When money’s tight it can be hard – if not impossible – to afford a holiday. Quids in! offers some top tips on planning a cheap break

DO

Share with another family
Think about holidaying with friends and family. It means you can share food and petrol costs,, and makes the cost of renting a holiday home per person much cheaper.

Apply for a grant
Families on low incomes, carers or families with disabled children may be able to get a grant or a free holiday. Try the Family Holiday Association or check the government’s advice about contacting your local authority.

Collect tokens
Many newspapers offer discounts to readers who collect tokens. Keep an eye on your local newspaper or for example, The Sun.

Cheap travel websites
There are loads of websites out there, book early or late for the best prices. Try travelsupermarket, teletextholidays, travelzoo, lastminute or holidayhypermarket.

DON’T

Book the first thing you see
As obvious as it may sound, shop around and you’ll get a cheaper holiday. Do plenty of research and visit lots of travel agents and websites – and haggle!

Get into debt over a holiday
There is no point in overspending on a holiday, only to come back to a mountain of debt. If you can’t afford it then don’t do it. The best advice is to budget and make sure you save enough to enjoy your holiday. Try our budget planner here or MoneySavingExpert’s here to see how much you can save and what you can afford.

Think you have to holiday abroad
Stay in the UK! Try Haven, Butlins and Pontins. They can offer deals from as little as £49 per family. Plus they have kids clubs and activities that won’t cost you extra. Or try youth hostels as many do private family rooms, check out yha.org.uk

Just lie on the beach
The National Trust offer working family holidays from £170 a week (including food and accommodation) visit nationaltrust.org.uk

Readers Tips

Remember that wherever you go and whatever you do you’ll need spending money when you get there so make sure you work that into your budget. To help limit the amount of cash you have to spend, you could think about booking an all inclusive holiday, that way food and drinks will be included in the price!

Quids in! says

Save, save, save! It may sound like simple advice, but putting away £3-£5 a week can make all the difference. That way you can save slowly, and at the end of it, you know you have enough cash to afford a break. Also plan ahead and think about where you want to go. Why not visit 101holidays.co.uk for some bargain break ideas?