Effective Ways to Cut Costs This Summer Vacation

1) Cut down on food costs

The first tip relates to food, as keeping hungry kids well-fed during the summer break can be a source of significant concern for many families. While there are plenty of ‘Kids Eat Free’ promotions, many require a not-so-frugal minimum spend for adults. My top recommendations for substantial savings are the major supermarket chains Tesco and Asda.

Tesco offers the most budget-friendly Kids Eat Free option, allowing adults to spend as little as 60p on a piece of fresh fruit to earn a free children’s meal. You will need a Tesco Clubcard to take advantage of this deal, but it’s not available on weekends. For details on promotional dates and specifics, click here.

Asda is another great choice, having extended their popular Kids Eat For £1 promotion throughout the year, providing both hot and cold meal selections without any minimum adult spend required.

Additionally, some local councils provide means-tested financial aid to eligible families, so be sure to check with your local authority for possible assistance.

2) Reduce childcare expenses

For working parents without a reliable childcare support system over the summer break, the costs of professional childcare can be overwhelming (trust me, I’m speaking from experience – hello £1600+ childcare bills!). One surprising tidbit that often catches people off guard is that tax-free childcare can cover eligible childcare services, including holiday clubs registered with the program. Contrary to popular belief, this scheme isn’t limited to when your child starts school and is valid for children up to the age of 11. Just make sure to verify your eligibility here.

3) Travel tips for summer getaways

For those lucky enough to be taking a summer vacation abroad, an important tip is to ensure you have your FREE GHIC card (formerly known as the EHIC). This global health insurance card grants access to healthcare services at local rates, potentially at no cost. While I hope you don’t need to use it, it can ease substantial financial worries in case of emergencies. Be cautious of scam websites that charge fees; this service is completely free, and you can apply here. Additionally, it’s important to remember to present this card before receiving treatment to utilize its benefits, so don’t tuck it away in the hotel safe while you’re out!

4) Visit your local library

Beyond their extensive book collections, libraries often offer a variety of free summer activities, such as Summer Reading Challenges, crafting sessions, and Lego clubs. Some even host free events and sports camps for the whole day (reservations may be necessary). Parents will likely find toddler-specific programs like Rhyme or Story time available too. Many libraries also provide snacks for a small optional donation. I can’t stress enough how beneficial it is to familiarize yourself with your local library’s offerings—not just in summer, but throughout the year. Community church groups and children’s centers can also be excellent sources for discovering low-cost or free activities.

5) Discover free yet fun activities

While outdoor adventures are appealing, it’s easy to feel pressured to fill every day with paid pursuits. Often, simpler activities can be just as enjoyable. From biking to nature scavenger hunts, fort-building to bug spotting, there are countless free outdoor activities to explore with a little internet inspiration and creativity. If you’ve run out of ideas, look online for local splashpads, which often provide free enjoyment and kids love splashing around!

6) Take advantage of free or discounted attractions and museums

We all want to treat our kids to a fun day out at nearby attractions, but costs can add up quickly! To make a family day out more affordable during the summer, I have some handy tips. Begin by searching for promotional deals on grocery items, as these may offer free child admission with the purchase of an adult ticket, two-for-one entry, or other discounts. You’ll often find these promotions on cereals, snacks, and even hygiene products like hand sanitizers. Frequently, these savings exceed the cost of the qualifying items. Many attractions don’t require payment either, as a lot of museums provide free entry or accept donations. For a list of museums with free access, check out the resource compiled by Which Museum.

7) Enjoy affordable cinema outings

My budget cinema tip is currently trending on Instagram (watch the video here), allowing you to take your child to the movies for under £5! This fantastic deal is part of the Vue Mighty Mornings promotion, where 4 to 11-year-olds (along with an accompanying adult) can enjoy a movie for just £2.49 per ticket, so two people can catch a flick for under £5! Vue’s admission policy allows you to bring your own snacks, as only hot foods and alcohol are prohibited, so feel free to pack some treats. If there isn’t a Vue nearby, many other cinema chains also offer similar deals for younger audiences.

8) Consider buying second-hand

My children affectionately call the charity shop their ‘toy store’, as we find most of their toys there. We’ve discovered incredible deals, such as Disney Princess dolls, a karaoke microphone stand with disco lights, and a ride-on truck for my toddler. I enjoy shopping at charity shops more than retail stores because you never know what hidden gems you may find, and the prices for children’s toys are typically significantly lower than retail. If you’re planning to get a few new toys this summer, why not encourage your kids to see what treasures they can find while sticking to a budget?

9) Budget-friendly travel within the UK

If you’re taking longer trips during your summer holidays, there are opportunities to save. When traveling by train, be sure to check beforehand, as kids under 5 can often travel for free on many rail networks, while those aged 5–15 may qualify for half-price tickets. If you anticipate frequent train excursions or a long journey, consider obtaining a ‘Family and Friends’ railcard, which provides a 1/3 discount for adults and a remarkable 60% off for children.

You might also think about coach travel, which is often a more affordable option, although it might take longer. Modern coaches now include amenities like restrooms and wi-fi as standard features!

10) Take advantage of loyalty programs

Get rewarded for your spending! Although I have listed suggestions that require minimal or no expenditure, it’s likely that you will be spending money at some point. Before making any purchases, always check for reward opportunities! There are various ways to earn rewards on your spending.

Start by enrolling in loyalty programs with your preferred brands to accumulate points with your purchases and earn future rewards. Oftentimes, you might get a freebie just for signing up!

For those eager to maximize their savings, dive into cashback offerings where you can reclaim a percentage of your expenses. There are multiple platforms for cashback, from traditional sites like Top Cashback and Quidco to newer apps like Jam Doughnut and EverUp that provide cashback on gift card purchases.

I hope this list has proven helpful. For more insights on cashback, assistance with childcare costs, or general financial tips, feel free to connect with me on Instagram, TikTok, and my newly launched YouTube channel.