19/01/2026

The Power of Planning: Why Parents Book Holiday Camps in January

January might feel early to be thinking about the school holidays, but for experienced parents, it’s the smartest time to plan ahead. Every year, more families choose to book children’s holiday camps in January, and for good reason.

From guaranteed lowest prices and flexible payment options to peace of mind that childcare is sorted, early planning offers a host of benefits that last all year. Here’s why booking your child’s holiday camp early can be one of the best decisions you make.

Guaranteed Lowest Rates with Early Booking Offers

One of the biggest advantages of booking holiday camps in January is access to Early Booking Offers, which guarantee the lowest prices of the year.

As demand increases and camp places fill up, prices can rise. By securing your place early, you'll get the best rate and avoid paying more later for the same high-quality childcare experience.

For families booking multiple weeks or siblings, these early savings can make a significant difference to the overall cost of school holiday childcare.

Top tip for parents: January availability is at its best, giving you the widest choice of dates and locations before popular weeks sell out.

Smarter Financial Planning with Flexible Payment Options

Early booking doesn’t mean paying everything upfront. In fact, planning ahead makes managing your finances easier and more flexible.

Spread the Cost with the Barracudas Easy Payment Plan

Barracudas Easy Payment Plan allows parents to spread the cost of holiday camps across interest-free monthly instalments. This removes the pressure of a large one-off payment and helps families budget more effectively throughout the year.

Knowing exactly what you’ll pay each month brings reassurance and keeps school holiday childcare affordable and predictable.

Use Tax-Free Childcare or Childcare Vouchers

Booking early also gives parents time to make the most of Tax-Free Childcare or Childcare Vouchers, which can significantly reduce the overall cost.

Using these schemes means you’re paying for camps with pre-tax income; a smart way to stretch your budget further while still giving your child an outstanding holiday experience.

Pay with Klarna for Extra Flexibility

For even more choice, parents can pay for Barracudas camps using Klarna, allowing them to spread payments in a way that works best for their household. It’s another simple way to take control of costs while securing your preferred camp dates early.

Save More with Recommend a Friend

Planning early isn’t just good for your family, it can benefit your friends too.

With Barracudas Recommend a Friend scheme:

• You receive £20 credit for every new family you introduce
• Your friend gets £20 off their first booking

January is the perfect time to share plans with other parents, lock in early booking prices together, and enjoy extra savings on future camps.

Total Reassurance with Flexible Booking Options

Parents know that plans can change, and Barracudas is built around flexibility.

Flex Booking: Complete Peace of Mind

For just £4 per day, per child, Flex booking gives you:

• The ability to move dates or cancel if needed
• Full confidence that your booking can adapt if circumstances change

This optional upgrade provides maximum reassurance when booking far in advance.

Change Dates Even Without Flex

Even without Flex, Barracudas understands that life happens. Parents can:

• Move dates up to 14 days before camp starts
• Keep everything already paid (subject to availability and any price differences)

This means you won’t lose out if plans change; something that gives parents confidence to book early without worry.

Peace of Mind: School Holiday Childcare Sorted

One of the biggest reasons parents book camps in January is simple: peace of mind.

By planning ahead, you:

• Avoid last-minute panic
• Don’t risk missing out on fully booked locations
• Know your child has a fun, active and safe place to go during the holidays

There’s nothing worse than scrambling for childcare weeks before the holidays begin, only to find popular camps are already full. Early booking removes that stress completely.

More Choice, Better Dates, Happier Children

Booking early gives you access to:

• Your most convenient location
• The most popular weeks/days
• Consistency for your child, who can look forward to their holidays well in advance
• Children love knowing what’s coming up, and parents love having everything organised months ahead.

Why January Is the Best Time to Book Holiday Camps

Booking your child’s holiday camp in January means:

✅ Guaranteed lowest prices with Early Booking Offers
✅ Flexible, interest-free payment options
✅ Ability to use Tax-Free Childcare and vouchers
✅ Extra savings through Recommend a Friend
✅ Flex booking for complete peace of mind
✅ No last-minute stress or disappointment
✅ Maximum choice of dates and locations

Planning ahead isn’t just practical, it’s liberating.

Book Early, Relax Later

The power of planning lies in the freedom it gives you. By booking holiday camps early, you take control of costs, secure the best options for your child, and enjoy the reassurance that school holiday childcare is already taken care of.

January is the month smart parents plan ahead, so you can relax later, knowing everything is sorted.