EVERY parent knows how tricky it can be to afford a family holiday every year, especially when you’re not raking in much cash.
But this mum has revealed she takes her three young boys on multiple sunny getaways each year, despite only working 16 hours per week.
The single mum of three recently took to TikTok to explain how she manages to afford it all – and it all comes down to a few simple rules.
In the viral video she explained that, despite what some trolls might think, she doesn’t claim any Universal Credit , or any other form of benefits for the matter, except basic child benefits.
“I don’t have a rich husband, I don’t have any husband. And I don’t live at home with my parents either, we’ve got our own place,” she explained.
So what’s the mum’s big secret?
It all comes down to keep bills and daily expenses as low as possible.
The money-saving mum said she scrimps and saves to be able to afford the holidays with her sons, and will buy a lot of stuff second hand from places like Facebook Marketplace.
Not only that, but she said she buys clothes cheap from the likes of Vinted and charity shops.
And when they’re not on holiday, the mum will find free or cheap activities to keep her three sons occupied.
“It’s all about sacrifices,” she said, “we don’t get takeaways often, we don’t have Netflix or Amazon prime, or other subscriptions. I don’t smoke, I don’t drink a lot, I don’t go to Starbucks .”
The family don’t always jet off for their holidays though and instead enough a caravan break in the UK, the mum said she manages to do this thanks to The Sun’s holiday deals.
“You can get them literally as cheap as £9.50 per person,” she said.
Even you you wouldn’t usually consider a caravan holiday, the mum urged parents to give it a go and noted there are a lot of nice ones around by beaches for kids to enjoy.
And when it comes food, the cheaper the better too, as she often managed to make family meals for under £2.50 thanks to her savvy shopping skills.
But the mum said she doesn’t have a strict budget she sticks to because it’s a total mindset for her.
Going on holiday is also a priority for the mum, since she was able to travel before having kids and wants to give her little ones the same experience.
Even her sons are in on the money-saving mindset and would prefer a day out to a new toy, she explained.
“I know some people are struggling and won’t be able to do this, but if you can cut your expenses and afford to be able to go on holiday I 100% recommend it,” the mum added.
After sharing her money-saving tips online, other parents chimed in to praise her efforts.
One said: “I get this constantly as well, I never go out, don’t smoke or drink. It’s so easy to do as long as you don’t waste your money.”
Another wrote: “I thought I was good on a budget until I worked with a girl who really worked on budget. It’s definitely about adjusting your mindset.”
“Good for you,” someone else commented, “we go away two or three times a year but I budget like crazy and memories are forever.”
Top Hacks for Holidaying with Kids
IF you've got plans to go on holiday with your little ones this summer, here's some advice to take on board.
Plan Ahead:
- Book accommodations with family-friendly amenities.
- Research kid-friendly attractions and activities.
- Make travel arrangements that accommodate your children’s schedules.
Pack Smart:
- Create a packing checklist to ensure you don’t forget essentials.
- Pack a mix of familiar and new toys to keep kids entertained.
- Bring snacks, extra clothes, and emergency supplies in your carry-on.
Travel Comfort:
- Use neck pillows and blankets for a more comfortable journey.
- Download movies, games, and music on tablets or phones.
- Schedule travel during nap times or overnight to maximise sleep.
Stay Organized:
- Use packing cubes to keep clothes and items sorted.
- Keep important documents, like passports and tickets, in a dedicated folder.
- Utilise apps for itinerary management and navigation.
Engage and Entertain:
- Plan interactive activities like scavenger hunts or travel journals.
- Explore local parks, playgrounds, and kid-friendly museums.
- Involve kids in trip planning to get them excited and engaged.
Maintain Routine:
- Stick to regular meal and sleep times as much as possible.
- Bring along comfort items, like favorite blankets or stuffed animals.
- Allow for downtime to avoid overstimulation.
Stay Flexible:
- Be prepared to adjust plans based on your children’s needs and moods.
- Embrace the unexpected and make the most of impromptu moments.
- Keep a positive attitude to set the tone for a fun and memorable trip.
These hacks can help make your holiday with kids smoother, more enjoyable, and will ensure that you return home with wonderful memories!
