What are your best tips for saving money on family holidays? Share to win a £300 Love2Shop voucher, courtesy of Lloyds Bank. NOW CLOSED

[AnnMumsnet]

We all know that taking the family away can come with a hefty price tag, but in the cold, dark months everyone could do with having a bit of sunshine to look forward to later in the year. Lloyds Bank would like you to share advice on finding a great family getaway that doesn't break the bank.

Here’s what they said: “Holidays with your family can create memories that last a lifetime, however sometimes your finances can overshadow the time away. Whether it’s early, meticulous planning or a spontaneous last minute break, we would love to hear Mumsnetter’s tips for getting the most value from a family holiday" – Lloyds Bank

We know Mumsnetters are a savvy bunch, so what tips do you have for keeping the cost of your holiday down?

Do you venture off the beaten track when it comes to choosing a destination? Would you plan your own holiday package to find the best individual deals and eliminate unnecessary extras? Maybe you go away with other families to share the cost - or go for self-catering options to control your budget?

Whatever your tips, Lloyds Bank would like to hear them for saving when it comes to booking your family holidays: whether at home or abroad.

Everyone who posts on this thread will be entered into a prize draw and one MNer will win a £300 Love2Shop voucher.

Thanks,

MNHQ

Standard Insight T&Cs apply

Self catering home or abroad. All family can help with picnic items and the best part of holidays is to relax. Local buses home and abroad far cheaper than organized through holiday reps. Your holiday your entertainment .

Keeping little ones entertained can be very expensive so spend some time searching for vouchers for days out before you go. Also check out leaflets & the tourist info office when you're away.

We work out the estimated cost difference between self catering and all inclusive. On top of that, we don't assume a package holiday is cheapest. We always check multiple sites and check whether its cheaper to book everything seperately :)

Stay in apartments instead of hotels so you can cook and save on food.

Research well including DIY. Book early if you can to get the cheapest prices and free places

Take advantage of the free baggage, most airlines will allow you to take a buggy and car seat for free. I sneaked some stuff into the car seat bag!

Self cater or eat where the local eats as they tend to know the nice places which aren't bumped up for tourists.

Shop around for deals like car rental, travel insurance don't buy them from the travel provider.

Packed lunches and plenty of snacks really keep the cost down. And bargain hunt for vouchers for days out in the places you are visiting. Save things like cereal tokens for discounted entry to days out venues - i can't remember the last time we paid full price to go the the zoo or a theme park!

Bring snacks in suitcase so ur not constantly forking out for treats

planning activities & meals, & having a budget

My money saving tips is to go self catering and take food with you, that way you spend much less out there

Take packed lunches when going out for the day.

We either self cater or camp to cut costs. Packed lunches save a lot of money :)

I have amazing parents and I love spending quality time with them so we pool our money together and go on holiday together. My daughter has made some wonderful memories during these times.

We do a house swap most years. It means that we have been so some amazing places, just for the cost of the flights! For example, last year, we went to Berlin which isn't somewhere I would normally have thought of but it was wonderful. As for money saving, of course there's no accommodation costs, we normally just buy food at the supermarket and eat in and go to local attractions (try to find the free ones of course!!)

Always check to see if the same package holiday can be booked cheaper separately. I've always found transfers booked independently to be cheaper, quicker and very reliable especially if there are a few people in your party

Look out for Newspaper offers for holidays. There are some great deals to be had if you are flexible on dates

start saving now. simple as that

camping especially now we'd meed extra rooms for kids

Always sign up for email alerts when the Airline/holiday companies when the sales start

A bucket spade, sun cream, a bat and a ball, and a disposable barbecue will cost few pennies and keep the kids entertained all day, I chose to go to a seaside resort which is not too commercialised, you'll be amazed the games you can create with children's imagination and some pebbles, make designs, create a target and see who can throw to the middle the most. After a day on the beach, head back to your tent/caravan and take part in some free stargazing and see what constellations you can spot !

Try and contact the hotels direct. It really isn't that difficult to sort your own flights and transfer

Self catering :) Also check for vouchers, you may find some great ones you can use

Do as the locals do! Also, eating out costs a lot of money compared to making your own food or eating healthy snacks, such as fruit.

Browse the internet for the best deals & check out the countries where you get more for your money, ones that don't use the euro can often save you a lot of money. Buy lighter luggage & pack light to avoid paying excess baggage.

Take your own pack up picnic for the plane, rather than buying on board. It's also very handy to have all their favourite foods to hand in those meltdown moments!