How to cope with kids’ pricey school trips – plus make-up steals and massive furniture savings
KIDS hate missing out but every year parents are put under pressure to fork out for budget-busting school trips.
This week I received an email from a Sun Saver whose daughter wants to go on an expensive jaunt to Italy — but it costs £540.
Is it worth it? I was devastated when I wasn’t allowed to go on a school ski holiday to Canada.
So I have asked other parents and money-saving gurus for their top tips on how to tackle this . . .
founder and CEO, Justine Roberts says: “Finding more than £500 could easily break a family’s budget and no school trip is worth getting into debt for.
“Even if you have the money, our users seem united in deciding on each one based on value for money and educational benefit.
“Perhaps there is enough money in the pot if your child is willing to cut back in other areas.
“If not, then our users say learning that money is not limitless is an important life lesson.”
Founder and editor of , Ricky Willis says: “Bear in mind that these trips usually come with a kit list, so you’ll need to find extra money down the line to buy new items they’ll need while away.
“Go to the school to see if there can be an arrangement for parents who are struggling, or if they would accept a payment plan.
“Could your child help to contribute to the trip themselves, maybe by offering gardening help or car- washing to neighbours?”
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Sun Saver Justine Necker from Liskeard, Cornwall, says: “Yes, it sounds expensive — but for her to miss out is very disappointing if all her friends are going.
“You could dig out old items such as books and toys and sell them at a car boot sale to raise money towards the trip.”
Mum-of-three Kayleigh Hughes, who writes blogs for , says: “If you speak to the school and explain the situation, they will likely help out by accepting payment in instalments. It’s always worth an ask.”
Travel Editor at The Sun, Lisa Minot says: “While it would be a shame if your daughter didn’t join her schoolmates on the trip to Italy, I completely understand why you are balking at the price.
“For £540 you could easily enjoy a holiday to Italy for the whole family! Why not look at the competitively priced camping or self-catering holidays from the likes of Eurocamp, or Novasol?
“If you choose to self-drive, you can easily make it to Italy with just one overnight stop in France.”
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Reader's Tip
Pauline McBeath from Stirling says: “Line the salad, salad/veg drawer in your fridge with kitchen towel – it absorbs moisture and keeps the food fresh for longer.”
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