Taking your family on trips is essential for fun, relaxation and education. However, I’ve found the costs of airfare, food, hotels and attractions can quickly add up. So, how can you save money while still enjoying yourselves? Here’s how to plan a family vacation on a budget.
1. Book ASAP
Saving money on vacations starts with booking as soon as possible. Waiting until your departure date to find plane tickets or a rental car does no favors. When this date approaches, the prices increase due to supply and demand.
Experts recommend setting up a Google Flights alert for air travel to know when the best deal is available. Research shows the best time to buy domestic flights is around 38 days before departure, while international trips are lowest around 101 days. Another rule of thumb is booking midweek flights, which are typically less expensive than weekend trips.
2. Travel During the Offseason
Your dream vacations may seem financially out of reach. What if you went during the offseason when they weren’t as crowded? Most destinations have peaks and valleys that determine their rates. For example, beach vacations are likely less expensive in the spring and fall due to reduced demand.
Offseason vacations can be more challenging to plan, especially when planning around the school year. If summer is your primary vacation season, consider the Caribbean for lower rates. While there was some rain during the trip, my son and I had a blast in Puerto Rico last summer.
3. Find Free Activities
Learning how to plan a family vacation on a budget includes finding free activities. This part of your itinerary is welcoming for parents because you can entertain the kids without paying a dime. Wherever you travel, find a park with free admission and plentiful activities for the little ones.
When researching your destination, look out for community events happening during your stay. For example, there could be free concerts or large farmers markets on the weekend. With these fun plans on your itinerary, you can grow closer to the town you’re visiting and have fun.
4. Ask for Family Help
Extra costs can add up before you step foot on the plane, so request a favor when prepping for the trip. Parking garages fill up quickly at popular airports and can be brutal on your wallet if you do snag a spot. Parking off-site or asking a trusted family member or friend to drop you off and pick you up at the airport will save you both time and money.
Another way your loved ones can help is by watching your pets while you’re away, whether at home or their residence. This idea lets your furry friends stay happier when you’re on vacation. If our dog could talk, he’d voice his preference for our neighbor’s house over a kennel.
Family Vacation Ideas on a Budget
If you’re looking for a cheap family vacation, get creative. Here are four ideas to satisfy your crew without breaking the bank.
1. State and National Parks
It’s hard to beat fresh air and the smell of nature, especially at a park. These large recreational areas are often free or inexpensive to enter, making them accessible to families. Check the camping opportunities at your local state and national parks to see what amenities they offer.
One perk of these parks is they typically allow leashed dogs in most facilities. When you have Fido with you, the children will be in a much better mood. Connecting them with nature while hiking or on a relaxing canoe ride is free and terrific for their livelihoods. My son’s imagination easily creates hours of fun in these parks.
2. Cruises
Cruises are among the best family vacation ideas on a budget because their price includes nearly everything. For each person’s ticket, you get food, beverages and entertainment covered. There are extra paid amenities like spa services and Wi-Fi, but this vacation idea is terrific for the whole family to have fun.
While cruises conjure images of buffets and suntanning, this cheap family vacation idea is an opportunity to see the world. Take your family on a Caribbean cruise to see the sights and sounds of the Bahamas and Jamaica. While you’re there, take note of recipes and bring back activities for the kids.
3. Hotel Stays
Some families only see hotels as a place to rest their heads at night, but they can be the vacation if you find a nice enough one. Search for all-inclusive resorts with swimming pools and restaurants within the facility. It could be a compelling idea if your little ones are easily entertained.
Sometimes, my son just needs an excuse to get out of the house. If he’s visibly bored, I’ll take him for a weekend-long hotel getaway. It’s like a cruise on land — within the hotel, you get similar amenities without getting seasick. Your budget will also thank you for the complimentary breakfast each morning.
4. Staycation
Vacations typically include going to another location and learning their cultures, but how well do you know your city? Staycations are terrific because you don’t have to travel far. Spend more time exploring your community and finding out details you didn’t know.
Staycations may include visiting local museums or parks you haven’t been to before. How does a downtown restaurant tour sound? Others staycation by setting up a spa in their house or camping in the backyard. In the summer, my son and I go the whole nine yards with s’mores and a big campfire.
Maximizing Fun on a Cheap Family Vacation
Navigating how to plan a family vacation on a budget can be challenging. However, a few simple strategies can save money in the long run.
Start by finding travel opportunities in the offseason or shoulder season to get lower rates. Then, the other dominoes should fall into place. Free activities and close destinations make your vacation well worth it for your family.