My husband and I always joke that if you want to enjoy your vacation leave your kids at home. In truth, we love to experience new things with our kids and take them to new places. However, it’s hard to do that in today’s economy. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to enjoy traveling with your family on a budget. Here are some key tips.
1. Plan Off-Season Travel for Lower Prices
Off-season travel is one of the best ways to save money when you are traveling with your kids. Rather than taking them to the beach in the middle of the summer when every other family is there, consider taking them out of school for a few days in September and hitting the sand then. It’ll be a little cooler, but it won’t be so cold that you can’t enjoy it and you won’t have to deal with crowds. Costs for hotels and attractions tend to go down after the peak summer months as well.
2. Look for Family Travel Deals and Discounts
There are tons of deals for families looking to travel. In fact, there are entire websites dedicated to family travel deals that can help you find great prices on accommodations, meals, and tickets. It’s a good idea to sign up for alerts or travel newsletters to keep an eye on current discounts. This way, you can book when you’re getting the best price. Taking advantage of these deals allows you to create a fun and affordable itinerary for the entire family.
3. Opt for Road Trips Over Expensive Flights
Taking kids on a plane can be tough and it’s often expensive. Road trips can be more budget-friendly and allow for more stops. You can check out some of the local attractions on the way and create your own unique adventure. The great thing about road trips is that you can go at your own pace, pack your own snacks, bring your own entertainment, and take along any essentials. This will help you save money by avoiding convenience stores and baggage fees. Road trips are an economical way to see new places, make memories, and keep costs down.
4. Choose Budget-Friendly Accommodations
Expensive hotels can be tempting with everything they have to offer, but you should consider alternatives if you want to save money. Airbnb and Vrbo offer a lot of affordable options for families. On top of having a nice place to stay, you’ll also have access to a kitchen in most places, making it possible to save even more by cooking some (or all) of your own meals. Doing this will free up more money to spend on activities and experiences on your trip.
5. Embrace Free and Low-Cost Activities
Not everything you do on vacation has to cost an arm and a leg. Consider adding some free and low-cost activities to your itinerary. City walking tours, beach days, hikes, free museums, libraries, public parks, the list goes on. There are tons of things you can do during your trip that will help keep your expenses in check.
6. Pack Snacks and Meals to Avoid Eating Out Constantly
Although eating at new restaurants while you’re visiting somewhere can be fun, it can also be expensive, especially with kids who probably won’t eat 90% of what’s on their plate anyway. A great way to trim the cost of food on your trip can be by packing snacks and meals. Bring a cooler to the beach with sandwiches, fruit, and snacks. Or get an insulated bag to pack some food to avoid eating out during your adventures for the day. This will keep everyone content and full and keep your wallet happy too.
7. Use Public Transportation Instead of Car Rentals
If public transportation is available, use it! We frequently used buses, subways, trains, trams, etc. when we were on vacation growing up. Having to pay for parking can be really expensive. Not to mention, the cost of renting a car can be astronomical, especially if you’re traveling with a larger group. This will help you save money, but it can also give you a unique perspective of the area you are visiting.
8. Make the Most of Rewards Programs and Credit Card Point
Many credit cards offer travel rewards. Try to rack up points on your everyday purchases leading up to your trip. These points can be redeemed for hotel stays, flights, and other travel expenses. Your card might even have perks like travel insurance, free checked bags, or rental car discounts. Leveraging rewards can stretch your budget and allow you to enjoy more during your travels.
Adventure Awaits Without Breaking the Bank
Traveling with your kids doesn’t have to be a drag on your budget and you don’t have to miss out on anything. You simply have to plan strategically. Consider how you want to travel, where you want to stay, what you’ll do when you get there, and how you can use things to your advantage. You’ll be able to save money and, in the end, you’ll be glad that you were able to create lasting memories with your family.