How to plan a family holiday on a budget

By the Nexara Holidays travel desk · 2 min read

Family holidays can be expensive, especially with flights for four or more people. These tips help stretch the budget.

Choose good-value destinations

• In India: Kerala, Ooty, Coorg, Goa (outside peak weeks) and Rajasthan.
• Abroad: Thailand and Malaysia offer excellent value; Singapore is pricier but compact.

Travel at the right time

Travelling just before or after peak holiday dates can cut costs significantly. See Shoulder-season travel: better prices, fewer crowds.

Rooms

• Family rooms or suites are often cheaper than two separate rooms.
• Check the hotel's extra-bed and child policies.

Meals

• Choose hotels with breakfast included.
• Eat lunch at local restaurants.
• Carry snacks for long days.

Transport

• A private car for the whole family can cost less than multiple taxis.
• Trains can be cheaper than flights for some domestic routes.

Attractions

• Buy combination tickets online.
• Mix paid attractions with free ones like beaches, parks and markets.

Fewer bases

Two or three bases reduce transfer costs and stress.

Ask for a full quote

Compare quotes on the same basis. See How to read a travel quote and compare packages fairly and Budget holidays.

Where to spend more

Spend on the things that make the trip easier for children: a good location, a pool, and private transfers after long flights. These save time and tempers.

Book as a package

Packages that combine hotels, transfers and sightseeing can cost less than booking each piece separately, and give you one point of contact if something goes wrong. Compare carefully and read the inclusions.