The holidays are a magical time of year, filled with family, food and fun. But they can also be expensive! Traveling with kids and other family members can mean more money spent on plane tickets and hotels. And vacations? Well, they’re nice…but they can also be messy. In order to cut down on expenses and have some extra cash to spend on vacation adventures, here are a few tips for planning a family vacation on a tight budget:
Be organized
When it comes to planning a family vacation on a tight budget, organization is key. This means having all of the information you need, from the dates to the activities and travel costs, in one place. If you’re traveling with kids, you should definitely check out an online family travel planning software. There are plenty of options out there, and they can help you keep track of all of the important dates, expenses, and logistics.
Plan the trip well in advance
If you’re planning a family vacation on a tight budget, it’s crucial to plan the trip well in advance. You don’t want to be caught with a boatload of bags and children running around with no shirt or shoes because you didn’t have time to shop around to different stores to pick out the perfect presents for the whole family. If you want to stay on the cheap, you might be able to fit everything in one suitcase. If you want to save money, keep things smaller so it’s easier to fit in the car. Planning the trip a few months in advance will give you plenty of time to get everything together and make sure you don’t miss a beat. While it may feel easier to accede to the whims of children on vacation, planning ahead will ensure that you don’t end up in a situation where you have to scramble to find the perfect gifts for all of your loved ones.
Go with the flow
If you’re trying to go with the flow and avoid thinking too much about the expenses of a family vacation, then that’s probably the best approach. You don’t have to overplan because that will just lead to stress and frustration. Just relax and go with the flow when it comes to the family vacation. Do whatever feels right for the whole family. If the kids love boats, go on a boat ride. If the whole family loves Disneyland, do the park thing and skip the lines. It doesn’t have to be perfect, just do your best to make the trip enjoyable for everyone.
Look for family deals
If you’re looking for ways to save money on a family vacation, look for ways to hit savings where you’re already comfortable. Vacations typically cost money, so why not look for ways to save before you go? Here are a few ways to save on your family vacation: -Take public transportation. Getting on and off the train, bus and plane can easily save you money. -Shop at discount stores. You’ll find large discounts at places like B&M and Kohl’s that sell closeout merchandise from previous seasons. -Reuse your hotel room. If you don’t need to use the entire room, take advantage of room rates that let you put money back on the card. -Barter. If you have the experience, try swapping a present for a loaner phone or umbrella? -Keep in mind that there are many ways to save on a family vacation. You may have savings accounts, investments or a significant credit card payoff. Try to keep those things in mind when you’re booking your trip.
Save cash with coupons
Coupons can be a great way to save on a family vacation. The more common and popular the coupons are, the easier it will be to find. Try to find ways to reduce your grocery bill, like collecting coupons for lower-priced items. You may also be able to collect coupons for gas stations and restaurants that serve food that is easily prepared at home. If possible, try to avoid taking elevators, which tend to be expensive.
Plan your meals ahead
If you’re like most people and eat the same foods every day, planning your meals ahead can help you save some money on a family vacation. Healthy, homemade meals can be prepared the night before and eaten throughout the day without having to look forward to a rushed hunger strike the next day. If you’re not great at meal planning, consider enlisting the help of your kids. They’re probably better at it than you are, and they can usually help you plan out what you need for the day ahead.
Take advantage of public transportation
If you’re trying to save money on a family vacation, public transportation may not be as attractive as a hotel room or a vacation rental. But it can be a great way to save when you’re on a budget. If you’re coming to the city where you’ll be spending the majority of your vacation, consider taking the subway or train to the airport and using the airporter to get to the airport. Then, take the commercial airline to your destination. It may cost a little bit more, but it will save you a lot of money in the long run.
Conclusion
Vacations are a time out from the real world for the whole family. They are a great way to get experience a new culture, relax with your loved ones, and explore a new destination. But they can also be expensive, so it’s important to be mindful of your family budget when planning a vacation.