Term Time Holidays: How I saved £800

Taking the kids out of school during term time for a holiday is controversial. And parents across the UK face the same issue each year, as holiday operators hike prices up every half term and summer holiday. 

As a mum of three, I’ve spent over 20 years ensuring my family get the holiday they deserve at a price we can afford. And for us, that means taking the kids out of school during term time. 

To be clear, this doesn't mean I take the kids out of school without careful consideration.* I’ve avoided any periods that I feel are detrimental to their educational journey, exam times for example. But I firmly believe that education also happens at home and when we travel. I, like many parents, don’t always have the budget to pay for expensive school holidays - but I won’t forfeit important family time that we can’t get back either. 

(If you are considering a holiday during term time with the kids you should check what your local council and school policy is)

I’m a huge fan of UK holidays, but they aren’t cheaper than going abroad - UK self-catering has never looked so expensive! But how much can you really save if you decide to take the family on holiday during term time? 

I booked a 4-night (Monday to Friday) break to Cornwall this May (term time) for 2 adults and 1 child. Via Hoseasons we stayed at Sandymouth Bay Holiday Resort on the North Coast of Cornwall in a fully equipped lodge with countryside and sea views. The resort itself had a bar, restaurant, entertainment, swimming pool and kid's play areas. 

We had a fantastic time, without breaking the bank. We were able to take our son to new places, try different foods and spend quality time together as a family. My husband, like many parents in the UK, is allocated his holiday time from his workplace. So our reason for term-time holidays is about more than just money. If we hadn't holidayed in term-time we wouldn't have had a holiday at all this year. 

Other advantages of term-time holidays

As you can see the saving speaks for itself. But term time holidays are beneficial in other ways. By avoiding the school holidays you can:

• Avoid crowds
• Easily get a table at restaurants and cafes (often the more affordable ones!)
• Avoid long queues and venues and attractions 
• Take the stress out of finding parking spots 
• Avoid hectic travel situations, if you have been to Cornwall in August you will know how this beautiful county can turn into gridlock. 

Would I book a term time holiday again?

Yes, this isn't the first term-time holiday I've booked. I worked out that over 5 years I have saved approximately £3000 by taking carefully considered holidays during the school term. 

Although this isn't the right decision for all families, it's been the right one for ours and I'm looking forward to doing the same next year.