Term Time Holidays: How I saved £800
UK holidays are expensive, but I saved a fortune by taking the kids out of school.
![The view from Pencarrow Lodge 2 at Sandymouth Bay Holiday Resort](https://cdn.mos.cms.futurecdn.net/HXWbruDME2mjvF2G7jLSY8-415-80.jpg)
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.
From May the 6th to May 10th I paid £195. This is remarkably cheaper than the same break during the school holidays, this is approximately 82% cheaper!
Sarah-Jane Outten
Date | Number of Nights | School Time | Cost |
---|---|---|---|
06.05.24 - 10.05.24 | 4 | Term Time | £195 |
12.08.24 - 16.08.24 | 4 | School Summer Holidays | £1055 |
02.09.24 - 06.09.24 | 4 | End of School Summer Holidays | £365 |
28.10.24 - 01.11.24 | 4 | Autumn Half Term | £769 |
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.
Disclaimer
*Taking children out of school during term time without permission from the school can result in a fine from your local council. **Prices are correct at the time of writing.
Hi, I’m SJ. I’m an editor and content executive here at MyVoucherCodes. I started my journey here as a deals expert which gave me the skills to become a money-saving expert. You can find my tips and recommendations in various publications including The Sun, The Mirror, and The Telegraph.
-
Best Free Things to Do in Bristol
A helpful guide to some of the best free things to do in Bristol, such as museums, nature walks, parks, and kid-friendly destinations.
By Nathan Walters Published
-
What is Second Hand September? And How to Get Started.
fashion Fast fashion is out and slow fashion is in. Get started with Second Hand September.
By Sarah-Jane Outten Published
-
How to Save on University Essentials
Student We recommend some of the best student discounts so you can save on your university essentials.
By Layla Al-Ani Published
-
Budget breaks: The secrets to affordable travel
Are you dreaming of a holiday that won’t break the bank? Our guide reveals how savvy planning can unlock big savings, making your dream getaway more affordable than ever.
By Sarah-Jane Outten Published
-
Airport parking savings: Which airport has the priciest parking spaces?
Which of the UK’s busiest airports are the most expensive for parking and what can you do to save? Are you better off driving to an airport that’s further away to get a cheaper space?
By Sarah-Jane Outten Published