Family vacations can lead to positive memories and bonding. With careful planning, they can also be fun and relaxing while keeping within a budget.
Tips to help you plan a family vacation on a budget:
The first step is to plan how much your family has to spend on this vacation. Then, get the whole family involved in coming up with ideas of where to go, what to do and how to save for it.
Once you have some ideas on where to go and what your budget is, create a chart to help you plan for expenses like hotels, meals, transportation, admission fees, and kennel fees for pets. If a vacation is outside of your budget, see if you can minimize some of the costs or start eliminating options.
While you are on vacation, set up a tracking system to make sure that you are staying within the budget. You can keep a notebook, start a spreadsheet, or find an app for your phone to help you do this. You can even get the kids involved with the tracking to help them learn money management skills!
Tips for the planning stage:
Lodging
- Compare the lodging prices on travel websites to find the lowest price. Keep the amenities in mind as well. A complimentary breakfast can help you save on meals and a pool can provide free entertainment! Hotel shuttles can also help to decrease your transportation costs. If you are staying in a condo or house, you can use the kitchen to cook some of your meals rather than eat out.
- You may find cheaper hotel prices by calling the hotel directly. Some hotels may not be advertised on travel websites and they may offer discounts that are not shown through the travel website.
- Camping can be a low cost option if you already own the equipment or plan to camp frequently.
- Staying with friends or relatives.
Eating
- Plan to eat only one meal out a day. You can pack food like granola bars, canned or dried fruits, and canned juices for breakfast if it is not complimentary at the hotel.
- Go out to lunch. Many restaurants offer the same menu items at lunch for a lower cost than the dinner menu. Beverages can add to the cost, so consider sticking with water when eating out.
- Eat like a local. Ask local residents about their favorite coffee shops, diners, and restaurants. These restaurants may be a little farther away, but they usually have lower prices than restaurants that cater to tourists.
- Prepare ahead of time to fuel your vacation adventures with healthy eating.
- Plan picnics which are relaxing and fun. Remember food safety for your family.
Activities
- Create opportunities for the whole family to participate in.
- Attend a local County Fair; typically there are some free activities at county fairs.
- Get outdoors; it is free, fun, relaxing and has enormous benefits for your families mental health.
