Holiday Planning - How to Plan an Affordable Family Holiday

This guide covers everything you need to know from when to plan your trip, where to go on holiday, when to hit the road, the question of affordable hotel accommodation, and last, but by far the most important, how to enjoy an affordable holiday once you get there.

When to Plan an Affordable Family Holiday

Rule 1

Affordable family holiday planning is important when trying to save money in the process. In order to make sure that your next family holiday is truly affordable the most important preparation, above all others, is to save up in advance.

Aerial view of a stretch of the Garden Route, South Africa.

This way there is minimum spending and interest on your credit card saving money by avoiding price hikes during the holidays, peak season and summer breaks.

Rule 2

Including the kids in the holiday planning process helps avoid sulking sessions and will set aside an afternoon for a nap, a stroll, shopping or simply kicking back to read a book.

Let each family member choose one thing within a budget that they want to do then make it a rule that everyone joins in.

Rule 3

Begin planning your affordable holiday as soon as you know the dates you will be going and where you are going to.

Vineyards on the Garden Route, South Africa.

Make the necessary appointments for vacations three months in advance and get discount rates while ensuring that your travel documents are valid to avoid unforeseen costs and missing out.

Rule 4

Online bookings are fast and provide the means to research the best possible rates. Compare prices in advance in order to find the cheapest prices.

Book your flights as early as possible to get the best flight fees. Booking online makes planning your holiday convenient and affordable. The best part is it’s possible to get great deals at the last minute.

Rule 5

Get as much discount as your cards, accounts and memberships can get you and, if possible, pay for your vacation in advance.

The winding Sani Pass dirt road between South Africa and Lesotho

This is another method to save additional money when planning a vacation.

Rule 6

An active vacation keeps children occupied, interested and engaged. Try picking places to stay that have onsite entertainment and activities. Check the age requirements for activities before booking.

Rule 7

Self-drive holidays are a cheaper holiday option for families. If you enjoy being in nature and off road driving, or if you want to explore the coastline roads, then browse on Drive South Africa to find out how to get there or routing tips.

Choosing a Hotel on an Affordable Family Holiday

Rule 1

If you’re not in a beautiful camp somewhere in the African bush and your holiday requires the comfort of a hotel room, then choose a hotel option of two rooms with interconnecting doors.

Akademie Street Boutique Hotel in Franschhoek, South Africa.

It’s your home away from home and you’ll find you spend more time in there than planned during your getaway.

Rule 2

If you’re not embracing nature and taking advantage of Africa at its best by driving into the bush with an equipped 4×4, then the most important consideration would be cleanliness and sanitation when looking for a hotel.

There are a lot of great safari lodges around if your looking for a comfortable and affordable family holiday in Afica.

Rule 3

If you want to make day trips, coastal touring and local shopping more convenient, it’s probably best to select accommodation suitable to your needs and in or near the centre of town.

Chapmans Peak in Cape Town.

If you would like to experience the local markets, culture and small towns, then historic hotels are your best choice.

When to Go on an Affordable Family Holiday

Rule 1

If travelling by air, then you should travel mid-week to save on the fare. Weekend flights and fares are more expensive. You will find the best deals for flights and accommodations off peak.

Rule 2

The busiest times to travel are during school breaks and during end of the year period, but this is often the only time for many to travel so be prepared for higher rates as demand for flights and accommodation increase sharply.

Plan the holiday well and, if possible, travel out of season even if you miss peak dates by a day or two.

Rule 3

Don’t forget about your pets when planning your holiday. Get an animal sitter before you go, preferably doubling up as a house sitter, or look for suitable kennels. Make sure it is a clean and safe environment; veterinarians offer boarding services or make suggestions.

Camping equipped 4×4 rental on a self-drive safari.

Most kennels ask that you have proof of your animals’ recieving their vaccination shots, so make sure to have those records ready to present.

Rule 4

Calculate whether driving or flying be the most cost and time effective way to get to your holiday destination. Consider flying if you are travelling a great distance and want quality time at your vacation location.

If you love the journey as much as the vacation, driving is the best alternative. Plan the route your trip, estimate mileage and fuel expenses. Drive South Africa offers a fuel cost calculator to help you plan for travelling expenses on your trip..

Enjoying an Affordable Family Holiday

Rule 1

Overseas travellers should be mindful of currency and exchange rate.

Families that are planning their vacations abroad should choose destinations where the exchange rate will still be favourable to their own currency, or better still, visiting a country where your currency is much stronger.

Pilgrims Rest main street, South Africa.

South Africa’s exchange is favourable with both USD and GBP.

Rule 2

Get daily supplies from the nearest supermarket. Pack picnics and fill up water bottles from taps where water is drinkable. Bottled water can cost a fortune, simple pour and freeze for those hot days and long journeys on the road.

Buy bread, butter, milk and sugar for the local shop in the area.

Rule 3

Making light lunches or snacks in your hotel room can will save you money on food expenses. Look in the local tourism guides for affordable restaurants to treat your family to. Don’t spend on the mini bar or fridge and buy snacks and drinks from the local shop instead.

Rule 4

If possible, don’t buy many gifts at hotel gift shops or tourist traps as prices there much higher and aimed at the tourist market.

Knysna Heads, South Africa.

You can often buy the same identical items cheaper than you can in the tourist shops if you take the time to shop around.