While ski holidays are great fun for active families, it’s true that they can be much more expensive than sunshine breaks when you factor in the cost of flights, accommodation, equipment, ski passes and so on. But, if you’re determined to enjoy some snow with the family, there are ways to keep the cost down. Here’s how:

When should we book?

Follow the general holiday rules for this one; if you can book early or are happy to leave it to the last minute, there should be plenty of great offers available.

Of course, this might not work for your family and in that case, research suggests that you should book exactly eight weeks before departure. Apparently, this timeframe means that unforeseen events are less likely to crop up and stop you from going, good deals should still be about and prices shouldn’t have been fully hiked up – yet!

Where should we go?

If you’re looking to cut costs, avoid ‘Western’ resorts such as Austria and France. Instead, think East Europe; Poland, Croatia and Slovenia are great, while Borovets, Bulgaria, is another popular option. It’s the oldest and largest resort in the country and is great for kids, with some fantastic nursery slopes as well as intermediate level slopes that will allow those who have skied before to test their ability without going too far, too fast!

Ski gear – should we buy before we go or rent it there?

Ski gear is probably one of the biggest elements that ups the price of a family ski break; it certainly costs more than swimwear, shorts and t-shirts! Buying family ski wear in the UK before you head off can work out much more cost efficient than renting while you’re away, especially given the bargains you can get online these days. Snow+Rock are particularly reputable and guarantee to price match if you find the same item cheaper elsewhere. On top of that they offer a kids’ buy back scheme, which will give you 20% off your next purchase when you bring back old gear that the kids have outgrown.

Who should we fly with?

Make sure you consider baggage charges before booking anything! If you’re planning to take a lot of gear out to your chosen resort, there will be extra costs involved, even if your flights are comparatively cheap. Purple Parking’s research into exactly what each airline charges for ski gear is really useful:

• Easyjet states that: “You must purchase a sporting good weight allowance which gives an additional 12kg extra weight allowance”
• FlyBe says: “Ski equipment is treated as a normal baggage item and all baggage incurs a cost. Two bags, with a maximum weight of 40kg costs £44.99”
• Ryaniar says: “You will need to pay an additional £50 to have your ski baggage entered into the hold”

A few extra ways to save…

A final few tips to save the pennies when you’re there:

• Self-cater!

Après-ski isn’t necessarily the best way to enjoy your loved ones’ company, but by booking self-catering accommodation, you’ll guarantee plenty of time together as a family. Whip up fondues and traditional dishes and whip out a pack of cards for guaranteed good times!

• Use public transport!

Most European countries run a decent public transport system these days, so consider this as an option when booking transfers. Remember to factor in the distance between the airport and your resort though; Kva, Vikovice and Vitkovice are all within one hour of Prague airport for example.

If you want to make the most of your family holiday, consider hiring a car at your destination. It allows you to explore unfamiliar cities and towns at your own pace, and you can visit areas you might struggle to otherwise. Also, having to rely on public transport or pay for countless taxis can quickly become frustrating, especially if you have your own car at home. This is why it is becoming increasingly common for families to hire cars while they’re away.

However, everything comes at a cost and, if you don’t plan well or put in the necessary research, you could end up paying a lot more than you’d like to. If you are thinking about driving while you’re abroad, here are our tips for saving as much money as possible.

Book your hire car in Advance

To get the most affordable deal, you need to be thinking ahead. Use a comparison site to search the car hire market and consider your options in advance. The earlier you do this the better, as prices tend to rise quite significantly as your departure date draws nearer.

Not only will you save money by doing this, but you’ll also give yourself more time to read the necessary terms and conditions, as well as consider any additional charges you might have to deal with. Every hire company has its own rental policies, and some charge for the likes of cleaning, refueling or servicing, so it’s best to look into this to make sure you’re getting the best possible deal.

Don’t pay over the Odds for Insurance

It can be incredibly easy to spend too much on unnecessary car hire cover, so it’s wise to put some research into choosing your insurance policy — don’t just opt for the first plan you’re offered.

Your insurance should cover things like the theft of the vehicle, or damage to it, as well as any property damage or injuries suffered by a third party.

As you’re responsible for the car once it’s in your hands, you should check it over for any scratches or marks and record them before you set off. This is because, technically, car rental companies are within their rights to charge you the full ‘excess’ cover for even minor damage to the car. So, when you return the vehicle, make sure that you and the company are in agreement about the condition of the car.

Also, don’t be tempted to buy top-up insurance from the car hire firm. It can be very expensive, and often doesn’t cover the likes of theft, vandalism, lost keys or use of the wrong fuel so, more often than not, it’s not worth it.

Plan your Journeys

You should always try to plan your journeys as much as possible when exploring an unfamiliar place, but this is especially true when you’re driving abroad. You want to avoid getting lost or taking unnecessarily long routes, as this can cost you precious fuel — not to mention time that would be much better spent relaxing. Plus, toll charges are a lot more common outside of the UK, and the cost can mount up if you’re driving a lot. Therefore, it’s worth researching where you’re going and seeing whether there are alternative roads you can take in an effort to steer clear of extra charges — it will definitely pay off. Check out Lookers’ guide to navigating toll roads for more information about dealing with them.

If you follow all of these guidelines, you’ll be sure to have the best, most affordable experience of driving abroad possible. So, what are you waiting for? Time is of the essence — look into your options now!

Your clothes are folded neatly into your suitcase, you know where your passport and tickets are but you don’t have a clue how to accessorize on holiday. Sound familiar? Don’t despair. To effortlessly bring together your holiday wardrobe, you need three key pieces; the necklace, the bracelet and earrings. Packing the right accessory can bring variation to your holiday wardrobe as well as stop you from packing clothes unnecessarily. You can wear your favourite dress in several different ways  by changing your necklace and bracelet ensemble. Depending on the destination or occasion here are some tips on the accessories to go for.

Classic City Break: New York

With so much to do in the Big Apple and a strong possibility of a scorching summer, you will need your accessories to be glamorous and versatile without being bulky.  Items should take you from a Knicks game to a Broadway show and be stylish enough for Sex and the City-style cocktails in the evening

Necklace: Pick classic metallic pieces in either silver or gold. A long chain necklace which can be worn more than one way is a must. Loop it over your head or tie it in a knot for some much needed variation.

 Bracelet: A set of simple metal bangles can be a godsend when you need to constantly change your look. You can wear them on one wrist or split them across both. Vary the number of bangles you wear at a time and you won’t miss the rest of your jewellery collection.

Earrings: Don’t choose anything too flashy. Buy a sophisticated pair which can be worn with a necklace or on their own to set off a casual outfit. Choose simple hoops or drop earrings for an effortless effect.

Lazy Beach Break: The Maldives

When you’re hopping from the beach to the pool bar, your main jewellery concern will be ‘is my bling sparkling enough in the sun?’  To set off your perfectly cut swimwear and flowing tropical maxi, your accessories need to be big and bold. This will allow you to make a statement with one piece or to create a really individual look by layering items together.

Necklace: Choose a statement necklace, which accentuates the expertly coordinated colours in your wardrobe.  More is definitely more here but select a longer chain to avoid weird tan lines around your collar bone.

Bracelet:  As for bracelets, in order to create that truly bold, individual feel it can only be a charm bracelet. With the ability to choose what adorns your wrist, charm bracelets are a truly individual choice. Keep to a theme or mix and match your charms. Pick loads or keep it subtle, it’s completely up to you.

Earrings: You will need something dramatic to show off sun kissed shoulders in strapless or halter-neck dresses. Choose a drop earring with enough oomph to give your necklace a run for its money.

Sight Seeing Sojourn: Egypt

To take in the ancient mystique of the pyramids, a Nile cruise or the Sphinx you will need to pack light and keep covered up in the sweltering heat. This is a destination which calls for a sensible wardrobe like no other. If you’re savvy, however, you can still look stylish in your holiday snaps.

Necklace:For a hardcore sightseeing trip you need simple elegant pieces that you can wear all at once. Choose a classic delicate chain in either gold or silver with a small pendant. Put in on before you set off for the airport and leave it there (unless airport security tells you otherwise.)

Bracelet:If you’re considering wearing a bracelet whilst sightseeing, forget it. Make sure you don’t miss any of your excursions with an elegant watch instead. Keep it pretty and in-keeping with the rest of your jewellery.

Earrings:When you’re on the move, take the advice of your old PE teacher and avoid hoops or drop earrings. Wear small studs but don’t compromise on bling. Match the colour your necklace but opt for some sparkle.

Romantic Get-away: Paris

If you’re lucky enough to be whisked away on a romantic break this summer, then packing is sure to be a nightmare. In order to avoid the ‘we’re only going for a week- not a year!’ conversation your wardrobe needs to be minimal.

If that wasn’t hard enough your jewellery needs to accentuate your sexiest outfits and be versatile enough to carry you from romantic boat trip to swanky dinner.

Necklace: A statement necklace in an easy-to-wear hue is must, this is classic enough for day but can be transformed into a show stopper by night. To make it more man-friendly keep it simple. Something that sits just around your collar bone may be more practical than a long chain.

Bracelet: For fail safe wrist-wear that can take you from day to evening purchase a metal cuff. Your inner fashionistas will be satisfied that you’re making enough of a statement but it won’t be too audacious for your man. This is the ultimate no fuss piece which shows off your elegant side.

Earrings: If your neckwear is doing all the talking, your earrings can afford to be a bit simpler. Opt for classic hoops or studs that can compliment your other pieces or be worn alone for a subtle shimmer.