The Teacher’s Guide to Expensive School Holiday Travel

Holidays don’t come cheap when you work in education. While other people can save money travelling outside peak times, term-time breaks are often your only option. The result? More demand, higher flight prices and more expensive accommodation.

We get how annoying it can be watching prices rise just because your available travel dates are limited. That’s why we’ve put together a quick guide to make school holiday travel a bit more manageable.

Why school holiday travel costs more

Travel companies know exactly when demand increases. That’s why prices rise significantly during the Christmas break, Easter break, summer holidays and half terms.

Teachers are particularly affected because leave during term time is usually a no-go. This can lead to:

• Higher flight prices
• Increased accommodation costs
• More expensive package holidays
• Limited availability for budget options
• Higher travel insurance premiums in peak seasons
• Even some attractions hiking their prices

Because families with children also face pressure to travel during these same periods, popular destinations get even more expensive.

Planning early is a must

One of the best ways teachers can reduce holiday costs is by planning well in advance. Sometimes, you can bag a bargain with late getaways. But waiting until the last minute during peak travel periods often means paying premium prices.

Booking early can help you secure:

• Lower deposits
• Better flight times
• Cheaper accommodation
• More payment flexibility

Some families find it helpful to create a dedicated holiday savings pot throughout the year. Even small monthly contributions can make a noticeable difference by the time summer arrives.

Credit unions can be particularly useful for this approach. Many education staff use savings accounts to gradually build holiday funds safely and consistently, helping spread the cost over the year instead of relying entirely on short-term borrowing.

Setting a realistic holiday budget

Remember, flights and hotels are only part of the total cost. It’s easy for holiday costs to creep up once extras are added. Teachers should also consider:

• Airport parking
• Spending money
• Meals and drinks
• Excursions and activities
• Passport renewals
• Travel insurance
• Currency exchange costs

Creating a full budget before you book can help you avoid financial stress later. A holiday should feel relaxing, not create money worries that continue long after returning home.

A good rule is to decide what feels affordable before browsing luxury options online. Travel websites can make overspending tempting, especially during stressful school terms when a break feels well deserved!

A few ways to reduce costs

Travelling during school holidays doesn’t always mean paying the highest possible prices.

Teachers may be able to reduce costs by:

• Choosing less tourist-heavy destinations
• Flying from alternative airports
• Travelling at the beginning or end of school breaks
• Considering UK breaks instead of overseas trips
• Booking self-catering accommodation

Some families also choose shorter breaks throughout the year instead of one expensive summer holiday. This can make travel more manageable financially while still giving you that much-needed rest and recharge.

Saving vs borrowing for your holidays

For many people working in education, a holiday is something that’s planned and saved for gradually. Building savings in advance is usually the most cost-effective option because there is no interest to repay later.

However, there might be situations where borrowing responsibly could help spread the cost of a larger expense, particularly for:

• Family reunions
• Special occasions
• Unexpected travel needs
• Once-in-a-lifetime trips

Related: Loan vs Saving: A Practical Comparison Guide for Teachers

What’s important is that borrowing remains affordable and manageable within your monthly budget. High-interest credit options or payday loans can quickly make a holiday far more expensive than expected. Before borrowing, be sure that you understand:

• Total repayment costs
• Interest rates
• Monthly affordability
• Existing financial commitments

Credit unions are often seen as a safer alternative to high-cost lenders because they focus on responsible lending and supporting members’ financial wellbeing.

Avoiding the “holiday debt hangover”

When it comes to holidays, one of the biggest financial risks is actually overspending during the trip itself. It’s become pretty standard for people to budget carefully when they’re booking a holiday. But not everyone is so careful when they’re spending abroad.

Using credit cards heavily during holidays is particularly dangerous, as it can leave you saddled with debt that lasts much longer than the holiday memories.

To avoid this:

• Set a daily spending budget
• Prepay for activities where possible
• Use debit cards carefully abroad
• Track spending regularly
• Build a small emergency buffer before travelling

It might mean a couple less drinks from the pool bar. But returning from holiday knowing your finances are still under control can make the experience loads more enjoyable in the long run.

Making holidays more affordable as an education worker

Teachers may not have the flexibility to travel off-peak. But there are still practical ways to reduce the financial pressure.

Some useful strategies include:

• Starting holiday savings early
• Booking in advance
• Comparing prices across multiple providers
• Travelling with other families to split costs
• Using reward schemes or cashback carefully
• Avoiding unnecessary borrowing

Most importantly, holidays should fit comfortably within your financial situation.

Here to help with school holiday travel

Holidays around term time can be expensive. But with forward planning, realistic budgeting and the right financial support, they can still be affordable without creating unnecessary financial pressure.

Metro Moneywise Credit Union offers safe savings and responsible lending for education staff across the UK. Whether you want to build a holiday savings fund, spread the cost of a family trip with affordable repayments or create greater financial stability throughout the year, we’re here to help make school holiday travel more manageable.