An autumn holiday is one of the best ways to beat the post-summer blues and give yourself a much needed pick-me-up before the run up to Christmas begins. And with some thoughtful planning, you can keep costs down without sacrificing on making memories as a family. 

With that in mind, here are a few of our top tips for planning an affordable autumn getaway. 

Book in Advance 

Booking ahead of time usually means the best hotels, flights, and excursions aren’t yet booked up. Plus, you might be able to secure early-bird discounts. 

Many holiday packages, flights, and accommodation options also offer flexible, no-interest payment plans, allowing you to spread the costs over several months rather than paying everything all in one go. 

Booking in advance gives you plenty of time to do your research, too. You can spend more time comparing hotels, transport options, and things to do so you can make the most of your trip for less. 

Find Last-Minute Deals

On the flip side, rather than booking in advance, sometimes the best deals pop up last-minute. Hotels, restaurants, and holiday providers will also choose to make less money than no money, so to fill empty seats and sell any spare tickets, they will run last-minute deals. 

You can take advantage of these price drops to book a holiday that might otherwise be out of budget. Just bear in mind that sometimes accommodation choice and transport options on package deals may be limited on last-minute bookings. If you have a specific trip in mind, booking in advance is often the better tactic. 

Consider a Staycation 

You can go abroad on a budget, but it’s often easier to stay in the UK and avoid the cost of flying and baggage fees, ferries, or LeShuttle entirely. 

The UK is filled with amazing places, too. There are plenty of opportunities to make amazing memories as a family here. From scenic walks in the Yorkshire Dales, to city breaks in Edinburgh, to seaside adventures in Cornwall, there is no shortage of fun things to do up and down the country. 

Autumn is also a great time of year in the UK. It’s not unbearably cold and there are plenty of rain-free days, but you also get a welcome break from high temperatures. Although Brits like to complain about the cold weather, we all secretly love it when the blankets, hot chocolates, and cosy autumn evenings come out.

There’s also another benefit to staying in the UK that often flies under the radar - not having to worry about stripping off layers to deal with the hotter climes. Exposing our skin isn’t for everyone and in the heat it of course means sunburn is always more of a risk. However, according to recent research and a survey by Gentle Grip, 68% of Brits are also self-conscious of their feet and would rather not reveal them, so much so it’s even put many of us off going abroad full stop. So if you can relate to this, then a holiday that involves more walking shoes than flip flops might be the better option. 

The Best Affordable Destinations in the UK 

North Wales

From hiking up Snowdon to exploring waterfalls and forests in Betws-y-Coed, North Wales is one of the best and most affordable UK destinations for outdoorsy families. 

Outdoor adventures are always better when it’s not too hot or too cold, making autumn the perfect time to head to North Wales. There are also plenty of free activities in Wales that are well-suited to family days out. 

Dumfries and Galloway 

When you think of Scotland, most people jump straight to places like Edinburgh or Glasgow. While these are fantastic destinations, their popularity can hike up prices, especially during the October half-term. Dumfries and Galloway is a great alternative. You can still experience Scotland in all its glory, but it’s typically cheaper and less busy. 

Norwich 

If you’d prefer a city break, Norwich is a great option. Residents are incredibly friendly and you can enjoy a town centre that has a similar vibe to York, but for half the price. Plus, you can easily explore Norfolk and the surrounding seaside towns without spending too much. 

Going Abroad is Still an Option

Despite all of this though, if you’re wanting to keep costs down but do in fact enjoy a warm weather family trip, you can also still head overseas. Places like Majorca, Portugal, and some areas of Greece offer great value during autumn even during the half term peak season, and there are many inexpensive package holidays that keep things simple and affordable. 

Memorable Holidays Don’t Have to Be Expensive 

Whether you choose to stay in the UK or head further afield, by taking the time to shop around and plan ahead, you can enjoy an unforgettable family holiday without breaking the bank.