Although not known for being one of the cheapest destinations in Europe, Cyprus is still an incredibly popular holiday area for families due to its beautiful beaches and year-round sunshine. However, if you are on a fairly strict budget, can you still plan a trip to this Mediterranean island which is renowned for its natural beauty and amazing local produce? Of course you can. You just need to know how.
From saving money on flights to choosing the perfect accommodation for your family’s needs, not to mention the whole host of free (or extremely cheap) local attractions on offer, you can find several ways to stick to your budget, if you know where to look. Keep reading to discover more and start planning your frugal family holiday to Cyprus today.
Be Flexible When It Comes to Dates
Yes, this can be difficult if you have to go away during the school holidays, but if your children are very young or even if they are in school, you can save a lot of money by avoiding the peak summer holiday dates. The weather in Cyprus is pleasant even during the winter months, although obviously not as hot as it would be in summer. You can also save quite a bit of money if you choose to go during another school holiday such as Easter or a half-term trip rather than the peak summertime.
Set Alerts for Flights
Companies such as Skyscanner and Airfarewatchdog will alert you when the cheapest flights to your chosen destination come up. All you need to do is fill in your details and inform them about where you want to go and where from. There is no hard and fast rule when it comes to booking flights, whether you do so last minute or far in advance. Sometimes you can save a lot of money booking last minute, but chances are, if you are booking a family holiday, you would prefer to have all your flights and accommodation sorted in advance.
Choose the Right Accommodation
As a rule, if there are four or more of you traveling, then it will work out more cost-effective to stay in one of the amazing Cyprus Villas that are available, rather than booking into a hotel. Remember, it is not just the room price that you can save money on, as you can also go self-catering in a private villa. Plus, Cyprus has so many amazing locations to explore, from the white sand beaches in Coral Bay to the stunning Protaras coastline, not to mention the lively and exciting atmosphere in Ayia Napa. So why would you want to be confined to staying within one hotel resort? A private villa offers seclusion, luxuriousness and the flexibility to explore if and when you want to.
Save On Eating Out
If you choose to stay in a private villa, of course, you can save money by eating in, but when you do want to go out and try the local delicacies, there are several ways you can ensure it doesn’t blow your budget. Firstly, avoid any restaurants or bars that are overflowing with tourists. These places are often located near the top attractions, and therefore they can, and will, charge a lot more for often substandard food. Instead, try to dine like the locals, and bulk out your meals by eating meaty dishes such as souvlaki and sheftalia in pitta bread.
Look at Multi-Tasking Destinations
If you want to enjoy lots of great days out without spending a lot of money, then it pays to do your research about where to stay on this beautiful island. For example, Polis – which is situated on the north-west of the island – has beautiful (free) beaches, lots of areas of natural beauty that are ideal for exploring and several beautiful churches and museums that will satisfy any desire you have for culture.
The coastal village of Latchi is another great pick for those who don’t want to spend too much on expensive days out and big attractions. The views on the Aphrodite Trail are incredible, Latchi beach is beautiful and calm, and the Avakas Gorge allows you to see the gorgeous limestone and chalk walls in all their glory.
