How to keep travel costs for kids under control

If you’re a parent, you’ll know that keeping kids entertained while travelling isn’t always easy.

But what you might not realise is just how the cost of keeping boredom at bay can quickly add up.

According to research from Clearpay, some parents are spending more than £300 per child to keep them happy during a long journey.

That’s a lot of money to stop them asking that infernal question - “are we nearly there yet?”

So how can you make sure you’re not spending more than you can afford?

What are parents buying for their children?

Over the last year, nearly all parents (98%) have bought items to make travelling with kids easier, including:

• headphones
• tablets and gaming devices
• travel toys
• activity books
• colouring supplies
• card games
• snack packs
• drinks bottles
• travel pillows and cushions
• chargers and tech accessories

Often, the pressure to buy is coming the kids, with almost a third of parents (32%) saying that their children actively ask for these kinds of items.

What does this do to household budgets?

When you buy lots of small items here and there, it can be easy to lose sight of how much you’re actually spending.

So it’s no surprise that 79% of parents say these purchases have affected their regular household spending. 

“Holiday spending can add up,” said Rich Bayer, UK country manager at Clearpay.

“So setting a budget for the different elements of a trip can help ensure that you’re spending what you can afford.”

We’ve put together a handy guide on creating a budget, and we’ve got a free budget planner to get you started.

5 ways to keep your travel costs down

1. Set a clear spending limit

Decide in advance how much you’re willing to spend on travel essentials for each child.

This will help you prioritise what’s really needed versus what’s just nice-to-have.

2. Reuse if you can

Before heading to the shops, check what you already have at home. 

You could save lots of money by simply repacking last year’s travel games or loading new films onto an existing device.

3. Get kids involved in the budget

If your child is old enough, give them a small travel budget and let them choose how to spend it.

This will help them understand the value of budgeting and keep a lid on their expectations.

4. Avoid last-minute spending

You can end up paying extra if you buy travel essentials at a service station or airport.

So plan ahead and buy early.

5. Spread the cost over time

If you’ve booked a holiday a few months in advance, use this time to pick up small items gradually, instead of buying everything at once.