How Families Are Rethinking Holidays As Travel Costs Rise

Family holidays are getting harder to afford. Accommodation, flights, food and entertainment all add up, and 42% of UK adults say the cost of living is affecting their summer travel plans, with 32% citing accommodation costs and 29% airfares. Many households are now exploring different ways to travel without giving up quality family time. Even so, parents are more likely than non-parents to have booked a summer trip, showing how much families value that time together.

• Understanding the True Cost of Traditional Family Holidays

The advertised price is almost never the final bill. Extras such as baggage fees, airport parking and meals can add hundreds of pounds for a family. Entertainment and days out can stretch budgets further still. Holiday Extras’ analysis of 18 European budget airlines found that hold bags add an average of £37 and cabin bags £28 on top of ticket prices. Comparing the full cost, not just the headline fare, makes decisions far more informed.

• Exploring Alternative Ways to Travel

Staycations, self-catering breaks and motorhome travel all offer more control over spending. Nearly one in five UK adults (19%) are already choosing domestic holidays instead of international travel, and parents are more likely than non-parents to do so. Self-catering lets you control food spending, while staying in the UK removes flights and airport extras entirely. A family might choose a UK road trip with flexible stops over a package holiday abroad. A motorhome is a significant upfront cost, but once you own one, the main ongoing costs are largely insurance, site fees and fuel, and children enjoy a familiar space wherever you stop. Taking time to compare motorhome insurance for family touring is a sensible part of that budget.

• Making Family Holidays More Flexible

Flexibility helps families avoid peak pricing and crowded destinations. Travelling off-peak is already the most common money-saving tactic, used by 31% of UK adults, according to YouGov. Taking children out of school is not the answer, though: in England, penalty notices start at £80 per parent, rising to £160 if unpaid after 21 days. Weekends, inset days and the quieter final weeks of summer are safer ways to dodge the busiest, priciest dates, and they often feel more relaxed too. Even small changes, such as shifting a trip by a few days, can ease both costs and crowds.

• Choosing Value Over Convenience

The cheapest option upfront is not always the best value. A family that books a week abroad every summer pays again each year, while a motorhome can be used repeatedly, spreading its cost over many trips, weekends and seasons. Think about how often you would actually use it, what your household budget can comfortably absorb, and which style of holiday your children will remember. The right answer depends on your family’s lifestyle, not just the price tag.

Rising travel costs do not have to mean fewer family memories. When comparing the full price of each option, travelling flexibly and weighing long-term value, families can find a holiday style that suits their budget.