Did you forget to book a family holiday this year? No need to worry - there are plenty of holidays still available - and many companies have slashed their prices. Travel expert Catherine Cooper has rounded up some of the latest offers.
If you can pack up the car and head of somewhere within the UK there are some real bargains to be had. Wightlink is offering one-week self-catering holidays in the Isle of Wight from just £169pp, as well as a free booklet Secret Wight which sets out ten suggested itineraries for exploring the island without spending a penny. Or in Cornwall Beach Retreats are offering 20% off apartments at Waves 20 at Watergate Bay in Cornwall, overlooking three miles of golden sand.
If you'd like to head a little further afield there are plenty of great deals to be found in Europe. Neilson is currently offering two weeks for the price of one at selected resorts including Phokaia in Foca, Turkey where prices in August start at £879pp. For adventurous families, alpine summer holidays with Esprit are ideal, including activities such as paragliding, rock scrambling, hiking, zip wires and more. One week's chalet-style accomodation for a family of four in Alpe d'Huez costs from £799 (saving £757).
Pierre & Vacances has reduced prices by 33% at Terrazas Costa del Sol so a two-bedroom air-conditioned apartment for six people now costs £1,113 from 6-13 August (£185 per person.) The price includes use of the waterpark and pool and activites such as basketball and handball. A kids club is also available for children aged three to 18 with activities ranging from cirus skills lessons to mountain biking. To Tuscany is now offering 25% off all 2011 bookings - for example Ciliegio, a self-catering villa surrounded by olive groves and vineyards sleeping up to five people has been reduced from £1,444 to £1,083.
It's also possible to go further afield without breaking the bank - seven nights all-inclusive at the Sharm Resort Hotel in Egypt departing Manchester on August 7 with Red Sea Holidays costs just £669 per person with Red Sea Holidays. The resort has several swimming pools, water slides and an aqua centre as well as access to a private beach.
If you are flying short haul, don't forget to sign up for email newsletters from Ryanair , easyJet and other budget airlines - it can be possible to get flights for just a few pounds if you look out for their sales. Happy holidays!
Catherine Cooper is author of Travelling with Children: A Parent's Guide
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admin
25 July, 2011
A great selection to choose from - thanks Catherine! We are opting for a short three day break to Longleat Safari Park this August, and having our big holiday next February instead. I'm determined to find cheap, if not free, activities to do all summer with the kids in an effort to try and save money, and also to show them you don't have to spend money to have fun. Wish me luck :-)
Leigh
Ready for Ten Team
expert
26 July, 2011
Good luck! And have fun x