Family vacations are excellent for recharging and bonding with those you love. But vacations can be expensive and without a plan to make them more affordable, you could break the bank while having fun. Thankfully there are numerous ways to save money on travel and here is how you can budget for a fantastic family vacation.
Plan Weeks Ahead of Time
A budget-friendly fantastic family vacation starts months or weeks ahead of time. Write down different destinations you’re interested in and narrow down the list to a few places. Research the costs of transportation, accommodations, entertainment, dining out, and other activities at your chosen destination. Once you decided on your destination, set up a savings account specifically for your vacation expenses.
Do Some Side Hustles
Side hustles can boost your vacation savings and this means less money is coming out of your regular paychecks every pay period. Maybe you can offer to assist neighbors with walking their dogs or cleaning their homes if they have busy schedules. Work part-time at a retail outlet on weekends or during the holidays. Sell items you no longer need for extra cash. Other ideas include babysitting, online freelance writing, graphic design, and tutoring.
Use Credit Card Rewards
Another tool in budgeting for a fantastic family vacation is to use credit card rewards. Start by going to your credit card’s website and then visiting the redemption portal. From there, you’ll see how many points you earned and you’ll redeem those points. You can redeem your cash through direct deposit into your bank account or in the form of gift cards and other perks. If you have a travel credit card, you’ll redeem the points for travel expenses such as hotel stays, flights, and dining out. Use your card responsibly and pay the balance monthly to avoid interest and late fees.
Take Advantage of Travel Discounts
Travel discounts from hotels, airline carriers, and travel planning websites help you save money on your vacation. Don’t rely on hotel or flight price comparison websites, however. You can contact hotels in the city you’re visiting and ask if they offer special deals for travelers you can take advantage of. If you’re over 55, inquire about senior citizen discounts from hotels, car rental companies, and airline carriers.
Put Bonuses And Tax Refunds Toward Vacation Savings
If you received a bonus or a tax refund, put this extra money toward your vacation savings. This gives your planning a boost and it allows you to do more exciting things on vacation since there are extra funds in your budget.
Choose Off-The-Beaten Path Destinations
Don’t visit the same popular and overrated destinations that social media influencers promote so much. Visit off-the-beaten-path destinations in cities that are not yet well-known by tourists. It makes for a more fantastic family vacation and you can learn about new cities and what they offer visitors. For example, you know New Orleans is a major tourist attraction but why not check out nearby areas in Louisiana? Lafayette is a city that has a strong Cajun heritage and culture. Louisiana is an outdoorsy state so you can also visit areas such as the Atchafalaya Basin, the Honey Island Swamp, and a host of bayous and lakes for fishing.
Consider Housesitting
Did you know that you can save money on accommodations in a new city by house-sitting for others? Sign up for a website such as Trusted Housesitters and enjoy different environments while helping clients at the same time. Many hosts will let you bring your own groceries so you won’t need to dine out as frequently. Once your gig ends, you can stay in the city a while longer and turn it into a mini vacation.
Curb Your Spending
One of the best ways to save for a vacation is to curb your spending. Cancel any unnecessary subscriptions and negotiate with your service providers for better rates. Cut back on dining out and cook at home instead. Create new outfits with the clothes you already have. Learn some DIY skills to reduce the need for professionals to fix things around the house.
Book Tickets in Advance
If you plan to visit theme parks, festivals, and other attractions, book tickets in advance. It saves you time and if the venues offer discounts, you’ll save money too. Subscribe to the venues’ mailing lists to take advantage of bargains.
Stay With Relatives Who Live Where You’re Visiting
If you have relatives who live in the city you’re visiting, ask if you can stay with them while you’re on vacation. Offer to pay for their tickets to some of the attractions in the area and turn it into a mini family reunion.
Drive Instead of Fly
If your destination is in the next city or state over, drive instead of flying there. Driving allows you to explore little-known areas of the destination you’re visiting and it’s more fun. Pack enough snacks and screen-free games and books for the kids and have meaningful conversations while you’re in the car.
Research Non-Touristy Restaurants
Before you go on vacation, read reviews on non-touristy restaurants in the city you’re visiting. Visit their websites and look at their menus. Some of these restaurants also have discounts so look out for promo codes you can download to save money on dining expenses. Non-touristy restaurants are often more affordable and interesting than the well-known restaurants.
These strategies can assist you in having the best family vacation you’ve had in a long time!
