The school bell rings tomorrow for the latest quarter for a large part of the UK -and if you still go to a last gas agreement to the sun, say it is not too late, says one holiday expert.
Michael Ryan, owner and CRO from marketing brand Ink digitalsays there are still opportunities for low-cost flights despite the late hour, and have a handful of hacks that he believes can help save tourists up to £ 800 on flights.
Typically, this is the most expensive time to travel abroad in the school holidays, with families seeing a price rise of about 50 percent if they want to get away from the high season.
For example, a flight from Heathrow For the popular Spanish holiday, Isle Menorca is £ 599 for a family for a week for a family – but prices are rising to £ 1,112 next week.
Ryan says: “Airlines simply charge what parents will pay out of desperation, but families can still use smart tricks to find any remaining half -term transactions … or plan ahead for the summer.”
Department of Education (DFE) data revealed that 487.344 fines were issued in 2023-24 -22 percent higher than 398,796 notices in the fine in the year before.
The vast majority (91%) of the fines issued in 2023-24 were for unauthorized holidays.
In September last year, school absence finished fines in England rose from £ 60 to £ 80. A parent who is fined a second time for the same child within a three -year period will now receive a £ 160 fine.
Let’s go! Travel tricks such as going to the weekend, and being flexible at airports can mean families avoid the half -term price increases even at short notice
While the sun is the most families’ best choice for a getaway, prices may be low
The former conservative government announced these hikes in February last year as part of an attempt to promote post-pandemic school attendance.
This is controversial, but Ryan claims that some people actually consider fines in their holiday budget and say: ‘With fines starting from £ 80 per child, many families calculate that they still save money by traveling during the term. ‘
So, how do you stay within designated school holidays without paying a fortune, especially at the eleventh hour?
Grab a discount in the middle of the week
The travel expert says look at Tuesday to escape: ‘The saving if it flies on Tuesday to Thursday, rather than weekends, could be significant.
“Our data shows that flights in midweek can cost half as much as the weekend leaves, even during school holidays,”
Ryan adds. A family of four can save £ 600- £ 800 just by moving travel days. ‘
He adds that the booking from Monday to Friday instead of popular Saturday defense often halves the costs, while still giving a complete school holiday experience.
Do not follow the sun
Another tip? Avoid classic Med destinations and head east because ‘Eastern European destinations offer great value compared to traditional hotspots.’
Our expert says: ‘Cities such as Prague, Budapest and Krakow offer cultural experiences at lower prices than Western Europe. Flight costs after these destinations rise much less during school holidays. ‘
Despite the risk of a fine – currently up to £ 160 per parent per child – Ryan says that many families still choose to vacation during the term
Do not fly from your usual airport
‘Flying from a less comfortable airport can lower the cost. A family willing to drive an extra hour can save hundreds of pounds, “says Ryan.
“Look at all airports within a reasonable distance from your home.”
And take early or late flights, he adds: ‘The first flights of the day or the last room often have the lowest rates, even during peak periods.
‘A departure from 06:00 can mean an early start, but it can save a family £ 300- £ 400 on the total tariff. ‘
Discuss separate bones
Do not assume that you should leave and fly back to the same airport, especially if you do not take the car and have a good bus and train links.
Ryan says: ‘Sometimes the outgoing and return flights discuss cheaper with different airlines. It takes more time, but can cause great savings. ‘
