Are you planning a family vacation? Are you planning a family vacation on a budget? In all honesty, most of us are probably working with stricter budget constraints nowadays when it comes to travel.
Is it possible to travel on a budget? Definitely! However, it takes a lot of planning and a bit of strategy. Here are 5 tips to planning a budget friendly family vacation:
Plan Early!
The sooner you know where you are going to go and how you are going to get there, the earlier you can start making plans! Choose your destination and your mode of transportation carefully. If you can plan your trip several months in advance, you are ahead of the ball game. You can start saving money by cutting back all throughout your budget. Go line by line and see where you could work a bit harder at saving money. Commit to cutting a bit more from your grocery bill each week. Drop the premium channels from your cable package. Sign up for some cash back sites and earn a bit of cash back when you shop.
Try to travel when everyone else isn’t
Instead of staying a weekend, try just staying on weekdays. You’ll beat the tourists and you’ll find lower room rates.
Speaking of hotel rooms…
Stay in a hotel where you have access to a free breakfast or a kitchen area. You’ll save money eating a few meals at “home” rather then around the town. Likewise, be sure to pack plenty of snacks and beverages for the kids. The mini bar and the hotel gift shop are big budget breakers, so be prepared for snacky kids by packing some food from home.
Scout out the city
Sign up for coupons and deals for the city you will be traveling to. Check Groupon, Living Social, Restaurant.com etc. for discounted entertainment and restaurant options.
Set strict spending limits
If you decide you are only going to spend $x amount at the theme park, don’t go over budget! Emotional purchases are very common when we’re on vacation because we’re having so much fun! Make sure you stick to your guns
Finally, have fun!
Enjoy your time with your family and try to relax! Family vacations can be stressful, but they don’t have to be if you do your homework and plan plan plan!
