Traveling with a family can be very expensive, and the costs soon add up. With prices increasing on transport, accommodation, food and even activities, it can feel overwhelming when deciding if you can afford to go on a family holiday or trip.
The biggest savings come from a handful of tips I’ll share, to help you save money before and during your trip, and they can all make a significant difference.
Plan Early But Stay Flexible
When you’re traveling as a family on a budget, planning early will give you the best chance at getting low fares, good seats and also affordable accommodation, but building in flexibility is what will actually save you the most money.
Start off by having clear budgeting strategies, setting yourselves a total trip cost cap, then break up the budget into transport, lodging, food and activities, so you don’t end up overspending if deals pop-up.
Keep your schedule flexible, so you can make itinerary adjustments if you’re able to find cheaper attractions, free events or discounted accommodation.
When you have flexibility, it lets you jump on last minute deals for day trips, upgrades or alternative routes, if they allow you to cut the overall costs.
Ensure you protect your investment with having travel insurance that will cover any cancellations, delays and medical issues – especially if you have children.
Choose The Right Time To Travel
You obviously can’t control school calendar, but you can still save a lot of money by being careful when choosing your travel dates.
If you aim for off-peak travel whenever possible, you’ll make considerable savings. You can always consider the “shoulder” seasons, which often give you lower prices and fewer crowds at family friendly destinations.
Check the local events for the location you want to visit, before you book, as festivals, concerts or sports events can all push up the price of flights and hotel prices.
Find Family Accommodation That Offers More Value
One of the best ways to stretch your travel budget, is rethinking where you stay and what is included for the price. Don’t just choose a standard room.
Compare family friendly hotels and rentals based on the total value, and not just the nightly rate.
Start with a simple amenities checklist like free breakfast, parking, WiFi, laundry, kitchen access and late checkout. This can all easily save you between $50 and $100 per day.
Take Advantage Of Free Family Attractions
When you’re planning a trip, start by search the city’s website or tourist board to check for free festivals, community events and museum days with waived admission.
Many cities offer monthly (or weekly) free-entry hours, especially at children’s museums, science centers and galleries.
Let your kids burn energy at local parks, while you enjoy a picnic instead of a pricey restaurant.
Use Travel Rewards And Loyalty Schemes Wisely
Free activities can keep your costs low, but you can cut the big-ticket expenses by using travel rewards and loyalty schemes.
Pay your credit card balances in full, so you don’t build up expensive interest, which will chip away at your savings.
Join airline and hotel programs to stack up the loyalty program benefits, like free nights, kids eat free deals and a late checkout.
Look for family friendly partnerships, like theme parks or car rentals tied to your preferred hotel chain.
