Five ways to keep the cost of your family holiday car-trip down ahead of big summer getaway
THE big summer getaway will soon begin as families hit the road on holiday.
Spending soon adds up as you splash cash on fuel, snacks and other treats to keep kids busy on the trip.
But you can cut back with these simple tips.
FUEL FOR THOUGHT: The price of diesel and petrol is usually much higher at motorway service stations.
You can find fuel for less if you head onto smaller roads.
By simply registering at petrolprices.com, you can spot the cheapest fuel close to your route — or search for a supermarket forecourt, where prices tend to be lower.
TAKE THE NEXT JUNCTION: Many high street offers don’t apply at motorway services, so you can end up paying more for your coffee, lunch or snacks.
Take a look at justoffjunction.co.uk to find other places to eat. Alternatively, theextramile.guide has some great ideas for interesting stop-offs.
HOLIDAY BOOKING: Distract kids on long journeys with a brilliant audiobook.
Access them at your local library, along with free CDs, through the Libby app with your library card.
Once on the road, try loyalbooks.com, which has hundreds of classic stories for children and adults to download.
There’s a handpicked collection of free books available to you at harpercollins childrensbooks.co.uk/listen-for-free.
CHEAP EATS: Stores in many major towns close to main roads let kids eat free or for £1 when an adult buys a meal.
These include Tesco, Morrisons and Asda, plus out-of-town outlets such as Dunelm or Dobbies garden centres. Check for offers before taking a detour.
PACK A PICNIC: If you don’t fancy a picnic in a layby, search “motorway stop offs” at canalrivertrust.org.uk.
You will find thatain roads often follow similar routes to canals, and you can search out some lovely lunch stops on long car journeys.
- All prices on page correct at time of going to press. Deals and offers subject to availability.
Deal of the day
DRESS up a summer outfit with these fab leopard-print wedges, down from £40 to £15 at River Island.
SAVE: £25
Cheap treat
ADD some cheer to your home with a few blooms in this lemon vase, £2 from Flying Tiger.
What's new?
CHANGE your duvet cover to suit your mood with this reversible bedding set, £20 for a double, new in at Dunelm.
Top swap
GIVE your skin a boost with Murad Essential-C moisturiser, £54.70 from lookfantastic.com.
Or revive your complexion with Skin Saints vitamin C moisturiser, £4 from Tesco.
SAVE: £50.70
Little helper
PACK in your daily vitamins with Asda’s Health Menu tropical shake, £3.95, which aims to boost your immune system.
Shop and save
YOU can’t go wrong with these chunky tortoiseshell sunglasses, down from £17 to £8.50 at Accessorize.
SAVE: £8.50
Hot right now
TACO Bell has launched a limited-edition chipotle grilled chicken burrito, from £5.19, available nationwide.
PLAY NOW TO WIN £200
JOIN thousands of readers taking part in The Sun Raffle.
Every month we’re giving away £100 to 250 lucky readers – whether you’re saving up or just in need of some extra cash, The Sun could have you covered.
Every Sun Savers code entered equals one Raffle ticket.
The more codes you enter, the more tickets you’ll earn and the more chance you will have of winning!