Planning a summer getaway for the whole family can feel like juggling flaming torches on a trampoline. With different ideas of the perfect break, not to mention the pressures of making decisions about where to go and what to do when you get there, it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. But with a bit of savvy planning (and the help of a few smart tools), you can find a holiday that makes everyone happy without blowing the budget.
Whether you're looking at package holidays to the Med, a self-catering villa in Spain, or a family-friendly hotel near a beach in Greece, the journey starts at the airport (and that’s where your first saving can begin).
Here are five travel hacks every family should consider when planning a holiday from Gatwick Airport.
1. Take the train to the airport
Getting to the airport can be one of the most stressful parts of the trip. Traffic jams, airport parking, overstuffed car boots - it can set the wrong tone before you even check in. That’s why so many families are discovering that taking the train to the airport isn’t just easier, it actually feels like the holiday has started early.
Gatwick Airport is served by fast, direct train services from stations across the Southern network. Instead of navigating the M25 or paying a small fortune to park (then forgetting where you did!), you can relax on a comfortable train with plenty of space for luggage, free Wi-Fi to keep everyone entertained, and seats with much more leg room than you're likely to see on your flight out.
Better still, you can often save money with advance fares, railcards, and children travel for only £2 each. The train is faster, greener, and most importantly: less stressful. For many families, the journey itself becomes part of the fun.
2. Use AI to narrow down destinations everyone will enjoy
If your family is like mine, you’ll all have different ideas of what a perfect holiday looks like. One kid wants waterslides, another dreams of endless rows of market stalls selling local crafts. One parent wants to unwind on the beach, the other wants a city packed with art galleries. Trying to balance everyone’s wish list can be tricky, but AI tools can help build a shortlist, compare destinations and create itineraries in seconds.
Try this sample prompt:
“We are a family of four with two children aged 7 and 11, planning a holiday from the UK. One child loves swimming, the other loves history and exploring castles. One parent wants to relax, the other enjoys local food and culture. Can you suggest five destinations in Europe that balance these interests, ideally with good value flights from Gatwick Airport?”
AI can help you weigh up options and spot destinations you might not have thought of, whether that’s Crete, the Algarve, or Dubrovnik. You can also ask for hotel suggestions, activities near specific resorts, or a sample 5-day itinerary once you’ve chosen where to go.
3. Use comparison sites for flights and deals
Finding the best price for flights or holidays used to mean checking dozens of websites. These days, you can do it all in one place with comparison websites. These platforms compare prices from airlines, tour operators, and booking engines, helping you spot the best deals quickly.
Many of these tools let you set up price alerts so you can book when fares dip in price, which is ideal if you’re planning well in advance or have flexible dates. If you're booking a package, or a hotel for that matter, always compare direct operator prices with those you find on comparison sites, you’ll be surprised how often prices vary.
4. Use the right credit card or bank account for added travel perks
Holiday expenses don’t end with the booking. From travel insurance to exchange rates and car hire extras, the right financial tools can save you a small fortune.
Look for a bank account or credit card that offers:
- No fees for foreign transactions
- Travel insurance included (check that it covers families and COVID-related cancellations)
- Car hire excess insurance (often costly when bought on the day)
- Free ATM withdrawals abroad
- Lounge access or concierge support (if that’s important to you)
- Even if you don’t travel often, switching to a travel-friendly card can save you money and stress.
5. Avoid roaming charges on your phone
Keeping the kids entertained with YouTube or having maps open on your phone can burn through mobile data fast. Many UK providers no longer include free roaming across Europe, so it’s worth looking into cheaper alternatives before you go.
Two popular options are buying a local SIM card when you arrive (especially useful for longer stays), or using a virtual SIM (eSIM) service which lets you download data packages before you land
You can often get 10GB+ of data for under £20, far cheaper than roaming charges. Some plans even let you tether to multiple devices, keeping the whole family online without the cost.
Just make sure your phone is unlocked before you travel, and check if your handset supports eSIMs.