Travel blogger Jen Carr took her kids to France instead of Cornwall for less than half the price it would have cost to holiday in the UK. This is exactly how she did it
When planning a half-term break, Cornwall tops the list for its beautiful beaches, cosy cottages and a holiday without the airport stress – but it’s not cheap.
Travel blogger and mum Jen says she recently took her family to France after pricing up Cornwall and realising it was more expensive than going on holiday abroad.
“We recently priced up a summer break – a week in a two-bedroom caravan in a holiday park in Cornwall came in at £2,100,” she says. “And that’s before adding petrol, meals out, and activities!
“For the exact same dates as that caravan in Cornwall, we found a week at a French holiday camp for under £1,000 – literally half the price. More sunshine, better facilities, more fun – and for less money.”
The money she saved on the campsite went towards flights and car hire. But it wasn’t just accommodation costs where she managed to save money. The blogger, who runs The Travel Mum, has revealed other ways people can save some serious cash.
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Petrol vs flights
“Driving from where we live to Cornwall takes seven hours each way and, with fuel prices as they are, would’ve cost us around £120 just in petrol. (Plus 14 hours of hell in the car with the kids…)
“We found flights to the French Riviera for under £500 for four people. You can get flights to Paris for even less, currently around £350 for four people in August. If you can travel light you save a fortune by not adding a big check in luggage.”
Holiday camp hack
“The South of France has absolutely mastered the art of the family holiday camp. Think pools, huge playgrounds, kids’ clubs packed with activities, and evening entertainment that keeps everyone happy.
:And the best part? For the exact same dates as that caravan in Cornwall, we found a week at a French holiday camp for under £1,000 – literally half the price. More sunshine, better facilities, more fun… for less money.”
Eating out costs less
“In Cornwall, we’ve spent £60+ on a family pub lunch without even trying. In France, we were eating out in little village restaurants for €35-€40 total – three courses, bread, and a glass of wine included.
“Supermarkets are much cheaper too. We stocked up on fresh baguettes, cheese, and fruit for picnics and spent much less than we would on a similar supermarket shop in the UK.”
Car hire ‘dream’
“This one’s less about saving money and more about saving your sanity. If you’ve ever braved Cornwall in peak season, you’ll know the chaos of narrow lanes, endless queues, and half the UK heading there at once.
“In contrast, driving in France is a dream – wide, quiet roads, smooth journeys, and far less stress. Plus, car hire is surprisingly affordable if you book in advance, making it an easy win for both comfort and convenience.”
The bottom line
“Everyone assumes UK staycations are going to be cheaper than going abroad, but that isn’t always the case. When you add up flights, accommodation, eating out, and activities, France actually cost us less – and let us explore a whole new area of the world.
“Our holiday in France could have been even cheaper too! The French Riviera isn’t known for being the cheapest part of the country, but we have always wanted to visit.
“Would we swap Cornwall for France again next half-term? Absolutely. Next time, we’re eyeing up Brittany, the Atlantic coast and even Corsica! Sometimes, going abroad really is the budget option.”
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