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Welcome to Part 2 of our school holiday series! In this post, we’re stepping outside the local scene and getting ready for adventure. Whether it's a road trip or budget-friendly travel, you’ll find tips on how to explore new places, make unforgettable memories, and stick to your budget as a single parent.
Part 2: Going on an Adventure!
1. Going on a Road Trip
Instead of booking expensive flights, pack up the car and hit the road. Let the kids help plan the route and stops along the way to make it more interactive and fun. A road trip gives you control over costs for accommodation and food while allowing you to explore hidden gems. Plus, there’s the excitement of visiting country towns and seeing a different part of your state or even the country that you can only experience by road. It’s a perfect way to create memorable family adventures without breaking the bank.
2. Book Outside of Peak Season
If you have flexibility in your schedule, try to book holidays outside of school holidays. You’ll often find that accommodation is much cheaper out of holiday period, and it’s also less crowded at the destinations not to mention the roads and airports are far less chaotic in low season. Even the accommodation prices for a local weekend road trip is much cheaper when booking out of school holiday period. So if you can, stay local during holidays and take advantage of the cheaper prices during school term, even if it is for a weekend getaway.
3. Book a Staycation
How often do you get to explore your own backyard? Use the holidays to look for holiday deals at nearby resorts, campgrounds, or Airbnb rentals. A staycation can feel just as fun when you’re discovering local attractions or restaurants you haven’t experienced yet. And don't forget to ask if they offer any discounts for locals.
4. Use Package Deals
Take advantage of package deals that include accommodation, meals, and activities. Travel websites often offer packages that have everything included even travel insurance and can help you keep your budget in check. This is a great option when travelling as a single parent, becasue the less work you have to do, the better it is for you. And the less stress there is on your end when it comes time to travel having that peace of mind knowing everthing is all sorted.
5. Camping or Holiday Parks
Camping is a fantastic budget option, and kids love the adventure! Many holiday parks also offer affordable cabins and come with playgrounds, pools, and other fun amenities for kids, making it an all-in-one destination. You won’t need to go anywhere else during your stay, except maybe to stock up on food.
If you don’t have camping gear, you can even hire a caravan or rent all the equipment needed for a camping holiday. There are endless websites where you can easily hire everything from tents to caravans, making it simple to plan a camping trip without the stress of buying or owning the gear yourself. It’s an easy and fun way to enjoy a nature-filled holiday with your kids without spending a fortune.
6. Pack Your Own Food
Food costs can quickly add up while traveling, so it’s wise to pack as much food as you need. If you’re staying in a hotel or apartment with a minibar or kitchenette, make the most of it by stocking up on essentials from the local supermarket. Having snacks and drinks on hand for the entire trip—not just the drive there—means you’ll always have something for the kids when hunger strikes, saving you from constantly spending on takeaways and restaurants.
7. Take Advantage of 'Pay in 4' Holiday Options
Not everyone has the money to pay for a holiday upfront, but many online travel sites like Booking.com offer 'pay in 4' options, which let you spread the cost over multiple payments. This can make traveling more accessible, but make sure you’re able to keep up with the fortnightly repayments before committing to this option.
8. Travel with Friends or Family
When it’s just you and your child, it’s often easier to book a single room, like one with a king bed, to keep things simple. This is what I personally quite pften do and works if you have the one child. Another option to save on costs is to book a two-bedroom apartment or a family hotel room and splitting the cost with a friend or family member. This way, you’re not paying for the whole room on your own. You can also take advantage of family package deals that are often out of reach for single parents traveling alone. Find a friend to share these deals with, and you’ll reduce your overall travel expenses while enjoying a fun getaway together.
9. Join Single Parent Travel Pages
There are many online single parent travel groups that offer tips, deals, advice, and support for travel to specific destinations. These pages can connect you with kid-friendly restaurants, family-friendly spots, and ways to maximize your budget while traveling as a solo parent. It’s a great way to get insider knowledge and recommendations from other parents who have been in your shoes, helping you create an enjoyable trip for you and your kids without spending a fortune.
School holidays don’t have to be expensive to be enjoyable. With a little creativity and planning, you can create fun, memorable experiences with your kids that won’t break the bank. Whether it’s crafting at home, exploring the outdoors, or planning a road trip, there are plenty of ways to have an amazing time together while keeping costs low.
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