Family Vacation - Cheap Strategies That Work
Everyone loves a vacation. Finding a way to plan and actually take a relaxing vacation takes time, planning and allowing yourself to take the time to let down and recharge.
According to a Bestmoney Summer Travel Survey, 81% of U.S. travelers said that travel feels more expensive than ever before. And the facts bear this feeling to be true. Airfare has risen more than 27% since 2020. and gas prices are now over $4 on average, across the U.S.
That said, even with travel prices skyrocketing, 56% of people polled said they have either booked a trip or plan to take a trip this summer. Only 4% said they usually travel and are skipping their vacation this year.
Travel is an important way to recharge. Travel is also even more important to build core memories with your children by spending time together without stress.
As kids get older, family travel also helps them learn valuable lessons. From etiquette, tolerance, priorities, to budgeting, and navigation, kids learn life-lessons while on vacations.
For example, I’ve traveled with adults who didn’t know how to check into a hotel room, charge a purchase to the room, or read a map to navigate subways in a different city. Today, my teenagers are mapping out our family vacation routes. And, since my teens were babies, we have traveled throughout the U.S. to let them experience different cities, see history and get used to the idea that travel adventures are part of the joys in life.
My family isn't wealthy. We have, however, mastered the art of taking a family vacation on a budget.
Plan a Road Trip
Even before we had kids, my husband and I preferred a road trip to the hassles of airline flights. The economics make so much sense if you’re traveling with two or more people.
A road trip costs roughly the same, apart from food expenses, whether you have one person or four people. Plus, you save the cost of airfare, airport fees, renting a car and checking bags.
Camp Out
Camping out is the ultimate way to save money on a family vacation. And it definitely changes the dynamic of your trip. If you don’t already have camping gear, this won’t necessarily cost less than a budget hotel. But if you want to create lifelong memories with your kids, see many different regions and don’t mind sleeping in the great outdoors, camping gear is largely a one-time expense that will make every future trip much cheaper.
Rent an RV
If you want the adventure and memories of camping but prefer to have solid walls and a mattress, renting an RV might be the solution. According to the Recreation Vehicle Rental Association, renting an RV can cost 57% less for the average domestic vacation for a family of four.
An RV allows you to skip the costs of hotel rooms. And you can shop and cook your own meals, saving a lot of money vs. dining out 3 times a day. And, if you plan ahead and book parking for your RV, you can hit every desired National Park, museum, city, ballgame or whatever strikes your fancy. Advanced parking apps allow you to reserve a space at a discount, which is especially important when driving an oversized vehicle like an RV.
Learn Travel Hacking
Travel hacking can save you thousands per year. Travel hacking involves signing up for travel rewards credit cards and frequent flyer or hotel programs, learning how to transfer points for maximum benefits, and flying for free or very cheaply.
You’ll need a good credit score to qualify for the best travel rewards cards, and financial discipline to use the cards responsibly. When you’re earning points for every purchase, there’s a temptation to overspend.
In addition to free flights, rewards travelers can earn perks like free upgrades, free checked bags, and free lounge access, which can make family travel more comfortable.
Reduce the Duration of Your Trip
Fewer days translate to a cheaper vacation. 32% of the Bestmoney.com survey respondents said they plan to take a shorter trip to reduce travel costs this summer.
When my family and I have to skip an attraction or two because we don’t have enough time in a certain area, we always say, “We can come back.”
We often consider our first trip a “scouting mission,” where we do an activity or two but also plan out what we want to do next time.
Save on Food Costs
Food makes up 15% to 30% of your overall vacation costs, according to Zip.co. It’s also one of the areas with a lot of flexibility without sacrifice. These strategies have worked for my family over the years.
Stock Up on Snacks in Cheaper Locations
I used to pack our car full of snacks and beverages before we left for a trip to avoid pricey rest stop snacks. A small cooler or bento boxes for the kids makes food in the car feel like an experience and they don’t ask for Starbucks cake pops or Dunkin’ at every stop on I-95.
But after seeing grocery store and wholesale club prices in the Florida panhandle and the Midwest, I realized I was wasting money by stocking up in New York if we were taking a long-distance trip.
Now, I buy only what we need until we get further away from our metro area. I restock our snack-and-drink stash when we reach a location with a lower cost of living.
Bonus: Different regions have different foods that the kids will be excited to try.
Hit Walmart or Costco When You Reach Your Destination
If you’re flying, definitely pack enough snacks for the flight but don’t load up your luggage. Instead, find a local Walmart, Costco or Sam’s Club and stock your hotel room once you arrive.
You’ll avoid hotel snack bar prices and get the foods you know your kids enjoy.
Skip the Apps and Drinks When Dining Out
Appetizers and alcohol add up if you’re trying to keep costs down during a full-service meal. Sure, a glass of wine or craft beer with dinner might be just what you need on vacation but keep it to just one.
Likewise, kids’ specialty drinks in souvenir glasses are usually a waste. Pick one special dinner where everyone gets to splurge but say “no” to overpriced drinks the rest of the trip.
Share a Meal
Sharing meals can help keep costs down, especially if you have family members with smaller appetites. When my daughter was a toddler, I lived on restaurant chicken fingers that I’d split with her since neither of us ate a full meal.
Today, my teen son and I sometimes split a meal if we aren’t feeling very hungry or we share meals if we’re hungry but want to taste a variety of foods.
Look for Restaurant Specials
Many local restaurants as well as chains have kids eat free nights, early bird specials, and other ways to save money. Scope these out in advance to keep food costs down.
Check the brochures in the hotel lobby or ask the front desk for deals, too. For instance, we found a fabulous all-you-can-eat seafood buffet in North Carolina with a discount coupon in one of the brochures in the hotel lobby.
Book Hotels with Free Breakfast
Hotels with free breakfast mean one meal you don’t have to pay for. And these hotels are usually less expensive than fancier hotels that charge for breakfast buffets.
Whether it’s a free breakfast or a paid buffet, don’t hesitate to grab fruit, yogurt or hard-boiled eggs for snacks later in the day. That’s where your car cooler comes in handy!
Use an App for Cashback
Apps like Upside pay 5% up to 30% or more cashback at gas stations, restaurants and grocery stores. Always check the app for places in your area so you can earn cash back.
The app also shares gas prices so you can choose the cheaper spot. Just keep in mind that the app prices reflect the cash back you can earn.
Find Free Activities
Most major cities across the US have plenty of activities you can do for free. Wander Millennium Park in Chicago and take a selfie in the reflection of the Bean. Wander local parks in New York City, walk the High Line, and hike Little Island. Every city has free activities if you know where to look. Walk the San Antonio Riverwalk and wander the historic Pearl District.
Bask on beaches across the US, hike local parks, or window shop in downtown areas.
Experiencing local culture and fun doesn’t have to cost a lot, or even anything.
Take Advantage of Deals at State and National Parks
State and national parks offer discount deals and free entry for many demographics. There are also free entry days for everyone, including June 19, August 4, September 27 and November 11.
Seniors get substantial discounts and fourth graders can also apply for free park entry. State parks often have year-long passes and state resident discounts. Research before you go to find the best deals.
Consider Season Passes for Attractions
If your vacation involves a theme park or aquarium or other attractions, season passes are often cheaper than tickets for three days. You may also snag discounts on food and merchandise, so evaluate options before buying a one-day pass for everyone in your family.
Passes may also give food and merch discounts.
Get a CityPASS a GOCity pass to see multiple attractions in one city at a substantial discount.
Set a Souvenir Budget
When my family and I took a 3.5-week trip through the Carolinas, Florida, and parts of Texas, I gave my kids a souvenir budget. They knew how much they were able to spend. I didn’t have to say “no” at gift shops and it taught them how to budget responsibly.
Conclusion
Family trips create memories that not only last a lifetime, they help build priceless social skills and family bond. Breaking the routine also gives you a chance to unwind and recharge, helping you to be more effective in daily life. And to avoid the stress of paying for these vacations, make sure to take advantage of all of these vacation tactics that help reduce the cost and stress of planning a vacation.
Other Articles Of Interest
Make sure to check out other great articles about money management and ways to save, including:
Ten Money Traps That Do Not Help Your Finances
7 Dumb Fees Americans Pay Every Year
15 Worst Bank Fees & How To Avoid Them
Sources
https://www.bestmoney.com/financial-advisor/learn-more/summer-travel-vacation-cost-trends
https://zip.co/us/zip-insights/how-much-the-average-vacation-cost
https://rvda.org/dealers/find-a-dealer/RV_Rentals_On_The_Rise.aspx
https://cluballiance.aaa.com/the-extra-mile/advice/travel/ways-to-visit-our-national-parks-for-free
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