Family vacations can be expensive. But traveling as a family helps parents and children connect with each other and create lifelong memories. Besides, what’s the point of working so hard if you can’t use that money to actually enjoy life? You deserve that much-needed family vacation. Just follow these 10 tips on how to save money while traveling with kids!
1. Travel off-season.
If you have younger children not yet in school or older children who you are willing to take out of school for a few days, you can take advantage of bargain travel pricing simply by traveling during the off-season. Instead of traveling over spring break, Thanksgiving, or holiday weekends, plan your trip for mid- to late-September, October, or January. This will save you big bucks as prices dip drastically during off-season in many popular vacation destinations.
2. Make a travel budget.
Before embarking on your family trip, create a detailed budget and then stick to it! One of the easiest ways to track every expense—including flights, hotels, rental cars, meals and snacks, entrance fees, and souvenirs—is to make an Excel spreadsheet with exact numbers and details. This will help you avoid surprise costs and will ensure you do not spend excessive amounts due to a lack of planning.
3. Pay with debit cards or cash.
It’s easy to get carried away and dig yourself into a hole of credit card debt while on vacation. Why not treat the kids to an extra churro or two? Or upgrade to the deluxe rental car? But then the outrageous credit card bills arrive when you get home. Paying for vacation expenses with cash or debit cards will ensure that your spending habits do not spiral out of control.
4. Stay at a hotel with kid-friendly amenities.
If you’ll be staying at a hotel, choose one with kid-friendly amenities. A pool, waterpark, game room, or park will be hours of free entertainment for you and your family. Don’t hesitate to ask the hotel what is offered for children. Some hotels will offer free meals, complimentary cookies and milk, game systems in the room, or activities for your children.
5. Eat breakfast in.
Hotels with complimentary breakfast are a family’s best friend. Kids who wake up hungry and don’t have the patience to wait for you to get ready for the day will love being able to get quick access to breakfast in the lobby downstairs.
If you’re staying at a hotel that doesn’t offer free breakfast, save time and money by packing breakfast foods to eat in your hotel room. Fruit, milk and cereal, bagels, and juice are a few affordable and easy options.
6. Bring the fun with you.
Regardless of where you’re vacationing, it is always a good idea to bring some fun with you. If a family member gets sick, the weather is bad, or your plans unexpectedly change, you’ll be grateful you packed some travel sized board games, card, puzzles, books, coloring books, and movies. This will save you from choosing a costly activity in desperation or renting an overpriced movie in the hotel room.
7. Save on souvenirs.
Rather than spending most of your travel money on expensive souvenirs, encourage your children to start an affordable collection to remember their travels. Flattened pennies, postcards, T-shirts, pins, or magnets are a few examples of cheap and easily packed options. Whatever you choose, avoid buying bulky items that will require yet another expense – checked baggage!
8. Pack drinks and snacks.
Whether you are running around an amusement park, playing at the beach, or exploring a big city, it’s always smart to carry along drinks and snacks. Kids need to stay hydrated and drink costs can quickly add up, so stocking up on beverages or bringing a refillable water bottle is a money saver. Bringing healthy snacks like granola bars, pretzels, and fruits is also a great way to tide you over until dinner.
9. Find restaurant deals for kids.
Restaurant bills can add up crazy fast, especially on vacation, but there are smart choices you can make to save money. Many restaurants offer deals for kids including kids eat free with a purchase of an adult entrée. Another tip is to order a regular-sized meal and split it between your kids, rather than ordering off the kid’s menu that has much smaller portions.
10. Learn to say no.
Probably the most effective thing you can do to save money on a vacation with kids is learning to say no. Before you go, explain that just like home, there is a budget that you must stick to. Older children and teens can even help plan the trip by finding affordable activities, deals, and reduced admission to local places.
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