Family holiday deals: 15 tips to cut the cost of school holidays

A By Anna · Updated 6 October 2026 · 4 min read · Deals & Savings

Anyone with school-age children knows the feeling: the same week away costs far more the moment the schools break up. Airlines and tour operators price to demand, and demand from UK families peaks at the same times. You can't change the school calendar, but you can play the system much better. These are the tips I give friends with children, from toddlers to teenagers.

When to book

1. Book summer holidays early. Tour operators often release next summer's holidays in the autumn, and the cheapest free and discounted child places go first. Low deposits let you secure a price without paying in full.
2. Or wait for the right last-minute deal. If you're flexible on destination and hotel, unsold packages can drop in price in the final weeks. This works better with one child than with four, because family rooms sell out first. Our guide to how to find last-minute holiday deals explains the tactics.
3. Watch the first and last days of the holidays. Flying out on the Saturday the schools break up costs the most. Travelling a few days later, or returning midweek, can save hundreds.
4. Look at overlapping weeks. Scottish schools break up in late June, earlier than in England and Wales, while some English half terms differ by area. Prices in a "shoulder" week, when only some families are travelling, can be lower.

Where to go

1. Choose short flights with young children. Spain, Portugal and the Greek islands are two to four hours away, with plenty of family hotels. Mallorca's shallow northern bays and the Algarve's island beaches are ideal for toddlers. See our best beaches in the Algarve.
2. Use half term for winter sun or snow. For October and February half terms, the Canary Islands are warm and reliable. See the best winter sun destinations from the UK. For skiing, read February half-term ski deals and best ski resorts for beginners in Europe, and use our ski holiday packing list so you don't pay for forgotten kit in the resort.
3. Consider a city break. Many museums in Europe are free or cheap for children. See Paris with kids.

What to compare

1. Package vs DIY. For families, packages often win on price in the peak weeks and come with ATOL protection if something goes wrong. Booking flights and hotels separately can be cheaper outside the holidays. Our package holiday vs DIY guide explains the trade-offs.
2. Do the all-inclusive maths. With hungry teenagers and pricey resort restaurants, all-inclusive can work out cheaper. With toddlers who eat little and nap a lot, self-catering or half board may be better value.
3. Check the room, not just the hotel. "Family room" can mean a sofa bed in a double. Check the square metres, the bed set-up and whether there's a separate bedroom.
4. Count the extras. Luggage, seat selection, airport parking, transfers, kids' club fees and car seats for hire cars can add up. Compare full trip costs, not headline prices.

Ways to save

1. Fly from a different airport. A regional airport an hour further away can be much cheaper in the holidays, especially once you add parking costs. See the cheapest time to fly from the UK.
2. Set price alerts for flights and specific hotels, then book when the price dips.
3. Use loyalty points and vouchers. Supermarket and credit card points can often be converted into flights, hotels or attractions.
4. Get the paperwork right. Check passport rules for the EU: UK passports must have been issued in the last 10 years and be valid for three months after you leave. Children's passports last only five years. Make sure everyone has a GHIC and proper travel insurance. See travel insurance and the GHIC explained.

What about term-time holidays?

It's tempting, because prices can halve the week after the schools go back. In England, though, a holiday of five school days or more in term time can lead to a fine of £80 per parent per child, rising to £160 if not paid within 21 days. A second fine for the same child within three years is £160. Rules in Scotland, Wales and Northern Ireland differ, so check with your school and local council. Weigh the saving against any fines, and against the school days missed.

Peak vs shoulder at a glance

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Prices and timetables are a guide and can change. This article contains affiliate links; if you book through one we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. How we work.