How do families afford holidays abroad?

Very cheap holidays always seem to be to places in the UK, where sunshine is as a rare as camels, and while your coach trip to the British seaside might be great fun there's nothing like going on a family holiday somewhere a bit more exotic. But with both flights and accommodation to pay for, how do families afford holidays abroad? It is a good question, and while some families have plenty of cash to splash most have their own method for getting their annual week in the sun. Here's just a few ideas to help you get yours too.

1.Book well in advance to get very cheap holidays

Booking a family holiday well in advance means you have to wait longer than if you do it a few weeks before, but it also means you often get a better deal. If you book around a year in advance, when the flights are released, you can get some great deals.

2.Keep a look out for the best deals

Most of us don't have time to spend our days scouring the internet in search of a cheap family holiday but fortunately there are other ways to keep abreast of the latest deals. Bargain holidays from Britain search and post cheap package holidays regularly, and as they check the reviews for hotels it saves you time. Like the page to get regular updates on facebook.

3.Use budget airlines

Budget airlines might not have all the frills and bows of more luxurious brands but they will get you where you need to be. The main differences between cheap flights abroad and more expensive ones is you will have to pay extra for in-flight meals, checked in baggage and they probably won't have an in-flight film. However, you can bring a pack lunch or buy food on the plane if you prefer, and it means you make big savings on the flight price. All the frills and bows come with a premium and when you consider that it is just a small part of your holiday it usually doesn't make much of a difference.

3. Cutting back on your living costs as much as you can will help pay for your very cheap holidays

It doesn't matter how cheap something is if you don't have any money to pay for it. However, you can make it easier to pay for your family break with some nifty budgeting. Write down all your weekly/monthly outgoings. Include everything from shopping, utilities, travel and fuel bills. Think about how you could cut back. Could you walk instead of getting the bus or driving places? Do you spend too much on take-away food? If you drink or smoke could you spend less on it? Many people don't realise how much they spend each week. Even saving your loose change in a jar could make a difference.

4.Spend less on birthday and Christmas gifts

If you splash out on birthday and Christmas presents but cannot afford a family holiday, it could be worth cutting your budget for these special occasions. They are great fun but buying a bit less won't take away the magic. However, it could save you cash for your holidays and time de-cluttering when your little treasures decide they don't like their toys any more. You can make some fantastic memories on a family holiday and enjoy quality time together away from work and the stresses of daily life.

5. Save vouchers and tokens

Some newspapers allow you to collect tokens to go on holiday and some airline providers even let you spend nectar points and Tesco Clubcard points to pay for your flights or holidays. Do your research and you could save £s.