Family holiday bargain or blow the budget?
Planning to splash out on one blow-out vacation or take one or more bargain breaks in 2019? Flightgiftcard has created a school holiday travel schedule, providing inspiration to make the best of the family holiday budget for the coming year
According to Nationwide, the average British family spends £3,420 each time they go away, so for those taking two holidays a year, this figure racks up to nearly £6.9K. While that might sound a lot, when adding up the cost of flights, accommodation, activities and meals for a family of four, it’s easy to see where the money goes. There are, however, plenty of fabulous memory-making options for families wanting to stretch their annual holiday budget on a handful of different breaks throughout the year. And, for those that would like to make this year the one they take the holiday of a lifetime, it may just be within reach…! Here are four school holiday ideas:
1. FEBRUARY HALF TERM
Bargain break: Malta. With return flights starting from just £51pp, the Maltese capital is the perfect place for a post-January blues dose of culture and milder February temperatures. The walled city boasts an unsurpassed collection of original Baroque architecture as well as beautiful views over the Mediterranean Sea.
Blow the budget: Maldives. Return flights to the Maldives start from £686pp and February is the perfect time to swap the daily grind for white sand beaches and turquoise waters. With daytime temperatures averaging 28 degrees, plus coral reefs for snorkelling or scuba diving, there is plenty for all the family to enjoy.
2. EASTER BREAK
Bargain break: France. Easter in France is an important holiday for families. Return flights to Colmar in Alsace start from only £38pp, and with its Easter market, this small friendly French town is the perfect destination.
Blow the budget: Argentina. Argentina is a nation with a strong equine history. The gaucho is one of the best known cultural symbols of the nation, so why not take advantage of this by exploring of some of this vast and beautiful country on horseback! There are plenty of estancias that cater to beginners, so you don’t need to be an expert rider. Return flights from £478pp.
3. SPRING HALF TERM
Bargain break: Sintra. Nestled in the Sintra Mountains in Portugal, this city was long heralded as a royal sanctuary thanks to its cooler temperatures, coupled with lush forests and a rugged, dramatic coastline. Return flights start from £49pp, an ideal city break for spring.
Blow the budget: Havana. Prove your cool credentials by taking your family on a trip to the Cuban capital. It is a truly individual destination. £773pp for return flights.
4. SUMMER BREAK 25 JULY-2 SEPTEMBER
Bargain break: Dalmatia. At just £127pp and only a short flight, Croatia’s coastal landscape is less well- trodden than many other popular Mediterranean coastal resorts and is perfect for families looking for a fun-filled holiday exploring the islands, waterfalls and hiking trails.
Blow the budget: Tohuku. For an enriching long-haul family break, head to Tohuku. This region of Japan has timeless art, culture, food and breathtaking scenery. Return flights to Tokyo start from £548pp and then start your adventure taking a bullet train to Tohuku.
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5. AUTUMN HALF TERM 21 – 25 OCT
Bargain break: Akamos Peninsula
Cyprus is the ideal autumn family holiday spot, with picturesque beaches and highs of 27 degrees, the Akamos Peninsula is the perfect place to soak up some pre-winter sun. At only £133pp it’s also a snip of the price of most autumnal getaways.
Blow the budget: Botswana
An African safari trip should be on everyone’s bucket list and will make for one of the most memorable family holidays. With return flights starting from £587pp, October is the dry season in Botswana, so the perfect time for wildlife lovers to visit this oft overlooked African country.
