Life of Travel
Family Travel Tips & Smart Booking
Expert advice on getting the best value from your family holiday. Great trips don't have to break the bank.
Better Holidays, Smarter Spending
Everyone wants the best holiday for their budget. The good news? You don't need coupon codes or hours of comparison shopping to get great value. You need knowledge, timing, and someone who knows the industry inside out.
Here are my top tips for getting more from your travel budget. And if you want personal advice tailored to your trip? That's exactly what I do - and my service is completely free to you.
Timing
Travel in Shoulder Season
May-June and September-October often offer perfect weather with lower prices and fewer crowds than peak summer.
Be Flexible with Dates
Flying midweek (Tuesday/Wednesday) is often cheaper. Even shifting by a few days can save hundreds.
Book Early for Peak Times
School holidays and Christmas fill up fast. Booking 9-12 months ahead secures best availability and prices.
Last Minute Deals Exist
If you're flexible on destination, late deals can offer great value - but they're not guaranteed.
Smart Booking
Use a Travel Agent (Like Me!)
We often have access to exclusive rates, room upgrades, and added perks you won't find online. Our service is free - we're paid by the hotels.
Consider Package Deals
Flight + hotel packages often work out cheaper than booking separately, with ATOL protection included.
All-Inclusive Isn't Always Best
For destinations with cheap local food (Thailand, Vietnam), half-board or room-only can save money and let you explore.
Look Beyond the Obvious
Popular doesn't mean best value. Sometimes a lesser-known resort next door offers the same beach for less.
Flights
Regional Airports Matter
Manchester, Birmingham, and other regional airports can save hours of travel and sometimes money too.
Indirect Flights Save Money
A stopover can cut costs significantly. It can even become a mini-break - why not add a night in Dubai?
Consider Premium Economy
For long-haul with kids, the extra legroom and service can be worth every penny for family sanity.
Book Seats in Advance
Paying for seat selection ensures your family sits together - essential with children.
Accommodation
Room Categories Matter
A garden view vs sea view can save money. Sometimes the view isn't worth the premium - ask for honest advice.
Family Rooms vs Two Rooms
Interconnecting rooms or suites often work out similar to two standard rooms with more space.
Loyalty Programs Add Up
If you have hotel loyalty status, let us know - we can often stack benefits.
New Hotels Offer Deals
Recently opened properties often have introductory rates. You might get 5-star for 4-star prices.
Cruises
Inside Cabins Are Great Value
You're barely in your cabin anyway. Save money on accommodation and spend it on experiences.
Repositioning Cruises
When ships move between regions (e.g., Caribbean to Mediterranean), prices drop significantly.
Drink Packages - Do the Maths
All-inclusive drinks aren't always worth it. We can help you calculate if it makes sense for your family.
Book Dining Early
Specialty restaurants fill up fast. Book before you board for best times.
On Holiday
Eat Where Locals Eat
Tourist restaurant prices are inflated everywhere. Walk a few streets back for authentic food at half the price.
Book Excursions Locally
Ship/hotel excursions are convenient but pricey. For confident travellers, local operators offer better value.
Use Local SIM Cards
Roaming charges add up. A local SIM for data is cheap and useful for maps and translation apps.
Travel Insurance is Essential
Never skip it. Medical bills abroad can be devastating. Good cover costs a fraction of what it could save.
The Real Secret?
The best way to get value is to work with someone who knows the industry. I have access to rates and perks you won't find online. I know which hotels are worth the money and which are all marketing. And my service doesn't cost you a penny - I'm paid commission by the travel suppliers.
Stop spending hours comparing websites. Tell me what you want, and I'll find you the best option at the best price. It really is that simple.