Family holidays: Home or Away?

It’s no surprise, given the recession, that huge number of Britons are choosing to holiday in the UK this year, especially those with kids. But is remaining on this albeit very fair isle really the best policy? Certainly, you’ll save money on travel and avoid getting stung on food and accommodation by the euro’s strength against the pound. On the other hand, with bookings in the UK up across the board but particularly for lower-budget options such as campsites and holiday parks, and for family-friendly villas and cottages, providers have escaped the need to slash their prices. Add to that the number of continental Europeans and Americans taking holidays here because of the pound’s weakness, and you may find it difficult to score that bargain after all.

If you’re intent on staying in this country, avoid hotspots such as Cornwall and Devon in the high season in favour of less obvious but in many ways equally alluring destinations such as Northumberland or the Yorkshire coast. Think about leaving your summer holiday until the last week before schools start back, when many people have headed home to get ready for the new term – availability is better, and prices may even fall. If camping, see takethefamily.com’s feature on no-booking campsites and plan to arrive at one on a Monday when most people will be packing up.

If you’re thinking of something more luxurious and cultural, consider a city break — London, Manchester and a host of other cities have scores of children’s events and activities in summer, and many of their upper-range hotels are cutting rates at unprecedented levels to pull in the punters, or offering brilliant family deals with plenty of freebies thrown in.

Alternatively, think again about a holiday abroad. Research shows that many people are actually going further afield this summer to make their money go further — to destinations such as Dubai, Thailand, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and Australia. Food and drink is usually cheaper in Asia, and you could get a 5-star hotel there for what you’d pay for a 3-star in Europe. However, those gains would obviously be offset by your travel costs. And many people would prefer to avoid long-haul flights, especially with young kids.

The good news is that you can still stay in Europe without getting royally ripped off. Low-cost airlines are still serving destinations all around Europe, and ferries are offering good deals too, especially if combined with accommodation. Self-catering can actually still work out cheaper in France than in the UK. For instance, both Siblu and Pierre & Vacances  holiday parks and villages are offering, respectively, discounts to bring prices to the level they were with last year’s exchange rate, or Euro vouchers giving better exchange rates. (With Siblu you pay for your accommodation in sterling in any case, but on-site activities and facilities charge Euros.)

If you book a self-catering gite or villa in the Eurozone, finding one that with a British owner who takes payment in sterling is a sensible option, or book via a provider or site who offers ferry discounts too. Look out, as well, for great deals on continental European hotels as they compete to win your custom. In most of Europe, at least, it’s a buyer’s market.

Bon voyage!