Kelly Miles, a mother of two from Portsmouth, Hampshire, has outlined her methods for managing summer holiday activities for her children, aged 10 and 12, with a budget of just £50 per week. Miles stated that her thrifty approach allows her to save approximately £500 over the six-week summer break.
Miles, who was previously a single mother relying on benefits, emphasized the importance of preparation and seeking out free local resources. Her strategy involves setting aside a dedicated budget in advance, utilizing free local options such as swimming sessions for children under 12, visiting libraries, and spending days at the beach, which primarily incur parking costs if food is brought from home.
This year, Miles increased her budget to £300 for the six weeks, citing rising costs, compared to her usual £200. She manages larger expenses, like trips to theme parks or aquaparks, by saving money throughout the year in separate digital 'pots' offered by challenger bank Monzo. She stated that this planning allows her to save between £400 and £500 annually. Miles highlighted the significance of packing food and drinks for day trips. She noted that purchasing snacks and beverages at attractions can be costly, citing an example of a bottle of Coca-Cola priced at £3.50 at Thorpe Park. Her family prepares meals like pizza rolls and pancakes using bulk-bought ingredients such as flour, eggs, and biscuits, which she finds to be more cost-effective and exciting for her children.
She also recommended investing in durable items that can be used over multiple summers, such as an insulated backpack and reusable water bottles. Miles also advised purchasing items like buckets and spades from discount stores before visiting the beach to avoid inflated prices.
Miles's top tips include looking for free local activities and events, setting aside a specific budget for holidays, and bulk buying ingredients for homemade snacks and meals. She also suggests preparing packed lunches and drinks for outings and investing in quality reusable items.