The biggest saving on a family holiday usually comes from the dates you choose within the school holidays, how you travel and where you stay, not from last-minute deals. Prices peak in the middle of the summer break and around half-terms, so booking the first or last week, travelling midweek and choosing self-catering can cut the cost noticeably without taking children out of school.
This guide covers each part of the bill for UK families: timing, travel, accommodation, insurance and spending money, plus the rules on term-time absence. If you are saving up for the trip, our guide to saving for a holiday covers the planning side.
Choose dates within the school holidays carefully
School holiday dates vary by area, and holiday companies price around the busiest weeks. Check your council's term dates and compare prices across each week of the break.
- The first and last weeks of the summer holidays are often cheaper than the middle, especially where Scottish schools break up earlier than English ones
- Midweek departures are usually cheaper than Friday and Saturday ones
- Compare half-term weeks too: if your area's half-term differs from neighbouring councils, prices may be lower
- Inset days can sometimes extend a weekend away without any absence
Term-time holidays: the real cost
In England, schools must consider a fine when a pupil misses 10 sessions (usually five days) of unauthorised absence within ten school weeks. Under the national framework introduced in August 2024, the fine is £80 per parent, per child if paid within 21 days, rising to £160 if paid within 28 days. A second fine within three years is £160, and a third can lead to prosecution. Rules differ in Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland, so check with your school.
| Family | First fine (paid in 21 days) | If paid in 22 to 28 days |
|---|---|---|
| 1 parent, 1 child | £80 | £160 |
| 2 parents, 1 child | £160 | £320 |
| 2 parents, 2 children | £320 | £640 |
Even when a term-time trip looks cheaper after fines, children miss lessons and repeat absences escalate quickly. Headteachers can only authorise term-time leave in exceptional circumstances.
Cut the cost of getting there
Transport is often the biggest single cost for a family of four.
- Trains: children under five travel free, and the Family & Friends Railcard gives one third off adult fares and 60% off children's fares for 5 to 15 year olds. Book Advance tickets as early as possible
- Flights: compare total cost including bags, seats and airport parking. Paying to sit together is often unnecessary on longer flights if you check in early, but check the airline's policy for children
- Driving: for a family, driving to a UK or ferry-linked destination can beat flying. Factor in fuel, tolls and parking
- Airport parking and transfers: book ahead; on-the-day prices can be several times higher
Accommodation and food
Self-catering apartments, holiday parks and cottages let you prepare breakfasts and some evening meals, which can save more over a week than a cheaper flight. All-inclusive packages can work out well for families with older children who eat a lot, but compare against a self-catering budget for the same week.
- Look for places with a kitchen and washing machine so you can pack lighter
- Check whether kids' clubs are included or charged per day
- Supermarket shop on day one for snacks, drinks and lunches
- Eat your main meal at lunchtime when menus are often cheaper
Insurance, health cover and protection
A family annual travel insurance policy is often cheaper than two single-trip policies. Buy it as soon as you book so you are covered if you have to cancel. Declare any medical conditions; our guide to travel insurance with pre-existing conditions explains how.
Get a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) for every family member through the official NHS website. It gives access to state healthcare in EU countries on the same terms as locals, but it is not a replacement for insurance. For package holidays including a flight, check the booking is ATOL protected, so you get your money back or are brought home if the company fails. Paying by credit card for anything costing over £100 adds Section 75 protection.
Spending money abroad
Use a debit or credit card with no foreign transaction fees, and always choose to pay in the local currency when a card machine or cash machine asks. Choosing pounds lets the machine set the exchange rate, which is usually worse. Give older children a set daily budget on a prepaid card or in cash, so treats do not add up unnoticed. See our travel money guide.
Budget and save for the trip
Add up the full cost first: travel, accommodation, insurance, food, activities and spending money. Divide by the months until you go and save that amount each month in an easy-access account so it earns interest. Our savings goal calculator works out the monthly figure, and SYM breaks it into a small daily amount so the holiday fund grows without a big monthly hit.
Frequently asked questions
How much is the fine for taking a child out of school for a holiday?
When is the cheapest time for a family holiday in the school holidays?
Do children travel free on UK trains?
Is the GHIC free?
Is a family annual travel insurance policy worth it?
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