Families dreaming of a stress-free, all-inclusive getaway are in for a rude awakening, as major tour operators enforce strict—and often shocking—age policies that can send the cost of a holiday soaring.
While the promise of one upfront price for flights, food, and fun is a major draw for parents, the fine print reveals a harsh reality: your children are considered 'adults' by the travel industry much earlier than you might think.
The Age Your Child's Holiday Price Skyrockets
Industry giants like TUI, Jet2holidays, and First Choice have a tiered pricing system that categorises travellers by age. The moment a child hits their 12th birthday, they are almost universally charged the full adult price for their holiday package.
But the financial surprises can start even earlier. Many resorts impose 'child rates' only for kids between the ages of 2 and 12. Infants under two often travel at a reduced rate, but parents face a steep price jump as soon as their toddler blows out those two candles.
Why Do Tour Operators Do This?
The reasoning is purely commercial. Older children and teenagers consume just as much as adults—if not more! They eat full-sized meals, use the same facilities, and occupy a full airline seat. From the provider's perspective, their cost to the resort is the same as an adult's, hence the identical price tag.
How to Avoid a Holiday Booking Shock
Don't let your dream holiday turn into a financial nightmare. Follow these essential tips:
- Read the Fine Print: Before you get excited about a price, always check the age categories and pricing policy for children.
- Filter Your Search: Use the 'child ages' filter on booking websites to get an accurate total cost for your specific family.
- Consider Alternatives: Look at villa holidays or self-catering options where pricing is often per property, not per person.
- Travel Off-Peak: Prices during school holidays are already high; adding adult-rate teenagers can make it prohibitive. If possible, look outside peak times.
Being aware of these industry standards is the first step to budgeting effectively. Always input your children's correct ages during your search to see the real, final cost of your family escape.
