Traveling is more fun with friends and family- no one can deny that. However, what are you do when you want to go on a vacation with your kids but are short on money?
6 Tips How to Save for Your Family Vacation
The following are some of the ways you can plan a family vacation even on a budget:
1. Use Credit Cards That Earn Money & Miles
Rather than using cash for all your purchases, use credit cards that earn money and miles. These are credit cards that come with some of the best cashback offers and perks like reward points or airline miles.
This way, when you pay for accommodation at hotels, the food at restaurants, and other things that you may need to buy on the road, then you get to save money every time.
2. Bring Stuff from Your Vacation "Home-Away-From-Home"
There are a number of things that you would want to carry with you when you are leaving your hotel or Airbnb place for, say an amusement park or a beach.
For instance, you can carry a reusable water bottle so that you don't have to buy a new drinking water bottle again and again.
You can also buy a sunscreen lotion from the local market rather than the amusement park or whichever place you are going as the prices there could be a lot higher.
3. Fly Midweek
Flight fares can fluctuate a lot depending on the day when you are flying. For instance, you will notice the prices increase a lot during the weekends as most people fly during this period.
This can translate to a lot of money for the entire family to fly. So, if it's possible, you can adjust your plan and book a flight during Monday-Thursday. You will get the best rates during this period.
It is recommended to start browsing the internet early looking for deals online if you need to fly on a shoestring budget.
4. Travel Light
Try to travel as light as possible if you want to avoid paying extra fees at the airports which include checked baggage fees, overweight surcharge, etc.
There are many other things that you can do to avoid these unnecessary costs.
For instance, you can join a frequent flyer or loyalty program, purchase lightweight but robust suitcases that are made of polycarbonate or ballistic nylon material, etc.
5. Avoid Airport ATMs
When you need cash at the vacation location, then the ATMs at the airports seem to the most convenient and straightforward solution.
However, you should resist the temptation if possible as the airport ATM fees can be a lot higher compared to the local ATMs in the city.
Sure, it can be difficult for you to trust random ATMs in different spots in the city that you are in but you can certainly find one that looks trustworthy.
This is important as it can save you paying as much as an extra 2-3% fees at the airport ATMs.
6. Find a Place with a Kitchen
Who wants to cook meals at a vacation? No one, for sure. However, eating out all the time can really put a dent in your savings.
So, it's only wise to find a place with a kitchen so that you can cook wholesome and delicious food for yourself and your family. Since you do have others to help you, cooking won't be that big of a challenge.
One of the best ways to save money on both accommodation and food is to find a place through a platform like Airbnb.
This is because it allows you to find and book an entire apartment that's more affordable than booking separate rooms for your family members in a hotel.
Plus, you may also get access to the apartment's kitchen and you can use it to cook whatever you feel like having.
To make cooking convenient and simpler, you can also look for a place that's near the supermarket or at least a grocery store.
Traveling with family is meant to be a fun and memorable experience. If you don't want to ruin your time with them, then be sure to review your finances.
By following the tips above, you can easily save a lot of money and make the most of the special moments that you spend with your loved ones.
Andrzej believes life to be a never ending adventure. Originally from Poland, he is a devoted husband and father. Dedicated and enthusiastic to chase all his dreams. Storytelling to entice other families to travel.