If you’re like most parents, you want to take your family on a vacation but don’t want to break the bank in the process. Fortunately, there are plenty of ways to enjoy a fun-filled getaway without spending a fortune. Often times, planning a family vacation can leave you thinking you need to win the lottery or could even have you searching for tips on traveling with kids (without losing your mind) or even debt relief options with questions like what is a trust deed? Never fear, your family vacation does not have to put your budget under stress, especially if you follow the below tips for a family vacation that doesn’t break the bank!
Tips for a Family Vacation that Doesn’t Break the Bank
Traveling with our kids has been a fantastic way to build family memories. We’re frugal, by nature, and have learned how to save some money along the way. Here’s some of the things we do to enjoy an affordable family vacation…
Plan Ahead and Be Flexible With Your Dates
One way to stay on budget is to plan ahead and be flexible with your dates. If you’re willing to be flexible with your travel dates, you can often find better deals on flights and accommodation. And if you plan ahead, you’ll have more time to look for bargains and special offers. By being mindful of your budget, you can ensure that your family vacation is both enjoyable and affordable.
Travel During the Off Season
One of the ways to save on family vacation is to travel during the off-season. Accommodation and flights are often cheaper during the shoulder season or low season, so you can stretch your budget further. And you’ll often find that there are fewer crowds and more family-friendly activities available during these times too. This last year, we visited the Ark Encounter between Christmas and New Year’s. It was spectacular! We’ve also gone camping in the fall and tackled holiday travel with kids. Travelling in the off season may limit availability of some attractions, but it also means less crowds at many others!
Look for Family-Friendly Deals and Discounts
Many travel companies offer family-friendly deals and discounts, so it’s worth doing your research to find the best deals. Some airlines offer child-free flights or family discounts on airfares, while many hotels provide family rooms or suites at reduced rates. You can also often find special offers on family activities, such as theme parks or family-friendly attractions. When we visited the Ark Encounter, we bought the Creation Museum and Ark combo tickets. We saved quite a bit doing that.
Consider a Vacation Rental
Vacation rentals can be a great option for families, as they offer more space and amenities than a hotel room. And you’ll often find that vacation rentals are more affordable than hotels, especially if you’re traveling with a large family. You can find vacation rentals all over the world, from beach apartments to city center condos. We’re traveling to Texas soon and are definitely looking at VRBO and AirBNB options.
If you’re looking for a long-term vacation in a popular US destination, why not try renting? Use SpareRoom to find the lease you need – whether you’re planning to stay there for 1 month or 3. This platform has apartment and house listings all over the US, so whether you’re for a place in sunny Los Angeles or the heart of NYC, they’ve got you covered.
Use Points and Miles
Using points and miles is probably one of our favorite ways to save on travel. If you have points or miles from a credit card or frequent flyer program, you can often use them to book flights or accommodation for your family vacation. This can help you save a lot of money, as you won’t have to pay for these things out of pocket. Just be sure to check the terms and conditions of your points or miles before you book, as some programs have restrictions on how you can use them.
Look for Free or Cheap Activities
There are often lots of free or cheap activities available in the destination you’re visiting. For instance, there are lots of amazing activities in St. Louis that are free or cheap! Many other cities have free museums or art galleries that you can visit, too. And many towns and villages have parks or playgrounds where your kids can let off some steam. If you’re willing to do a bit of research, you can often find lots of family-friendly activities that won’t cost you a lot of money.
Bring Your Own Food
Another way to save money on a family vacation is to bring your own food. This can be especially helpful if you’re traveling with young children, as they often need to eat more frequently than adults. If you pack snacks and drinks for the journey, and some easy-to-prepare meals for your accommodations, you can save a lot of money on food costs. You can also grocery shop when you arrive. You can even Instacart your groceries when travelling, and save yourself some time (and frustration) from shopping unfamiliar stores.
Avoid tourist traps
Many tourist traps are overpriced and not worth your time or money. If you’re looking to save money on your family vacation, it’s best to avoid these places. Do some research before you go, and find out which attractions are really worth visiting. You’ll often find that there are plenty of other, less crowded and less expensive places to visit that your family will enjoy just as much. If you simply MUST visit a tourist trap, be sure to check coupon and deal sites ahead of time for savings opportunities.
By following these tips, you can ensure that your family vacation is both enjoyable and affordable. With a bit of planning and some creativity, you can find ways to save money without sacrificing the quality of your trip. So start planning your family vacation today, and enjoy spending time with your loved ones without breaking the bank.