Summer, with its long afternoons in beer gardens, great family days out and glorious holidays, is wonderful. But summer, with its long afternoons in beer gardens, great family days out and glorious holidays, is also very expensive. Which is why we asked a range of experts to find out easy ways to make it cheaper. From clever cost-cutting hacks to ways to have fun for free, here are their top tips…
“Many parents spend money buying new activities, toys and garden games to keep children occupied. A cheaper alternative is creating a neighbourhood swap group. Families can collectively share paddling pools, sports equipment, craft supplies, board games and outdoor toys throughout the summer. Children enjoy the novelty of having something ‘new’ every week without anyone spending additional money. The same concept also works for books and fancy-dress costumes. It reduces clutter, cuts spending and provides a fresh stream of entertainment throughout the school holidays.” Sarah Campus, personal trainer and host of parenting podcast ‘Showing up Stronger’
“If you are travelling with friends or family by train, it is worth checking GroupSave deals, which often apply to three to nine adults travelling together during off-peak hours and can cut the total cost by as much as 30 per cent. Everyone has to travel at the same time, but that can be a small trade-off for the extra cash left in your pocket.” Pete Walls, co-founder and director of Split My Fare
“Instead of deciding what you want to eat and then shopping for ingredients, do the opposite. Check offers, loyalty app discounts and what is already in your cupboards, then build meals around those items. Summer is particularly expensive, because people buy extra snacks, drinks and barbecue food impulsively. Creating a three-day repeating meal cycle for lunches and easy dinners reduces waste dramatically. Families are often surprised to find they save £20 to £40 a week simply by planning around what they already own.” Sarah Campus
“Many families focus solely on the cost of accommodation, but it is worth considering what it offers beyond a place to sleep. Properties with gardens, beach access, games rooms or walking routes nearby can help reduce spending on paid attractions. If the children are happy where you are staying, you may not need to pay for a big day out every day of the trip.” Karen Richardson, founder of East Coast Hideaways
“Picnics have somehow become one of summer’s most expensive activities. A few premium snacks, drinks, prepared salads and last-minute purchases can cost more than a casual restaurant lunch. Before heading out, challenge yourself to create a picnic from ingredients already in the house. Leftover roast chicken, pasta, fruit and refillable drinks often make a better picnic than an expensive convenience shop. The savings can be substantial over the course of a summer.” Kate Hardcastle, consumer expert, broadcaster and author of ‘The Science of Shopping‘
