6 Tips on Planning a Budget-Friendly Family Vacation

Taking a family vacation isn’t cheap these days, with the average vacation costing somewhere in the ballpark of $4,500 for a family of four. That’s not chump change, and it is a dollar amount not easily accessible by most American families. If you like to travel but have limited funds, keep reading for five budget-friendly family vacation tips on how to make the most of your time off together while keeping your bank statement safely above zero.

Buy the Gear You Need on the Second-Hand Market

If you have ever used VarageSale or hit the early morning yard sales for kids clothes, then you have already been a part of a very important second-hand economy, which has blossomed into a global multi-billion-dollar sub-industry. Buying used is not only for the things that you use every day, but can help you save money on occasional-use gear like hiking boots, life vests, and other items you’ll need depending on your planned adventures. You can also buy or borrow a few outfits and travel toys for the kids to make sure they look great for your vacation pictures and stay entertained en route respectively.

Don’t Sign Up for That Car Rental Insurance

If you’ve decided to drive instead of fly and you’re renting a car, you know the cost of the daily insurance on a rental is expensive and can quickly add up. If your current auto policy doesn’t cover rentals, consider a short-term weeklong policy to ensure you’ve got the coverage you need. Not only are these rates cheaper, but you might even find a better deal if you go through your current provider. 

Take Advantage of Free Attractions

Sure, a trip to a theme park is a ton of fun, but there are plenty of free attractions all throughout the United States that easily trump waiting in line for hours for a 60-second ride. Traveller contributor Marla Jo Fisher list everything from Garden of the Gods in Colorado to the iconic Mount Rushmore carvings in South Dakota in this post. Of course, if your kids absolutely must have bright and colorful entertainment, you can always search for a hotel that has an on-site waterpark included in the price of the room.

Find Easy Ways to Keep the Kids Occupied

Inevitably there will be downtime while you’re on vacation, so plan ahead for your children to have plenty to do. Whether it’s with books, workbooks or electronics, helping them stay occupied can ward off boredom. Many parents find that tablets provide a happy medium in offering educational activities and something to pass the time. With apps for reading, drawing, learning a new language and, of course, gaming, there’s plenty to keep your child busy. If you’re in the market for a new tablet, look to models like the Amazon Kids Fire, which has serious durability at an affordable price. Alternatively, you can look to the newly released iPad, which can be had for as little as $19 a month, plus this could come in handy since this updated version has similar capabilities to a computer. 

Know What Discounts Are Available

There is no shame in the discount game, and especially when it comes to your travel expenses. It pays to know what type of discounts are available when it comes to airlines, hotels, and events. For example, kids often fly free on Frontier Airlines with a Discount Den membership. A quick Google search can also help you determine places where kids eat free in most major cities, including Chicago and New York.

Go All-Inclusive (But Be Aware of Extras)

When you have a large family, all-inclusive resorts and cruises can be a smart option to help you stay within your budget. For the most part, all of your food and activities will be included along with your room and, in many cases, daytime childcare. But be cautious and know what’s included and what’s not before you book so that you are not hit with a big bill at the end for activities like the game room or premium menu choices. And don’t forget about coupon books, which you can buy ahead of time and plan your activities according to the best deal. 

Traveling means that you are going to spend some money. However, there are ways to be frugal while having fun wherever you may roam. 

Image via Pixabay

6 Tips on Planning a Budget-Friendly Family Vacation