NOW that we’re in the midst of the 12 days of Christmas, it’s time to take a look at my 12 months of thriftmas.
I’m a queen of money-saving when it comes to holidays and days out – and here’s my calendar of little-known dates for getting money off tickets.
Booking different attractions at specific points in the year could save you moneyCredit: Alamy
Some years I’ve saved £1000, just by following my thriftmas calendar.
Obviously we all know about the January sales and , but there’s also other deals that pop up month by month that you can make the most of.
In January, cashback sites often boost the amount they offer when booking holiday accommodation or , so you can make a hefty saving while getting your family trip away sorted.
One year, I booked a fortnight all-inclusive in for my family of five and paid £1,930 upfront for the hotel and meal package, receiving £216 back in my Quidco account a few months later once my cashback had tracked.
For February, my top tip would be to take a look at which will be giving out a pair of free tickets on or Sunsavers and make a note of when each offer will be launched.
I managed to bag tickets to in the summer holidays this year by booking as soon as they were on offer on Sun Club in February.
One date that most parents overlook is in March.
I’ve got my boys into soft plays and trampoline parks free before, just by turning up as a book character or taking part in a story-related activity.
You need to keep an eye out for posters at the venue or social media posts to see what pops up.
can be a brilliant time to get early season two-for-one tickets as summer attractions start to open and want to bump up visitor numbers.
Sign up to the social media pages of your favourite days out and you’ll be surprised what discount codes pop up on there in April.
And you might even get some early at home and abroad.
One Easter we went to Parc Asterix near and kids got in free with paying adults in the first couple of weeks of its season.
May half-term is fantastic for getting ahead before the big if you plan a family day out wisely.
Lots of places convert your day ticket into an now, which means you’ll be able to use it several times during the summer season.
One Easter we went to Parc Asterix near Paris and kids got in free with paying adults in the first couple of weeks of its seasonCredit: Alamy
The Space Centre allows you to come back multiple terms if you initially visit in the half-termCredit: Catherine Lofthouse
So if you choose a place like the Space Centre in and visit it in half-term, you can go back multiple times over the following year.
June is my time for planning days out for the long summer break.
I take a look at how much I have saved in supermarket loyalty schemes like Tesco Clubcard and work out how I can put that to best use over the summer.
Earlier this year, there was even a Clubcard boost that meant if you converted £5 of points into a voucher for a day out, you would get an extra £10 of Clubcard points in your account by October.
Some schools plan inset days in July so you can use these to get into big for term-time prices rather than paying a premium during the school holidays.
Head to Warwick Castle before the summer holidays, to beat the crowdsCredit: Alamy
During the summer, a lot of indoor attractions also have offers on to get people through the doorCredit: Catherine Lofthouse
We often visit in the early summer to beat the crowds.
In August, lots of indoor attractions like soft plays or have offers to get visitors through the doors, as it can be quiet during holiday season with people away or making the most of the summer weather to get some fresh air.
September is when you get early bird deals for Santa’s grottos and experiences.
One year, I booked to see Santa at Gulliver’s Land in for just £29 for five people, using a discount code.
If you fancy a cheeky little October half-term can be the perfect time to get a deal, because the school holidays are often staggered over three weeks so everyone is not trying to book the same week off, keeping prices lower.
Discount codes can also get you into places for less, like to see Santa at Gulliver’s Land in Milton KeynesCredit: Catherine Lofthouse
And don’t forget Black Friday to look for bargain getawaysCredit: Catherine Lofthouse
We love visiting a caravan park for Halloween or as you usually get lots of themed activities or even a fireworks display included.
We all know about Black Friday in November and this can be the perfect time to grab discounted tickets to
This year, I spotted half-price tickets to my local water park that could be used until the end of the year, so perfect for the holidays.
December is a great time to check any membership schemes you are signed up to, like Blue Light Card.
They often boost their offers in the run-up to Christmas.
This year, my favourite deal was children go free with paying adults to the Twycross Zoo
Now is the perfect time to get organised for the year ahead and think about what you want to book and when.
A little bit of planning can save you loads over the course of the year.
For other travel deals, here are– how to shave £300 off hotels and save £393 at the airport.
Plus, – four tips and tricks revealed by travel experts.
October half-term is often the best time to book a UK staycation getawayCredit: Catherine Lofthouse
With these tips, you could save yourself hundreds on days out, activities and holidaysCredit: Catherine Lofthouse
Eze Chidiebere Paul
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