To not be able to afford a holiday

[JudesBiggestFan]

For the first time since I’ve had kids, I really feel that I can’t afford a decent holiday. We didn’t go away in the summer with a view to going in October but the price for us to go abroad is just too prohibitive. First world problem I know, but I’ve earned way less in the past being part time but I genuinely feel the poorest I’ve ever been. Just getting all the bills paid and to the end of the month feels hard enough. Yes I could do camping but I have two moody teens and an eight year old and that would just not be a holiday. Not really a moan, just more of a realisation of just how high the cost of living now is compared to previously.

YABU for making a thread saying you can't afford a holiday, but go on to say a decent one, so for that alone YABU. Holidays have gone up in price since the pandemic, but despite being low income we still go away once a year. It's quite likely you wouldn't consider them decent, but we've really enjoyed them.

What's your budget? I'm looking for October half term, to fly on the Thurs evening as mine have a teacher day on the Friday, lots of AIs coming up for £6-700pp, 4 & 5*...unless that's not decent? Where would you usually go?

I mean, everyone’s definition of decent will be different. What I mean is that I have a really small amount of room in my budget to save for holidays. Whereas I’ve always been able to afford holidays without too much thought. And I’m not anymore. It was just to ask as a general principle, if people with kids are also finding it tougher than it used to be to find money for luxuries like holidays.

unpopular opinion but I would go in term time - family time is important

Agree with pp to go during term time and pick a last minute deal. Jet2 have some great ones with free child places.

Everything is so expensive now.

We've done other stuff instead. Stayed a couple of nights at a theme park. Bought theme park passes and spent a year having regular days out there (quite a good way to get younger teens to spend time with you). Staycation in the original sense of staying in your house but eating out more and doing day trips (indoor skydiving, hiring river boats - £££ but still cheaper than a fairly basic cottage in Cornwall.)

Hopefully nearer the time there will be some last minute deals which are more along the lines of what you want.

Go a couple of days before term ends and come back before others to keep it cheaper. Find a reasonably priced airbnb with a kitchen and make some of your own food. Get around by public transport.
I haven't found holidays more expensive but this is how we always travel, also book as far in advance as you can for cheaper flights.