7 family holiday rip-offs and how to avoid them

Whether you’re still searching for that perfect school holiday getaway or looking ahead to the October half term, the thought of the cost of your next family holiday may be (understandably) causing you to wince.

According to the Post Office’s Family Holiday Report for 2024, 88% of parents reported kids’ demands for beach items cost them an average £202 on their holiday. It also revealed that more than three quarters of budget-setters overspent by a huge 55% – or an extra £312.

To stop this being you, we reveal seven common family holiday rip-offs and explain how to avoid them on your next holiday.

Rip-off #1: The cost of the holiday itself

If you’re restricted to school holiday dates, it can be trickier to find a bargain, especially when you’re likely to have more specific requirements and need more room. But there are ways to save big as a family.

One cost-saving trick is to consider flying from a nearby airport where term dates are different to those in your area. For example, those in Newcastle may want to look at holidays departing from Edinburgh, where schools go back two weeks earlier in mid-August.

Take this deal for instance: seven nights for a family of four departing from Newcastle on 19 August would set you back £861pp. Leave from Edinburgh and the same holiday is just £683pp – that’s a huge saving of £712.

As long as the cost of getting to a different airport isn’t more than the savings you’ll make, you could pocket a substantial sum.

Other money-saving techniques include taking advantage of free kids’ places and considering all-inclusive over self-catering stays so you don’t get carried away with your spending money.

And always compare prices before you book to make sure you’ve got the best deal for you.

Rip-off #2: Car hire prices

Looking for a rental car becomes a lot more complicated when you have children in tow.

With pushchairs, lots of luggage and car seats to consider, you can’t just opt for the cheapest vehicle. And then there’s the steep daily cost of renting car seats if you need them.

But family car hire won’t cost a small fortune if you shop around. To find the best deals, book your hire car at least two months out – we’ve found the sweet spot is between two and five months before your trip – and choose a policy with free cancellation, just in case a better deal comes along. As well as saving you money, it’ll give you both peace of mind and the vehicle type you need.

Many airlines also let you take your own car seats from home free of charge, so consider this as an option to save even more.

And, even if you’ve left booking to the last minute, always book your car in advance online rather than leaving it to sort at the airport.

Rip-off #3: Hefty luggage charges

Luggage costs can spiral when you have bags full of toys and entertainment. A 20kg checked bag can cost up to £59.99 on a Ryanair flight, and if you go over your weight limit, they’ll charge £13 per extra kilo at the airport.

So, think carefully and be ruthless about what you need to take. If you’re travelling with a baby, for example, nappies for two weeks can easily take up a big chunk of your suitcase. However, if you’re going to a resort with a supermarket nearby, you could probably buy the bulk of these when you arrive for a lot less than the price of an extra bag.

Look at the toys your older children want to pack too, and consider whether they’ll really play with them when there’s a beach, a swimming pool and maybe even a kids’ club.

And don’t forget to weigh your bag before you set off to prevent any nasty surprises.

Rip-off #4: Expensive food in the airport or on the plane…

Food and drink costs for a family of four can soon add up, especially if you’re a captive customer in an airport or on a flight or train.

When we looked at the price of food in airports, we found sandwiches that cost up to £5 in WHSmith – that’s a lot more than you’d pay in your local supermarket.

Instead, take food with you from home (but remember the 100ml liquid security rules) and bring empty bottles to fill up at airport water fountains when you’ve passed through security. If you’ve not prepared, look out for offers such as the Boots £4.99 meal deal.

Rip-off #5: …plus pricey meals while you’re away

Unless you’ve chosen a cheap all-inclusive family break, the price of food and drink can quickly eat into your holiday budget too. Planning your meals and snacks in advance can help to avoid being stung.

If your kids are snackers, stock up from a local supermarket and take food and drink out with you to prevent lots of costly café trips. And take a picnic with you on day trips.

When you do eat out, look for fixed price menus, which are often cheaper than à la carte options, and drink local alcohol to keep costs down.

Avoid restaurants on the waterfront or next to tourist hotspots if you’re looking for good-value dining – walk a couple of streets away instead.

Rip-off #6: Excessive costs for days out

Finding activities that all of the family will enjoy can feel like hard work, and it’s tempting to book lots of excursions or visit big local attractions such as waterparks to keep your holiday running smoothly. But this can add an unexpected expense to your break.

If you’re going to a big attraction, look for advance ticket prices on its own website. Family tickets may save you money too.

It’s also worth looking up free attractions in your destination and using the local tourist board website to plan your own customised (and cheaper) excursions.

Rip-off #7: Budget-busting beach paraphernalia

An inflatable for the pool, a bucket and spade, and treats to keep children happy while on a flight or out for a meal can be pricey, unbudgeted extras while you’re on holiday.

Instead, consider taking an inflatable that you already own away with you – so long as it doesn’t take up too much space in your suitcase – to prevent paying for one every holiday and, before your break, pick up inexpensive treats to pull out at intervals over your holiday. A new notebook and pen, for example, will allow budding writers to document their travels, while a brand new card game will distract children on a flight.

You may also want to give the little ones some pocket money for your trip, so they can buy souvenirs and any other extras along the way. Not only will this teach valuable lessons about budgeting, but they may consider whether they really need that amazing stuffed donkey when they have to pay for it out of their own cash.