Smart staycationers are making this simple switch to save hundreds – here’s how
Key Points:
- Travel expert reveals how families can save hundreds on UK staycations during school holidays with a simple booking strategy
- Moving your break to mid-week dates rather than weekends can slash prices by up to 40% even during peak school holiday periods
- Expert shares that mid-week stays offer more than just savings – families also benefit from quieter attractions and better availability
The upcoming half-term break has parents across the UK scrambling to book last-minute getaways, but many are facing eye-watering prices as holiday companies cash in on the school calendar. With some popular UK destinations charging up to double their normal rates during these peak periods, families are feeling the pinch.
But there’s a simple way to enjoy a break without breaking the bank, according to staycation expert Richard Edwards, Owner of White House Hideaway, which offers secluded log cabins in the picturesque Wye Valley.
“Most families automatically book stays that begin on Friday, Saturday, or Sunday, just simply out of habit or to try and start their holiday as quickly as possible,” says Richard. “But this small habit can cost families hundreds of pounds unnecessarily, even during school holidays.”
The solution? Richard suggests it’s time to rethink when you take your break – and the answer is simpler than you might think.
The Mid-Week Money-Saver
The key to slashing holiday costs lies in choosing mid-week stays rather than weekend breaks, reveals Richard. “Booking a Monday-to-Friday stay instead of a Friday-to-Monday can save families anywhere from 20% to 40% – even during school holidays,” he explains.
This simple switch in timing can make a significant difference to your wallet. A family booking a three-night weekend stay at a popular UK holiday park during half-term might pay £600, while the same accommodation from Monday to Thursday could cost just £360.
“It’s one of the travel industry’s open secrets,” Richard says. “Demand drops dramatically mid-week, so prices follow suit. The best part is that you’re getting the exact same holiday experience, often for hundreds less.”
Benefits Beyond The Budget
Saving money isn’t the only advantage of mid-week staycations. Families who make the switch often discover several unexpected perks.
Less Crowded Attractions
Tourist hotspots that would normally be heaving on weekends are notably quieter mid-week, even during school holidays. “Families tell us they’ve had entire beaches almost to themselves on a Tuesday or Wednesday,” Richard notes. “The kids have more space to play, parents are more relaxed, and everyone enjoys a better experience.”
No Fighting For Reservations
Getting tables at popular restaurants or booking activities can be a nightmare during weekend breaks. Mid-week visitors don’t face the same struggles.
“You can often walk into that restaurant everyone’s talking about without a booking on a Wednesday evening,” says Richard. “The same goes for attractions and activities – from kayaking to horse riding, you’ll have more options and flexibility.”
Reduced Travel Stress
The Friday and Sunday traffic jams that plague UK roads during school holidays can add hours to journey times and start your break on a stressful note.
“Travelling between Monday and Thursday means significantly clearer roads and a more pleasant journey,” Richard advises. “It’s amazing how much difference avoiding those peak travel days makes to the overall holiday experience.”
How To Make It Work
For families concerned about taking children out of school, Richard emphasises that this strategy works perfectly within established school holidays.
“I’m not suggesting taking kids out of school – this is about rearranging when you take your break within the existing holiday periods,” he clarifies. “Instead of Friday to Sunday, you’re going Monday to Thursday, still fully within the half-term or summer break.”
Planning ahead is key to securing the best mid-week deals. “Many accommodation providers offer early booking discounts on top of the already lower mid-week rates,” Richard points out. “Booking three to six months ahead can compound your savings even further.”
For parents who can’t take weekdays off work, Richard suggests an alternative approach: “Even shifting your weekend stay by one day can help. A Sunday-to-Tuesday break will typically cost less than Friday-to-Sunday, while still minimizing time off work.”
Richard Edwards, Owner of White House Hideaway, commented:
“As a parent myself, I understand the frustration of seeing prices double just because schools are out. The mid-week strategy has been a game-changer for so many families we’ve welcomed to our cabins. They arrive more relaxed after avoiding the weekend traffic, enjoy a more peaceful experience at local attractions, and leave with money still in their pockets.
“What’s particularly great about this approach is that it spreads tourism more evenly throughout the week, which benefits local businesses and communities. Instead of manic weekends and quiet weekdays, we see a more sustainable pattern of visitors. It’s a win-win for everyone – families get more affordable, enjoyable breaks, and tourism-dependent areas see more consistent trade.”
