Follow our travels on Instagram
People often ask us how we manage to travel as much as we do. After all, we have regular jobs, three kids, a mortgage in the UK, and certainly no secret stash of cash. Some think we’ve won the lottery (we haven’t), while my niece is convinced we’re spies (we’re not—though that would be pretty cool). The truth? We prioritise travel, make smart choices, and take advantage of every opportunity to explore.
We travel as much as possible, though plenty of families travel more—some even full-time! Since we’re tied to school holidays (thanks to our jobs as a teacher and a university administrator), we often face higher prices. But with a little strategy, it’s still totally doable. Here’s how we make it work:
1. We Follow the Cheap Flights
Our biggest tip: let the deals decide where you go! We use Skyscanner religiously (browsing is basically a hobby at this point) and book flights based on where we can go for the lowest price. Not only does this save money, but it also adds an element of adventure—we’ve ended up in places we might never have considered otherwise!
2. We Book Super Early
If you want the best prices, in general, book well in advance, particularly if you’re restricted to school holidays. As I sat in Spain this February, I was already hunting for flights for next February—and trust me, the deals were worth it!
3. Travel Is Our Priority
For us, travel comes before buying new clothes (for us parents), cars, or meals out. Most of our disposable income goes towards exploring the world. We bought an affordable house with minimal upkeep (probably not enough, if I’m honest), we stick to budget airlines, take stopovers for long-haul flights, and embrace experiences over luxuries. Seeing our kids recognise the call to prayer or say “thank you” in another language? Priceless.
4. We Travel to Affordable Destinations
We rarely visit expensive places because doing so would mean travelling less. We skip package holidays, all-inclusives, and pricey resorts (we’ve never even been to Centre Parcs! Although I hear the Center Parcs in Europe is cheaper). Ski trips? Not really our thing—and also not in the budget. SE Asia is one of our favourite budget destinations but City breaks in Europe can also be super affordable too.
5. We Stay in Self-Catering Accommodation
We love having the option to cook our own meals. That doesn’t mean we never eat out, we definitely do and love it, but having a kitchen lets us whip up quick, budget-friendly meals when we need to and it’s really useful for breakfast before we head out for the day. Plus, apartments are often cheaper than booking two hotel rooms! We usually use Booking.com or Airbnb
6. We Stay in Central Locations
Being within walking distance of cafés, restaurants, landmarks, and public transport is a game-changer. It saves time and cuts down on transport costs, making a slightly pricier central stay worth it in the long run.
7. We pack light
We’ve learnt the hard way—packing too much is a waste. Now, we’re strict about what we bring and usually stick to just a small carry-on. Easter in Europe? Tricky. But worst-case scenario, we buy a jumper (which has only happened once, even during our five-month trip to Asia).
8. We don’t use tours or packages
Travelling independently is generally cheaper than booking tours or packages because you have full control over your budget. You can choose budget-friendly accommodation, use public transport instead of expensive private transfers, and eat at local restaurants rather than tourist-focused spots. Tour packages often include mark-ups for convenience and profit, whereas independent travel allows you to find the best deals on flights, activities, and accommodation. Additionally, you can avoid unnecessary expenses such as guided tours for attractions that can be explored on your own, further reducing costs.
9. We skip souvenirs
Skipping souvenirs when travelling is cost-effective as it avoids overpriced, often unnecessary purchases. Tourist shops inflate prices, and small costs quickly add up. Instead, prioritising experiences or local cuisine creates lasting memories without extra spending. It also reduces baggage weight, helping to avoid excess luggage fees. Opting for photos and meaningful experiences is a budget-friendly alternative.
10. We Travel on a Budget
We don’t splurge on every meal, particularly in more expensive locations. Lunch is often a supermarket snack, a picnic, or street food (especially in Southeast Asia!). Camping? We pack sandwiches. For some, this might take away the “holiday” feel, but for us, it’s how we make travel happen.
At the end of the day, it’s all about choices. By making travel a priority, being flexible, and sticking to a budget, we’ve been able to explore so many amazing places, even in school holidays. And if you’re dreaming of travelling more—it’s absolutely possible!
Kitchen Family Travels 