run early-booking offers, such as low deposits or free child places.

Last-minute deals: only if you're flexible

Last-minute deals can be excellent value, but they reward flexibility. If you're happy to choose from whatever is left in terms of destination, hotel and departure airport, you may find a bargain. If you need a specific room type or a particular resort, waiting is a gamble. Read our guide on avoiding the pitfalls of booking a last-minute holiday first.

Finding the sweet spot for flights

Flight prices don't fall steadily as departure approaches. They often rise as seats sell, especially for school-holiday dates. There's no single right time to book, and it varies by route, but it's worth tracking prices for a few weeks before buying. Price alerts on flight comparison sites make this easy.

Putting it together

• Travel outside school holidays if your children are under school age.
• Be flexible with your days and look at the edges of the holiday period.
• Factor children's ages into your planning.
• Book early for school-holiday trips with specific needs; save last-minute deals for when you can be flexible.

This guide is the first in our money-saving series. Next, see how to cut the cost of your family holiday flights and your family holiday accommodation.