Travelling with young children is very exciting, allowing your children to see the world and have new experiences, but it can also be very expensive, especially if you have to travel during school holidays. However, with careful planning, you can have a perfect holiday without spending too much.

BE FLEXIBLE

One of the easiest ways to save money when travelling is to go off-peak, but if your children are in school and you can’t travel during term time, it can be tricky. But there are other ways to be flexible to save money!

• Look at different airports, as secondary airports that are a little further out can have much cheaper flights – just make sure you don’t have to end up spending just as much on transport to your hotel when you land.

• Mix and match airlines, and other modes of transport. Sometimes you can save money by flying with two different airlines, rather than flying there and back with the same one. You could also consider getting there by bus or train; it might take longer, but it could save you a lot of money.

• Be flexible while you’re there, to take advantage of things like last-minute discounts on tours and attractions. Do some research in advance to get an idea of what time attractions like museums and theme parks reduce their tickets, and loosely plan your itinerary accordingly.

LOOK FOR FREE ACTIVITIES

You don’t need expensive activities and attractions to have fun! Research the area and look for the best free places to visit, such as parks, beaches, and nature trails. Find out the best days to visit markets, and look for free festivals or community events that can provide exciting experiences and memories, without costing a thing.

GET ADVICE FROM LOCALS

Have a look online for advice from locals who can often recommend cheap, or free, activities that might not be suggested in travel guides. For example, a France travel guide might suggest the best tourist traps and restaurants to visit in Paris, but is unlikely to show you the hidden spots and best ideas for families that will be perfect for you and your children.

LEARN HOW TO USE THE PUBLIC TRANSPORT

Instead of renting a car or relying on taxis, familiarise yourself with the public transport system. You can often get family tickets, or multi-use day passes, that can cost less money than buying a single ticket each day, and can make it much easier.

THINK ABOUT WHAT YOU CAN RENT

You might have mastered the art of rolling your clothes to save suitcase space, but travelling with young children can mean you need to take much bulkier items that can’t fit into a suitcase.

If you need to take a pushchair or car seat, consider renting while you’re there, so you don’t have to pay the baggage fees for travelling with something that large. Many hotels and resorts can provide a cot or crib, and you might also be able to rent things like baby gates if you’re staying in something like an Airbnb.