Holiday or hot tub? The ultimate family dilemma.

As the winter nights begin to shorten and Spring starts to cheekily show its face, the inevitable deluge of ads for summer holidays is upon us.  The deals are everywhere, and they all sound so tempting.  You've got the "Early Bird Specials" promising massive discounts if you book months in advance.  Then there are the "Last Minute Getaways" tempting you with slashed prices for spontaneous trips.  The "Family Fun Packages" are always popular, boasting free kids' places and activities.  And who can resist the allure of "All-Inclusive Luxury"?  Unlimited food, drinks, and entertainment – what's not to love?  They even try to lure you in with "Upgrade Offers" – free airport lounge access, extra baggage allowance, or a room with a sea view.  It's a constant barrage of enticing offers, each one designed to make you click that "Book Now" button.

But with package holiday prices skyrocketing and quality often declining, are families now questioning whether it's still a worthwhile expense?  Many are considering forgoing their usual vacation and spending their hard-earned cash on something that provides year-round enjoyment.

At Canadian Spa, we've seen a real shift in how families are spending their leisure time.  More and more, we're talking to people who are choosing the year-round benefits of a hot tub over the traditional two-week summer holiday.  They tell us they're tired of the rising costs of package deals, the stress of airport travel, and the feeling that the holiday is over too quickly.  They're looking for something that the whole family can enjoy, anytime, and a hot tub offers exactly that.  Personally, I understand the appeal of both.  There's nothing quite like the excitement of exploring a new country, I love Villa holidays, with a private pool and the ability to come and go as we please, but all this comes at a cost. However, the consistent relaxation and family time that my own hot tub provides is something I wouldn't trade for anything.

I don't know about you, but when I see those holiday brochures with their pristine beaches and smiling families, I can't help but wonder: how much is that really going to cost? Because with the average price tag for a two-week European getaway ranging anywhere from £3,000 (if you're lucky!) to upwards of £8,000 (for the kind of all-inclusive luxury you see on TV), it's enough to make anyone's wallet weep. It's no surprise so many families are looking for different ways to spend their precious time and money.

I'm not saying "never travel" again.  But picture this: instead of battling airport crowds and navigating unfamiliar streets, you could be slipping into your own bubbling hot tub, the warm water massaging your cares away as the stars twinkle above.  All this could be yours, simply by trading one big summer holiday for a year of evenings in the garden.

Let's be honest, hot tubs aren't cheap.  Beyond the actual price of the spa itself, there are several other costs to consider.  First, you'll need a solid, level base for your hot tub.  If you don't have one, this will add to your expenses.  Electrical work is another essential; you'll likely need a dedicated circuit to power your spa safely and efficiently.  And if you're dreaming of a picturesque hot tub setting, landscaping might be on your list too.  On top of these initial costs, you'll have ongoing expenses like electricity, filters, and chemicals.  We believe in transparency, so we want you to be fully aware of all the costs involved before you take the plunge.

The advantages of owning a hot tub are undeniable. Imagine: the warm water enveloping you as you unwind after a hectic day, the laughter of friends and family echoing as you gather in your back garden, the quiet tranquility of a solo soak under a canopy of stars, the gentle chirping of birds welcoming a new day.  These are just a few of the sensory delights a hot tub can offer.

So, while the allure of a two-week escape to a sun-drenched beach is undeniable, the rising costs, potential travel stresses, and fleeting nature of a package holiday make it less appealing for many families.  A hot tub, on the other hand, offers something different: year-round relaxation, a place for family and friends to connect, a quiet place to de-stress, and a way to enjoy nature from the comfort of your own back garden.  While both options have their merits, for me, the consistent joy, long-term value, and undeniable convenience of a hot tub make it the clear winner.  If I had to choose between a fleeting summer holiday and a hot tub I can use all year, I'd choose the bubbling warmth and starlit soaks every time.  It's an investment in well-being, family time, and a lifestyle of relaxation that lasts far beyond two weeks in the sun.

Five-year cost comparison

Here is a worked example. Use your own quotes and tariff to check it for your home.

For filters, a single Glacier filter is £44.99. Replacing it every six months for best performance on a one-filter spa comes to about £90 a year. Two-filter spas cost double.

Cost per use

Holidays and hot tubs give you different things, but cost per use is a fair way to compare them. If a hot tub costs £10,000 in total over five years, including the purchase, and the family uses it three times a week, that is 780 sessions, or about £12.80 a time. A £5,000 holiday each year is £25,000 over the same five years, for around 70 days away. Whether the trade is worth it depends on what your family values.

Running costs to plan for

• Electricity: the biggest cost. It depends on your tariff, the weather, the cover and how often you soak. Check current rates on the Ofgem price cap page. A heat pump such as the Balboa Clim8zone II Mini can bring heating costs down.
• Filters: see above.
• Chemicals: sanitiser, pH and alkalinity products from our essential chemicals range.
• Servicing: optional plans such as our Silver maintenance service.

A family-use calendar

Children under 12 should only use water at 36°C or below, always with an adult present, and for shorter sessions.

Or do both

Many families keep a shorter or cheaper holiday and put the difference towards a hot tub. A long weekend in the UK plus a spa at home can work out cheaper than a single two-week package abroad.