Simple Tips To Save Money During The Summer Vacation

1) Economize on nourishment

The primary suggestion must pertain to food because ensuring that hungry youngsters are well-fed throughout the summer vacation can be a major concern for many families. While there are numerous ‘Kids Eat Free’ promotions available, a significant number of them are linked to a less than wise minimum spend for adults. My top two picks for significant savings are major supermarket chains Tesco and Asda.

Tesco boasts the most economical Kids Eat Free deal, where adults can spend as little as 60p on a piece of fresh fruit to qualify for a complimentary children’s meal. A Tesco Clubcard is required to avail this offer, which is not valid on weekends. For promotional dates and details, click here.

Following closely is Asda, as they have extended their popular Kids Eat For £1 promotion throughout the year, with no associated minimum spend for adults and both hot and cold meal choices included.

Moreover, some local authorities provide means-tested financial assistance to eligible families, so do inquire with your local council about potential aid.

2) Minimize childcare expenses

For employed parents lacking a supportive network for childcare during the school summer holidays, the costs of professional childcare services can be staggering (trust me, I know from firsthand experience – Hello £1600+ childcare bill!). One astonishing fact that never fails to surprise people whenever I mention it is that tax-free childcare can cover approved childcare, which may include holiday clubs registered with the program. Contrary to common belief, tax-free childcare isn’t restricted once your child begins school and can actually apply to children aged 11 and below. Eligibility criteria are in place – Verify your eligibility here.

3) Recommendations for summer holidays

For those fortunate enough to be jetting off abroad for a summer family getaway, a crucial tip is to ensure you’ve obtained your FREE GHIC card (formerly EHIC). This global health insurance card grants you access to healthcare services at local rates, potentially even free of charge. While I hope you won’t need it, this could alleviate significant financial concerns in case of emergencies. Avoid falling for scam websites that levy fees; this is an entirely complimentary service, and you can apply here. An uncommon fact about this card is that you must present it before receiving treatment to access its benefits, so don’t forget it in the hotel safe while out and about!

4) Explore your local library

Apart from the abundant book collection, libraries frequently host various free activities during the summer, including Summer Reading Challenges, drop-in crafting sessions or Lego clubs, and some even offer no-cost events and full-day sports camps (reservation may be required). There are likely toddler and infant-specific activities like Rhyme or Story time. Many libraries also provide refreshments for a small optional donation – I can’t emphasize enough the advantages of familiarizing yourself with your local library services, not just in summer but all year round. Similarly, community church groups and children’s centers can be excellent resources for discovering free or low-cost activities.

5) Explore no-cost yet enjoyable ideas

While it’s easy to opt for outdoor ventures, such as visiting every local park within a 5-mile radius by the time your child turns 2, we often overcomplicate the school holidays and feel compelled to fill them with paid activities. Sometimes, returning to basics can be precisely what we need. From cycling excursions to nature hunts, fort construction to insect spotting, there are numerous cost-free outdoor activities you can engage in with the aid of internet inspiration and a touch of creativity. If you’ve exhausted these options, hop online to locate your local splashpad, as they frequently offer free fun and kids revel in playing in the water!

6) Utilize complimentary or discounted attractions and museums

We all desire to treat our kids to an outing at a nearby attraction, but expenses can rapidly accumulate! To slash the expenses of a family day out during summer, I have a few tricks up my sleeve. Firstly, be on the lookout for promotional deals on grocery items, which might provide you with a free child’s admission with an adult ticket purchase, two-for-one entry, or other discounts. These offers are commonly found on cereals, sweets, and even hygiene products like hand sanitizers. Often, the savings exceed the cost of the item. This thriftiness may not be necessary for some attractions, as many museums offer complimentary admission or accept donations. The Museum list compiled by Which Museum offers an extensive selection of museums with free entry!

7) Enjoy low-priced cinema outings

My budget-friendly cinema tip is currently gaining immense popularity on Instagram (watch the video here), as it allows you to take your child to the movies for less than £5! This noteworthy offer showcases the Vue Mighty Mornings promotion, where 4 to 11-year-olds (and accompanying adults) can relish a film for £2.49 per ticket, enabling two individuals to visit for under £5! Concerning snacks, Vue’s admission regulations only prohibit hot foods and alcoholic beverages, so bringing your snacks is permissible. In case there isn’t a Vue nearby, rest assured that many other cinema chains present similar deals for younger viewers.

8) Opt for second-hand purchases

My kids refer to the charity shop as the ‘toy store’ since that’s where we procure most of their playthings. We’ve stumbled upon incredible bargains, including Disney Princess Dolls, a karaoke microphone stand with flashing disco lights, a ride-on truck for my toddler, and the list continues. I find shopping at the charity shop more enjoyable than retail stores because you never know what treasures you might unearth, and particularly in the case of children’s toys, they often come at a fraction of the original price. If you’re considering a few new toys this summer, why not challenge your kids to see what they can uncover within their budgetary limits.

9) More Affordable Travel Across the UK

If you’re embarking on longer journeys during your summer holiday escapades, you may be able to save some money. When it comes to train travel, make sure to check before booking, as children under 5 can travel for free on many rail networks and those aged 5 – 15 might qualify for a half-price ticket. If you’re planning frequent train trips or a long journey, consider getting a ‘Family and Friends’ railcard, which offers adults a 1/3 discount on fares and children a 60% off.

You could also think about taking a coach as it is often a more economical travel option, even though it may take longer. Don’t worry, modern coaches now come equipped with toilets and wi-fi as standard amenities!

10) Make the Most of Loyalty Programs

Get incentives for your spending – Despite having suggestions that require minimal or no spending, chances are you’ll end up spending money at some point. Before you make a purchase, check if there are any reward opportunities available! There are numerous ways to earn rewards on your spending.

Start by signing up for loyalty programs with your favorite brands to accumulate points on your purchases and earn rewards in the future. You might even receive a freebie just for signing up!

For those looking to take their money-saving endeavors to the next level, delve into the realm of cashback offers where you can get a percentage of your spend back. From traditional cashback websites like Top Cashback and Quidco to newer apps such as Jam Doughnut and EverUp that provide cashback on gift card purchases, there are various avenues to earn rewards on your expenditures.

Hopefully, this list has been beneficial. For more insights on cashback, assistance with childcare expenses, or general financial reflections, you can connect with me on Instagram, TikTok, and my recent YouTube channel.