13 Tips on How to Save Money for a Family Vacation of your Dreams
(Update: This article was updated to reflect the new name of popular travel service company, Scott’s Cheap Flights, which rebranded itself as Going in January 2023.)
Pondok Wisata Patal Kikian Villas in Bali, Indonesia. (Photo: Marinabars.photo via Twenty20)
Making time to travel with your family is one thing. Trying to determine how you’ll be able to afford a trip is another. Between work, school, upkeeping the house, recreational activities and other day-to-day routines, you and your kids need a break.
When it comes to traveling with the family, affordable vacations mean something different to everyone, depending on bandwidth and budget. Whether you’re eyeing up which weekends might work for a local getaway or fantasizing about seven restorative days in a faraway land, here are 13 tips on how to save money for a family vacation of your dreams.
1. Visit a destination during its low or shoulder season.
Family Touring Thingvellir National Park in Iceland (Photo: holly.vegter via Twenty20)
Not every family can be flexible with their travel dates, but if you’re able to, consider visiting a destination during its low or shoulder season. Sure, you might not get the proverbial “best” weather, but perhaps your family prefers the more moderate temps and other benefits that come from taking a trip this time of year.
The biggest advantage you have when booking travel during these months is generally lower pricing all around, when it comes to airfare, accommodations and activities. You also won’t be battling the high season crowds.
Bear in mind: Before you jump at an “unbeatable” deal, make sure you know what to expect during that less-visited time of year. For example, if a destination will be too cold for your liking, or if some businesses temporarily close down that time of year, it might not be worth it.
2. Travel during the middle of the week.
Again, if you have the ability to be more flexible, traveling during the middle of the week could save you big bucks on hotels and flights. Since most travelers’ trips span weekends, those high-demand timeframes often see the highest prices.
If you’re set on a particular destination, use a “flexible date” search tool such as those found on Google Flights or Google Hotels, Skyscanner and Kayak. These travel-booking websites allow you to view average rates per day, on a calendar view, which can give you an idea of the most affordable months and days for travel to a particular destination.
3. Sign up for flight deal alerts.
Going (formerly Scott’s Cheap Flights) is my go-to for keeping tabs on domestic and international flight deals. How it works: Subscribe to either a free or premium membership, choose your home airport(s), and receive notifications for deals that purportedly can be up to 90 percent off the average airfare. (I can attest, having paid half the typical cost for nonstop flights, roundtrip to Lisbon, for my son’s first international getaway.)
With Going, however, it’s important to note that this service essentially chooses your destination for you. As long as you don’t have your heart set on one specific place, this method can actually add a sense of thrill to your travel planning. It’s also a major money-saver for those with multiple kiddos. When traveling as a big family, affordable vacations aren’t easy to uphold as the cost of booking several seats adds up quickly.
Another favorite of mine is Hopper, which predicts airfare fluctuations and tells you when you likely will be able to snag the best deal -- either by booking now or waiting. Make sure you refer to a few different resources when searching for deals, to expand your chances of snagging a good one. Other sites to bookmark are Secret Flying and Airfare Watchdog.
4. Stay in a vacation rental.
Mother and Daughter Preparing Food in Vacation Rental Kitchen (Photo: criene via Twenty20)
Not everyone has the luxury of turning earned points into hotel stays, and let’s face it: Unless you have a small family, hotel rooms can trigger fears of tight spaces pretty fast. I’m a big proponent of vacation rentals for several reasons.
You generally get more space for your money, you can enjoy more privacy, and you get a kitchen. The latter in particular is a great, “often taken for granted” tip on how to save money for a family vacation. Why? Utilizing it means you’ll spend less on dining out; plus, it saves you time by allowing you to prep quick meals (breakfast, lunch and snacks) that leave more room for other activities.
5. Carry around your own snacks, regardless of where you stay.
With all the energy your youngsters will be burning jumping from one activity to the next, having snacks on hand is a must. Bring a few from home to hold you off until you can make a quick grocery store run to stock up on snacks and other necessities for your trip.
When it comes to the best snacks to bring on a family vacation, try to stick with foods that don’t require refrigeration or preparation and that provide a nice, nutritional boost until the next meal. Some of my favorites include berries, nuts, fruit bars and drinkable pouches.
6. Book a vacation package (cruise or resort) that offers kids’ discounts and other inclusions.
Kids Tubing at Tropical Resort (Photo: KlavdiyaV via Twenty20)
From all-inclusive resorts with myriad restaurants wrapped into the price, to cruise lines offering “kids sail free” promotions, there are other ways to save -- particularly for those who appreciate the convenience of having dining, activities and entertainment under one “roof.”
While the levels of inclusions vary, both all-inclusive resorts and cruises can save parents a lot of money on dining, especially in pricier destinations, as well as activities and the time (also considered money to us parents, amiright?) it would take to book all of them.
Rest assured: Families who opt for the peace of mind a more inclusive pricing model brings can still enjoy local, culturally immersive experiences.
7. Live like the locals as much as possible.
Anyone who’s ever traveled to a major city has certainly encountered “tourist traps” a la restaurants, shopping centers and attractions that overcharge patrons for experiences that are almost always far from authentic.
Truth is: Your family doesn’t have to go off-grid to live like the locals. Seeking out non-chain or “mom and pop” restaurants; small, artisanal shops; and attractions that genuinely showcase the destination’s culture are typically more ubiquitous than you think. Supporting local residents also makes for more responsible and sustainable travel, by helping to fuel the economy and families who depend on it.
8. Tack on family vacations to business trips.
Father and Son on Beach in San Francisco (Photo: crossignol via Twenty20)
Are you or your partner traveling for work to a place the family would love to visit? Take advantage of that [insert expletive of choice]. With accommodations on the company’s dime or at least booked at a significantly discounted rate -- and as long as having the whole gang join is kosher with your boss and won’t affect the focus of the trip -- you’ve already eliminated one of the biggest expenses.
All that’s left are flights for the remaining family members; then you can budget for meals and other activities. Don’t go too crazy with activities, though, since only one of you will be with the kids all day. Bonus points if the business trip is held at a hotel with some amenities (recreation, kids’ club access, etc.) already included.
9. Dine out during Happy Hour.
It sounds counterintuitive, I know. But depending on where you’re traveling, Happy Hour can be far from the inappropriate, alcohol-ridden setting you desperately want to avoid exposing to your kids.
Do your research, and you can enjoy discounted meals and drinks with a side of chill vibes everyone in the family can enjoy. Just be sure to choose a restaurant that still caters to kids -- something you can easily glean from its reviews or by calling. This can help reassure you the atmosphere will suit your family’s needs.
10. For families with Special Needs children or adults, look to dedicated travel companies for the best value.
Boy with Special Needs Feeding Donkey at Petting Zoo (Photo: Gaysorn via Twenty20)
Traveling with a family member who has Special Needs can be a rewarding experience, but that doesn’t come without its challenges. Struggling to budget doesn’t have to be one of them. Several travel companies cater to different needs and disabilities, with not only affordable pricing but also organized trips led by professionals trained to care for children and adults who need special support.
Among these groups include Autism on the Seas, which offers discounted, staff-assisted cruises that include private activities and special programming, as well as Wheel the World, a comprehensive resource for accessible travel, where you can book tours, hotel stays and multi-day group trips for less than what you could pay for a private trip -- with the same attention to detail.
For those who prefer to plan their trips more independently, AccessibleGo.com is known as the world’s only discount club for travelers with disabilities and has a massive online travel community you can lean on for questions, advice and more.
11. Traveling internationally? Consider booking budget domestic airfare for a layover.
Flying overseas can add up quickly, especially if your home airport doesn’t include a direct route to your final destination. If you book with a major airline and have at least one layover in a U.S. city, in some cases, you could be overpaying for that first leg.
Put in a little research, and you might find that it’s more affordable to fly a budget airline to the U.S city from which you’ll be traveling to your final destination. Don’t do this unless the savings are substantial, however, since it’ll require more work when it comes to checking in and staying on top of your luggage.
12. Steer clear of “convenient” perks when renting a car.
Renting a vehicle is one of the most carefree ways families can get around on the ground while traveling, especially those with multiple kids or car seat requirements. It also can be one of the most cost-effective, if you know how to book them.
While travel booking websites do offer rental car deals, the real cost cutters require some strategizing. You can often save big by renting a car that’s not located within the airport terminal but easily accessible via a free shuttle from the airport.
Other ways to save include avoiding the prepaid gas option (and planning to fill up the tank yourself before you return the vehicle); bringing your own universal toll transponder if traveling within the U.S.; and taking advantage of discounts from AAA, USAA, credit card companies, certain corporations or universities, and other membership programs.
13. Book a Staycation -- but go HAM on the extras.
Family Hiking During a Staycation (Photo: gennaroleonardi via Twenty20)
You might find that for your family, affordable vacations come in the form of a staycation (vacation close to home) that doesn’t involve flying or embarking on a long road trip to get somewhere. This might not seem like the most exciting option, at first, but there are many ways you can spice up your plans to create a dream-worthy escape.
Use the money you’re saving by not spending on flights or gas to indulge in more lavish accommodations or a bucket-list experience (hot air balloon ride, anyone?). If you prefer to keep that money pocketed, you can still create memorable experiences for free or very little spending. Activities like horseback riding, DIY picnics and donation-based attractions such as wildlife sanctuaries are all fun options that will have the kids reminiscing for days.
