Kelly Miles, 33, a manager from Portsmouth, Hampshire, is determined to make 'lovely memories' with her children, aged 12 and 10, over the six-week school summer holidays without breaking the bank. She has set a strict budget of £300 for the entire break, up from £200 in previous years due to rising prices.
For the last two years, Miles has successfully stuck to £200 by focusing on free local options such as free swimming sessions for under 12s, libraries, and trips to the beach. She uses the online banking app Monzo to set aside money into pots for more expensive days out throughout the year.
Planning and preparation key to saving
Miles chips away at the Monzo pot after paying essential bills and savings, adding cash regularly. 'I really would encourage everyone to do it,' she said. 'When it's near to Christmas I might add £10 or even nothing but the closer to summer it gets I'll put £50 in there to get it where it needs to be.'
She estimates that her approach saves her between £400 and £500 compared to what she would otherwise spend. Miles says 'pre-planning' can take the 'spontaneity' out of days out, but saves hundreds of pounds.
Food is the biggest hidden cost
Miles emphasizes that food is the largest expense on days out and days in. She always brings meals and snacks in an insulated backpack to avoid costly purchases. 'Food is the biggest cost on days out and days in,' she said. 'Days out in country parks and places like Thorpe Park if you don't bring a packed lunch it can cost so much and not even for decent food.'
She buys ingredients to make pizza rolls, pancakes, and other snacks rather than pre-packaged items. She also brings refillable water bottles to avoid buying expensive drinks.
Invest in quality items that last
Miles has invested in a few items that have lasted multiple summers, such as an insulated backpack she has used for 10 years and sturdy water bottles. She recommends buying items like buckets and spades at pound shops or B&M before heading to the beach to avoid inflated prices.
Top tips for saving money over summer holidays
- Look for free activities and events locally
- Set aside a pot of money in advance for the summer holidays
- Set a budget
- Bulk buy ingredients and snacks like big packs of biscuits and flour/eggs to make your own pizzas
- Be prepared ahead of days out and bring along lunch, snacks and drinks to cut costs
- Invest in good quality items like an insulated backpack and sturdy water bottles
- Buy items that might be inflated in price beforehand e.g. bucket and spade from a supermarket
