Friday, July 11, 2025
As summer holidays are approaching, resort areas like Spain, Cyprus, and Turkey are observing an uptick in costs for all-inclusive family holiday breaks. As the need hits a peak, arranging a holiday transforms into a budget exercise. But, there are proven techniques which could allow you to save money without compromising your family holiday. Here’s how you could save a lot while heading out for your summer holiday abroad, with tips ranging anywhere from the earliest bookings to efficient packing.
1. Book Early to Lock in Lower Prices
In terms of booking a summer break, timing makes all the difference. Peak months, August and July, have the greatest demand among the hottest summer holiday destinations, and consequently, prices are pushed up, particularly for accommodation. In order to save money on a family break, you need to book your accommodation as soon as you can, specifically if you are aiming for peak periods such as the school summer holidays.
According to experts at travel association The Travel Association (ABTA), such favorite getaways as Turkey, Spain, and Cyprus are set to rise in price during these peak months. “It pays to book early,” says Sean Tipton, a spokesperson for ABTA. “The later you book, the higher the chances are that the prices of accommodation are going to go up.” If the date of your holiday is August or July, try to book yourself a spot far enough in advance to avoid higher prices.
2. Travel Mid-Week and Opt for Early Morning Flights
When it comes to air travel, the days of the week and times of day you fly can significantly affect the cost of your tickets. Flying mid-week is often the most affordable option. Airlines tend to charge more for weekend flights because they’re the most in-demand, with travelers typically wanting to depart on Fridays or Saturdays.
It can also save you money to take a flight very early in the morning, as these are sometimes unpopular flights. Though you may not enjoy rising at 3 a.m. to catch a 6 a.m. flight, the money you save may make it a worthwhile option. “Mid-week flights and early morning departures are your best option to ensure you keep your airfare budgeted,” says travel expert Sean Tipton.
3. Consider Late Hotel Bookings for Bargains
If you have a bit of flexibility with your dates, a last-minute hotel reservation can put a lot of money back in your pocket. Hotels and travel services overbook rooms months prior to a trip, yet find that they cannot sell all of the rooms as the departure date approaches. You can catch last-minute specials as they attempt to fill the unfilled rooms.
Tipton says, “Last-minute bookings can provide excellent value, but they are risky if you’re traveling at peak periods.” For a safer option, you might want to investigate house-swap programs, through which you can reside in another individual’s house for a percentage of a hotel’s cost. Sites such as Kindred enable you to switch homes with a person abroad, for which you’ll only have to cover a tiny service fee, as well as a cleaning fee.
4. Pay in Local Currency for Better Exchange Rates
Changing your money at the airport can be an expensive mistake, as exchange rates tend to be less favorable. Travel experts recommend exchanging money in advance to secure a better rate, or even better, paying for purchases using your card in the local currency once you’ve arrived at your destination.
Alastair Douglas from TotallyMoney explains, “Avoid the airport exchange counters and use your card whenever possible to pay in the local currency. This could save you a significant amount, especially over the course of a long trip.” Some cards also offer benefits like no foreign transaction fees, which can further help you save money.
5. Pack Smart and Weigh Your Bags
Before heading to the airport, ensure that your luggage complies with the airline’s requirements. Excess baggage can incur hefty fees, which can quickly add up. Weigh your bags before you leave for the airport to avoid paying for excess weight, and be mindful of size restrictions. In many cases, airlines may require you to fit your carry-on into a metal sizer to ensure it meets size limits.
Travel expert Nicky Kelvin from The Points Guy website recommends printing out your boarding pass ahead of time to avoid extra charges at the airport. “Airlines may charge high fees to print boarding passes at the airport, so it’s always best to do it online in advance,” he says.
6. Skip Airport Prices and Buy Toiletries in Advance
When traveling, airport prices for essentials like toiletries and snacks can be steep. To save money, consider purchasing items such as sunscreen, toiletries, and snacks online before your trip and pick them up at the airport once you’ve cleared security. This will allow you to take advantage of cheaper prices online while avoiding the security regulations around liquid containers.
Experts also suggest packing your own water bottle, as many airports now offer free refill stations for travelers. Packing snacks in lunch boxes is another smart way to avoid costly airport meals, especially when traveling with children.
Final Thoughts on Saving for Your Summer Holiday
The price rise of favorite summer holiday spots need not deter you from taking a family holiday abroad. By booking ahead, traveling at the right times, and exercising wise decisions about when and where to book, you can have a stress-free holiday without overspending. Whether you book your hotel months in advance, take a flight mid-week, or buy toiletries a week in advance, these easy measures can translate to substantial money-saving figures for your summer holiday.
So, as you begin to organize your next family trip to Spain, Cyprus, or Turkey, remember these clever tips to make your family break budget-friendly and stress-free. By doing a bit of planning and wise decisions, you can have a summer to cherish without the financial strain.
