Summer holidays 2024: UK staycation vs abroad with kids – cost comparison
Whether a UK staycation or a trip abroad is cheaper depends less on the destination and more on when you go, how you travel and how much you self-cater. With summer holidays 2024 approaching and a surprise general election on 4 July, many families are still deciding. Here is an honest comparison of the main costs, without the hype, to help you choose what suits your kids and your budget.
Why now: summer planning and the election
June is the last good moment to book a summer break at sensible prices, before school holidays push costs up. Scottish and Northern Irish schools break up at the end of June, and most English and Welsh schools in late July. Prices for cottages, flights and package holidays usually jump when schools break up.
The general election on Thursday 4 July doesn't change your holiday, but some schools used as polling stations may close that day. If yours does, it's a good excuse for a local day out.
UK staycation vs abroad: the main costs
Abroad usually costs more to get to; a UK staycation often costs more to stay and eat. This table compares a typical one-week break for a family of four in the school holidays.
| Cost | UK staycation | Short-haul abroad | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Getting there | £–££ | ££–£££ | fuel or train vs flights, transfers and luggage |
| Accommodation | ££–£££ | ££ | UK cottages are pricey in August |
| Food | ££ | £–££ | eating out abroad is often cheaper |
| Activities | ££ | £–££ | UK attractions add up fast |
| Weather risk | high | low | rainy-day spending in the UK |
| Extras | £ | ££ | passports, insurance, parking at the airport |
Price per family: £ = under about £300, ££ = about £300–£1,000, £££ = over £1,000. Rough guide only, prices change.
Plan family trips in the UK on the Kid.ooo map
Top UK picks. Cornwall, Devon, Dorset, Norfolk, Northumberland, the Lake District, Pembrokeshire and the Scottish Highlands are the classic choices. Visit Cornwall and similar tourism boards list family deals, and holiday villages such as Center Parcs suit families who want everything on site.
Abroad. France, Spain, Portugal, Italy and Greece remain family favourites. Northern France and Belgium are an easy trip by car ferry or by Eurostar from London.
Which suits your family? A quick way to decide is to look at your children's ages and what they enjoy most:
- Babies and toddlers: a UK staycation within a few hours' drive avoids flight stress and lets you bring the cot, buggy and favourite toys.
- Pre-schoolers: a holiday park or campsite with a pool and playground works at home or abroad, so compare the total cost of the week.
- School-age kids: guaranteed sunshine and a pool often win, but the price jump in the school holidays is steepest for flights.
- Mixed ages: a UK break plus a few local days out can stretch the budget further than one big trip.
Whatever you choose, set a total budget first, including food and activities, rather than comparing headline prices only.
Getting there with kids: car, train, ferry or plane
For a UK break, driving is usually the cheapest door-to-door option for a family; for abroad, flying is fastest but has the most extras. Add airport parking, luggage fees, transfers and meals at the airport to any flight price.
- Car: cheapest for families, but expect queues on summer Saturdays.
- Train: relaxing with a Family & Friends Railcard, especially for city breaks.
- Ferry: lets you take the car and all the gear abroad.
- Plane: quickest for southern Europe, but book early and travel light.
Where to stay: family-friendly stays
Self-catering is the biggest money saver at home and abroad. In the UK, campsites and holiday parks are much cheaper than cottages; see our guide to camping with kids. Abroad, apartments and campsites with mobile homes are great value, especially with a pool.
Check the essentials: cots, high chairs, a washing machine and a short walk to a beach, park or playground.
Where to eat with kids
Abroad, eating out is often cheaper and later; in the UK, picnics and pub gardens keep costs down. Many UK pubs and chains have kids eat free deals in the summer holidays. A mix of self-catered breakfasts, picnic lunches and one meal out a day works in both cases.
Find kid-friendly restaurants near your holiday base on the Kid.ooo map.
Rainy-day plan B
The British summer is the biggest hidden cost of a staycation: a wet week can mean expensive indoor attractions every day. Plan a few free options in advance: museums, libraries, swimming pools and indoor markets. Our list of the best soft play centres in the UK covers every region, and our Cornwall with kids guide has a full rainy-day section.
Abroad, the opposite is true: plan shade, siestas and indoor time in the hottest part of the day.
Packing checklist
Pack the same basics for both, plus documents if you're going abroad.
- Passports for every child, checked on the HM Passport Office site well ahead
- A free GHIC for each family member, from the NHS GHIC information page
- Travel insurance that covers children
- Sun cream, hats and swimwear
- Waterproofs and wellies for a UK break
- Travel games, books and downloaded shows
- Basic medicines and a small first aid kit
For toddler-friendly travel tips, take a look at @mummataralouise on Instagram.
Save your summer places in Kid.ooo
Kid.ooo is a free family days out map where parents share beaches, playgrounds and kid-friendly cafés across the UK and Europe. Use it as your app for days out with kids: save places before you go and find playgrounds near me wherever you land.
Save your summer places on the Kid.ooo map
Missing a great family spot from your holiday? Add it to Kid.ooo and help other parents plan their summer.
Frequently asked questions
Is a UK staycation cheaper than going abroad with kids?
Not always. A UK break saves on flights, passports and airport costs, but UK cottages and attractions in the school holidays can be expensive. Self-catering abroad in a cheaper destination can sometimes cost the same or less.
When do the summer holidays 2024 start?
Schools in Scotland break up at the end of June, while most schools in England and Wales break up in the third or fourth week of July. Northern Ireland schools finish at the end of June.
Will schools close for the general election on 4 July 2024?
Some schools are used as polling stations and may close or partly close on Thursday 4 July. Your school will let you know, so plan childcare or a day out if needed.
What documents do children need to travel abroad?
Every child needs their own valid passport, and many countries ask for several months' validity left. Apply early, as summer is the busiest time for the Passport Office, and get a free GHIC for each family member.
Find family places near you
Open the kid.ooo map in your browser – no download needed.