As anyone with kids knows, planning family holidays is always something of a struggle, attempting to find options that cater to the needs of the whole family while trying very hard not to go bankrupt in the process. Planning for a family holiday also means accepting that things won't always go as planned. But don't despair! Just take a deep breath and accept that travelling in a group, specially a group with children, means things will never go exactly as expected, and mishaps and unexpected events will occur, but they may also present new and unforeseen opportunities and possibilities.
For now, however, you should focus on the things you can control. There are two schools of thought when it comes to scheduling your holidays. One dictates that if you book your holidays half a year in advance, you can make the most of early bird prices, thus getting yourself a hefty discount. Others believe that that's all very well and good, but a lot of things can happen in half a year time, so it's best if you wait till the very last minute to book your holidays, making the most of last minute bargains. Both options have their merits, but for parents travelling with children, the first option is the one most likely to contribute to your peace of mind.
Second thing to keep in mind are holiday packages. Holiday packages are brilliant; they're practical and convenient, and sometimes even a bargain. You should, however, make sure that's really the case: compare prices online, do the math on how much each individual component of the package would cost you if you paid for it directly and check for cheaper local alternatives. Consider travelling off-season, or at the end of the peak season. This won't just mean cheaper prices overall, it will also mean fewer crowds, and allow you to enjoy your holidays at a more leisurely pace.
If you're comfortable driving in the region you're travelling to, a car hire is a particularly convenient option for families. When comparing prices online, make sure to check what the prices displayed include. Do they include local taxes, insurance (and what type), are you required to pay an extra fee for fuel, are there any hidden costs? Depending on the ages of your children, you will also need child seats or booster seats. Most car hire companies will offer these for a fee, but you can also take your own from home. If someone other than you installs them in the car, be sure to inspect them, to make sure they're safe.
Family holidays don't need to be a budgeting nightmare, provided you do your homework and get to know your options. Thanks to the Internet, the whole world is just a few clicks away and you can easily cut the middle man and go directly to the source!
For now, however, you should focus on the things you can control. There are two schools of thought when it comes to scheduling your holidays. One dictates that if you book your holidays half a year in advance, you can make the most of early bird prices, thus getting yourself a hefty discount. Others believe that that's all very well and good, but a lot of things can happen in half a year time, so it's best if you wait till the very last minute to book your holidays, making the most of last minute bargains. Both options have their merits, but for parents travelling with children, the first option is the one most likely to contribute to your peace of mind.
Second thing to keep in mind are holiday packages. Holiday packages are brilliant; they're practical and convenient, and sometimes even a bargain. You should, however, make sure that's really the case: compare prices online, do the math on how much each individual component of the package would cost you if you paid for it directly and check for cheaper local alternatives. Consider travelling off-season, or at the end of the peak season. This won't just mean cheaper prices overall, it will also mean fewer crowds, and allow you to enjoy your holidays at a more leisurely pace.
If you're comfortable driving in the region you're travelling to, a car hire is a particularly convenient option for families. When comparing prices online, make sure to check what the prices displayed include. Do they include local taxes, insurance (and what type), are you required to pay an extra fee for fuel, are there any hidden costs? Depending on the ages of your children, you will also need child seats or booster seats. Most car hire companies will offer these for a fee, but you can also take your own from home. If someone other than you installs them in the car, be sure to inspect them, to make sure they're safe.
Family holidays don't need to be a budgeting nightmare, provided you do your homework and get to know your options. Thanks to the Internet, the whole world is just a few clicks away and you can easily cut the middle man and go directly to the source!
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