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The Travel Mum's Holiday Booking Tips


Jen Carr, aka The Travel Mum, is one of the UK’s leading experts in finding affordable, family-friendly holidays. A mum herself, Jen has built a trusted platform (www.thetravelmum.com) dedicated to helping families travel more for less - sharing real-time holiday deals, money-saving booking hacks, and practical advice that actually works around school holidays and real family life. Known for cutting through industry jargon and spotting value where others miss it, Jen helps thousands of families book smarter every year. It’s no secret that late December to early January is the start of prime holiday booking season. With Christmas winding down, families start planning their next escape - dreaming of beaches, sunshine and something to look forward to after the festive slump. Peak booking season also brings competition between the holiday companies and some potentially great prices, so knowing where to look, when to book, and what to prioritise can save you hundreds. *Jen is sharing with The Luxury Travel Bible* her 'Top Tips' for booking a family holiday during the 'Golden Window'… Let price guide destination - not the other way around Instead of choosing where to go first, start by looking for at the price. When demand is high, the families who save money are the ones who stay open-minded. Use flexible calendars to spot hidden bargains When searching flights, always open the flexible calendar view. Mid-week departures are usually cheaper than weekends Flying home on a Tuesday or Wednesday can save £100s Even shifting your trip by one day can make a huge difference If you’re tied to school holidays, consider missing a day or two either side of the holiday dates - flying home the day term starts can save a fortune. Sign up to holiday deal mailing lists Websites like mine (www.thetravelmum.com) who specialise in family holiday deals can help you bag the best price. We have mums searching through holiday deals all throughout the week, which can save you a lot of time and money. Think total cost, not just cheap flights A £30 flight to Scandinavia might sound amazing - until food, transport and accommodation triple your spend. Before booking, research: Accommodation prices Cost of eating out & supermarkets Public transport & airport transfers Attraction ticket prices Some destinations appear pricey but work out better value with strategy, the Maldives, for example, becomes affordable when you stay on local islands rather than resorts. Self-catering is a family's secret weapon I always look for accommodation with a fridge, basic kitchen facilities and nearby supermarkets. Breakfast in the apartment, snacks for the day, then dinner out every few nights = happy kids + budget preserved. Even a simple pasta-and-sauce night frees up some budget for something more fun like an excursion (or cocktails!) Always Travel with Airhelp.co.uk - protect your money when things go wrong Travel disruptions are more common than ever, cancellations, delays and lost luggage can derail a trip and your bank balance. This is where companies like Airhelp.co.uk come in. They are the world’s largest air-passenger rights organisation, helping more than 3 million travellers secure compensation for delays, cancellations and missed connections. Travellers can quickly check if they’re eligible using AirHelp’s online tool and choose to claim independently or via AirHelp’s specialist legal team. I always recommend families check eligibility when things don’t go to plan - you could be entitled to hundreds of pounds per person, even for flights taken in previous years. Saving money isn’t just about the booking - it’s about protecting what you’ve spent. Book extras early - but don’t overbook activities Early-bird deals are real. Reserve big attractions in advance for best pricing, but you don’t need to fill every day with paid activities. Kids often prefer pools, beaches, playgrounds, nature and ice-cream shops. Free memories are sometimes the best ones! The real goal is having something to look forward to A holiday booked in that hazy, cosy bit between Christmas and New Year is more than a purchase - it’s a promise. A plan. Book smart, use tools to your advantage, stay flexible and let price guide you. With the right strategy, 2026 could be your most travelled year yet. Luxury Link: www.thetravelmum.com See Also... EXPERT OPINION: Jen Carr Jen Carr, 29/12/2025**

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