If you think back on your life, we’re willing to bet there are a handful of fond memories that stand out among the rest. For us, many of those important memories involve trips taken as a family. There’s nothing quite like spending time with those who you love most, taking in new scenery, and enjoying the little moments together.
If a family trip is on your agenda this coming year, remember to build it into your budget and take advantage of some of the tips below to ensure you’re not still paying off this year’s vacation by the time next year’s trip arrives.
Tip #1: Be flexible with your dates
If your schedule allows, it can pay to be flexible with your vacation dates. While you may have an ideal time of year for traveling, the reality is: so does everyone else, and the travel industry adjusts for this. The most expensive and busy time of year to schedule a family vacation is during those summer months when schools are not in session. If you can hold off and schedule a trip during a separate window (perhaps a little Fall or mid-Spring getaway), your budget will be far better off. If it seems you’re unable to travel outside of the summer window, try being flexible with your vacation dates. Some resorts or popular travel destinations will reduce their fares for those that are willing to arrive mid-week and/or stay for a shortened period of time. To learn more about these possible deals, contact the resort or hotel you’re interested in directly to see what types of packages or special rates they may be able to apply given your willingness to adjust your plans.
Tip #2: Be creative with your destination
Steering clear of the typical and perhaps more obvious family vacation spots (i.e. popular beach trips, Disney resorts, family cruises, etc.) still leaves plenty of budget-friendly options for your family to enjoy. Instead of shelling out big bucks to take the family to a touristy (read: crowded and expensive) destination, give a few new spots a try! If you’re hoping to have a visit with plenty of outdoors time, try staying a few beach towns over from the “main spot”. Not only will prices be less inflated, you’ll be able to avoid waiting in long lines for beach chairs and will likely be able to enjoy the same beautiful scenery without the crowds. This same approach can be taken for city or campground life, too! If you had plans to show the kids the big city, try traveling to a slightly smaller one nearby. Chances are good you can still do a little sightseeing, visit the museums, or see the sites in a slightly smaller city without paying big city prices.
Tip #3: Limit Dining Out
Your kids will likely never look back on a trip and remember the food they ate (unless, of course, the food is anything sweet or smothered in chocolate). Rather than blow your hard-earned dollars on meals that add up, save the cash for those things the kids will actually remember and appreciate: face-painting, renting bikes, or trips to the museums. To limit the dining out damage, try enjoying one or two meals a day on your own. Stay at a hotel that provides breakfast or rent a home that allows you to prepare some meals in a kitchen yourself. A few trips to a local grocery store can help keep the budget in check!
Tip #4: Pack strategically
Regardless of which method of transportation you’re planning to use, it is so helpful to pack strategically. To reduce the amount of baggage fees you incur at the airport, have your kids pack only what they need and leave the lucky stuffed animals at home. (Pro-tip*: traveling to a destination that allows the use of a washer and dryer will reduce the amount of clothing you’ll need to pack!). If, instead, you’re planning to pack the family car and make several stops along your journey, plan to pack one bag with a change of clothes and overnight supplies for everyone in the family. This way, whenever you do stop, you won’t be wasting time and energy rummaging through endless amounts of luggage to get each person the outfit change they need.
Tip #5: Plan your activities ahead of time
Most kid-friendly activities don’t need to cost you too much. Try selecting a handful of things to prioritize spending your time and money on and then make the most of your remaining time enjoying the free activities (such as scavenger hunts, museum tours, sightseeing on your own, concerts in the park, bonfires, etc.). Visit discount sites like Living Social or Groupon to find deals for things to do in the area you’re planning to visit. Often times you can find a great deal by just looking ahead of time or purchasing your tickets in advance. Pro-tip*: bring a few family favorite board games or a deck of cards to enjoy in the case mother nature puts a wrench in your plans.
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