Whether you’re travelling by train, plane, or car, vacations with children can be quite expensive. Travelling during off-seasons can save money but comes with its own drawbacks. Taking children out of school can be challenging, the weather may not be optimal, and some kid-friendly activities might be unavailable. Determining the ‘best’ time to travel with children involves considering more factors than just the time of year.
After a long school year, summer break is the most popular time to travel. However, while it may be convenient for scheduling, it’s not always budget-friendly. In the middle of summer, hotel and flight prices can soar to more than double their usual rates.
If summer travel is your goal, consider planning your trip for early June or late August. During these times, hotels haven’t hit their peak prices, and the weather is usually pleasant. While it may mean packing your suitcase on the same day you’re unpacking school bags, it could result in significant savings.
Beyond the summer months, the most affordable times to travel are January and February. Many kids have a break around Christmas, making the period after New Year’s an ideal time to fly. However, this window is short, and winter weather can restrict travel destinations due to snow.
In the end, travelling with kids requires flexibility. Long weekends during off-peak months can save money but may come with other challenges. Choosing the best time to travel involves balancing schedules, destinations, costs, and weather. However, seeing the joy on their faces when they experience the beach for the first time or meet their favourite Disney characters makes it all worthwhile.
