Am I wasting my time entering holiday comps?

GPark

Does anyone bother entering for holiday/short break comps when they don't exactly meet the criteria?

Just wondering if when a comp for a short break/holiday (lodge/caravan/cottage etc) says its for 2 adults and 2 children, am I wasting my time entering if I have 3 kids?

I don't bother entering the ones for hotel stays, but when its self catering I usually enter - my youngest is only 1, so I figure she doesn't actually need a bed as she still sleeps in a cot and we have a travel cot.

However, I'm wondering if I'd actually be allowed to take her, or would I be disqualified if I won?

Ms_Dee

I enter if the time frame is suited to us, if I don't have the maximum amount of people then I could either find them or go with 2 or 3 of us, but I'd feel guilty if a family missed out if I could only go with my partner. I also look to see what is included to see if it is worth it for us at the moment. If flights aren't included or travel, I'd have to see if I could afford to.

Some companies allow you to take extra people if you pay the difference, other places cannot take the extra person for health and safety reasons, due to their business or place not allowing the extra number.

So it would all depend on the terms and conditions and individual competition and company. So it is up to you if you can pay the extra person, find a sitter for your children or if you are happy to ask and turn it down if the time comes to it, that way they can redraw and choose select another winner.

mjm3346

Some previous threads but basically until you win and ask the promoter no one knows.

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5559766

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5480593

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/5532471

xoxlauraxox

I don't think you are wasting your time... I have seen a lot of people win hols. I only enter ones for the UK as we don't have passports, or I will only enter if I know we would be able to go

Little_Miss_Winner

I entered a comp on here about 6/7 years ago it was a Harry Potter promotion for one of the films, there were about 200 prizes like Limited Edition figurines etc

I only won the first prize!!!!!! a holidy to LA - and when they rang to tell me I'd won - initially I thought it was joke...

But then the bombshell.... it was for 4 people - We are 5. The kids were little then and I said I couldnt possibly leave one out. The PA lady said she would get back to me ... I waited all weekend on pins... she rang Monday and said the company would foot the bill for the hotel, and food, and other excursions if I could pay the flight.
We were ecstatic think it cost around £400, this was a good few years ago.
But obviously considering all 5 of us went it was more than worth that!!

It was truly the trip of a lifetime we had a fabulous time.

I still enter holidays for 4 people - there is always a way round it and as in my case they bent over backwards to accomodate me.

xx

GPark

Thanks all.

Leaving the kids behind wouldn't be an option as one of my sons has special needs, there's no one who could cope with him overnight. I'd either have to pay for the extra child or let them redraw if that wasn't possible.

I've just been hoping up until now that because my youngest is still in a travel cot and wouldn't need a bed that companies may allow it - I only ever enter comps in this country as my son finds travelling difficult, so its not like I'd need an extra plane seat or anything like that.

I guess I just have to keep entering and hope that if I'm ever lucky enough to win that they allow us to add on a child.

Little_Miss_Winner

Im sure 99% of companies would accomodate hun - reading other posts etc.

Good Luck x

sleepyjones

The problem you have is that if you don't meet the criteria and win, get all excited about it ... the promoter is perfectly justified in saying "Sorry, nope".

If you do win anything, don't tell the kids until you're sure they will actually give you the prize.

I think a 1 year old would be fine though, it's not like it would cost extra to take/house a 1 year old.