Jen Carr, aka The Travel Mum

I don’t know about you, but anytime I go to a book a family holiday, I do oodles of research, narrow down the search to about five different destinations, and then bail.

I just can’t seem to hit that “book” button.

This holiday booking paralysis largely comes down to the cost – parting with multiple thousands of pounds for a week-long holiday (thanks to the airport transfers, flights, rooms needed for four people, food costs, etc) seems particularly daunting.

Not only that, but my eldest is now in school so the window for going on holiday is pretty slim – not to mention, even more expensive. So what’s a parent to do?

Thankfully Jen Carr, family travel expert and founder of The Travel Mum, has shared some exclusive tips to help fellow parents keep costs low – and the good times rolling.

First up, why are family holidays SO expensive?

For a week’s holiday as a family of four, you’re looking at spending between £3,000 and £4,000 on average – and that’s for flights, hotels, food, etc.

When the school holidays roll around, you might notice this figure suddenly surges.

“It comes down to supply and demand,” Carr told HuffPost UK. “Millions of families are tied to the same windows, so competition drives prices up. With fewer departure dates to choose from, airlines and resorts can charge a premium.

“Frustrating? Absolutely. But families aren’t powerless. By understanding the system, and using a few clever tricks, you can make your next holiday far more affordable.”

But how?

Here’s what Carr advises...

1. Travel outside of........

© HuffPost