Many of you will answer 18 and from a legal point of view, you are correct! But, if you are thinking about going on holiday, the answer can be as young as 9! If you have children, whatever their ages, understanding age restrictions when planning your next holiday can save you ££££s. Here are some to keep in mind…

Air Travel

Low-cost airlines can often give you a cheap alternative if you are looking to book a DIY (Do It Yourself) holiday, particularly in Europe. Whilst many airlines class an infant as children below 2, Easyjet child prices are for those from 2-16, whilst with Ryanair it’s up to age 11. Also, be warned that if your child turns 12 during the holiday, you’ll need to book two separate one-way tickets with Ryanair.

Package Holidays

If you prefer package holidays then TUI could be the place to book with child places available for up to 17-year-olds, including Child Free Places. It’s also worth checking other options as child free places are often limited and more discounts can be found by shopping around, especially if you have more than one child. First Choice holidays have child places up to 17, also Love Holidays, Jet 2, and Thomas Cook. However, Easyjet and On The Beach only have package holidays for children up to 15 years old.

Special Holiday Options

Going on safari has been a growing holiday choice for families in recent years and the holiday market has adapted to meet this demand. Not so long ago, a minimum age of 12 was in place, but now, many safari holidays can accommodate children as young as 4. Be aware that different activities such as white water rafting or trekking may have age restrictions. Child prices with various safari tour operators appear to be available up to the age of 12.

Staycations

Skiing is another popular choice for winter family holidays with kids as young as 3 able to take lessons. If booking a ski holiday yourself, it’s worth checking out child ages for the ski lifts and slopes. Switzerland has discounts for children up to 14. In Italy, lift passes are usually free for children under 7 whilst in France there are free lifts for beginners, whatever your age. If booking through a tour operator then companies like Inghams and Crystal Ski have a child age up to 17.

Theme Parks

Finally, and probably No1 on everyone’s family bucket list is a trip to Disney, whether it be a long haul holiday to Florida or a quick trip over the English Channel to Paris and Euro Disney. Planning your trip carefully in respect of your children’s ages can be key to making some savings here because a child at Disney World is up to 9 and Euro Disney is 11.

However, looking carefully at ticket prices, there isn’t as much difference as you would think between adults and children. Depending on when you visit, price differences between children and adults are as little as £1.50 per day at Disney World, and £5 at Euro Disney.

Accommodation Tips

If you’d prefer to stay in the UK for your family holiday then it’s also worth knowing these differences in ages when thinking about your accommodation. If it’s a caravan park holiday you’re looking for, Butlins maximum child age is 14 whilst Haven is 15. If you’re a member of the Camping and Caravanning club a child is up to age 17. If you prefer a hotel and working to a budget then it’s handy to know both Travelodge and Premier Inn have child ages up to 15.

Top Tips

Ages correct at time of publishing (March 2023)

Join the Community

Tired of paying premium prices because you can only go away during the school holidays?

Join parents and people who work in schools just like you in a FREE online community and start saving money NOW on your next holiday!