Mini breaks that won’t break the bank

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Mini breaks that won’t break the bank Posted On 14 December 2018

The hustle and bustle of Christmas can leave you feeling the need to get away and just relax. So why not plan ahead and brighten up the beginning of 2019 by booking a mini break on a budget?

If you want to go to away on a budget, especially after the price tag that often comes with the Christmas celebrations, there are some great ways to save money – whether it be a family break or if it’s just the two of you. A mini break somewhere new, or somewhere that you already love to visit, is something we all love to do and can be an exciting thing to look forward to once the new year sets in.

Perfect for families.

A cheap getaway that is often popular for families is camping. At this time of year, it is far too cold to be sleeping in tents in a field. However, something that doesn’t cost much more than camping but suits the weather this time of year much better, is glamping. Most glamping sites have pods, yurts and huts that contain heating and lots of comfort – so you won’t be thinking about being cold during the night! These types of accommodation include cosy nights in and if the bad weather comes, then you can still enjoy having an outdoor experience, without worrying about the elements affecting your time away.

Another thing all families can enjoy, is a visit to a caravan park for a long weekend. Hire a static caravan for a couple of nights and you’ll benefit from on-site activities and convenience stores, so you don’t have to spend your weekend travelling around to keep the children entertained. Perfect for a budget break. These parks are often self-catering, so you can choose to do a normal food shop before you travel to keep your expenses down. A couple of the most popular caravan parks are Haven at www.haven.com or Parkdean Resorts over at www. parkdeanresorts.co.uk. Head to their websites to see the latest deals. These two particular sites often have night time entertainment included in the price too, so the whole family can enjoy their time away!

There are also plenty of family friendly hotels around the UK – and abroad if you prefer to travel further afield. Booking your break as a package can save money, and you can get last minute deals to include your flights and transfers. Family friendly cottages around the UK are also another thing to look at. You can hire these out for a few nights and, because they are usually self-catering, you have everything you need there. Check online at www.homeaway.co.uk or www. holidaycottages.co.uk to find the perfect venue for you.

Perfect for couples.

If you are wanting to go away as a couple without children around, there are lots of ‘adult only’ places you can visit. Warner Leisure Hotels (www.warnerleisurehotels.co.uk) are purely for adults and their hotels have a large variety of things to do. This includes archery and croquet; things that you wouldn’t necessarily do on a regular basis. The hotels are usually set within large stately homes that are no longer used and are surrounded by beautiful grounds, so it makes for a peaceful getaway. It doesn’t have to cost a lot to go to places like this. There are plenty of different packages to choose from when you go, such as a drinks inclusive break where you get drink served at your table with dinner and in the bar, anytime from 6pm until midnight. There are also Spa breaks and Bowls breaks available and you can choose the type of package you book dependant on what you are looking for within your budget.

Places like www.airbnb.co.uk also have budget homes, cottages and apartments that you can rent, again self-catering. It’s a great way to discover new cities and places around the UK that you wouldn’t usually go to, and they have plenty of smaller places available, such as individual rooms within shared common spaces that don’t cost the earth. They also have places to rent out at low prices abroad.

Getting a last-minute deal abroad can save you money if you decide you want to head somewhere outside of the UK. Also, bear in mind that to go overseas it can be worth going into a travel agent with a budget and the kind of things you are looking to do, and they will be able to let you know what they can do for you within these criteria.

There are plenty of ways that you can save money on a mini break, whether that means booking packages, going to self-catering accommodation for a long weekend or renting a room in the city for a few days. Finding something perfect for you as a family or a couple to give you that getaway you need, is something you can look forward to celebrating in the new year.