Summer is on its way, and if you have kids, that likely means complicated summer camp plans. But it also could mean time for a family vacation. Trips that take everyone in the family away from their routines — parents from work and household responsibilities, kids from school and homework — can be a great bonding experience for families and give each family member a chance to see new things.
However, taking the whole family on vacation can be expensive. Factor in airfare, hotels or home rentals, even campgrounds, plus food and supplies — and maybe a house sitter or pet sitter while you are away — and it all adds up fast.
Four in five American families planned to take a summer vacation in 2018, according to a survey done by the website Nerdwallet. The parents in those families said they planned to spend on average more than $2,200 on those trips. The vast majority (71 percent of families) said they would likely spend more than $1,000. Moreover, the survey found that a majority of parents were going to charge at least part of their vacation on a credit card.
Luckily, there are plenty of ways to take family trips together without racking up credit card debt or even spending too heavily. Take advantage of some of the following tips to have a fun summer trip without breaking the bank.
1. Be flexible.
If you can make a flexible travel schedule work, you will save considerably on airfare and hotels. Plan a vacation for a mid-week stay, rather than one that spans a weekend, recommends Devon Nagle, head of communications for the travel booking website Priceline.
“Or choose your destination and then price out the cost of the hotel for the length of your trip over multiple different time frames to spot the lowest rates,” he said. “Compare costs for a stay that begins a day or two earlier or ends a day or two later than you’d originally planned. The savings may be considerable.”
2. Stay outside the city center.
You can often save a lot of money by staying a bit outside the center of a city with all the tourist attractions and then taking public transit or traveling in to see the sites. These sleeping arrangements might also offer a quieter spot at night and give you a chance to see part of a city you wouldn’t visit otherwise. Consequently, the travel to the city center on public transit can be part of the fun.
3. Know where to look for deals.
Many airlines, hotels, and other travel companies offer deals through social media, newsletters, and mobile apps that you can use to your advantage. “Companies often highlight special travel deals and promotions daily or weekly and send them straight to your email if you follow them,” said Nagle, the Priceline spokesperson.
4. Plan ahead.
If you are planning trips around big summer holidays like Memorial Day, Fourth of July, or Labor Day, it’s best to plan ahead.
Nagle says their data shows that hotels and flights prices hold steady until about 12 days prior to May 25, the start of Memorial Day weekend. At that point, flight prices start to rise. For the Fourth of July, prices start to rise even earlier, and for Labor Day, prices begin to rise 10 days before the holiday.
5. Book at the last minute.
If you can hold off on booking hotels until right before your trip, you may save some serious money. Try apps like HotelTonight that allow you to search for last-minute deals. Even luxury hotels often offer steep discounts for last-minute bookings, allowing you to save significantly.
6. Use your kids to get deals.
There are numerous restaurants, hotels, and attractions offering discounts for kids. For instance, many places go the extra mile to offer discounts to families with children. The Great Ohio Lodges, for example, offers a “Stays for A’s” program where families can earn discounts based on children’s report card grades.
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7. Consider a home swap.
Even better than renting your house may be a straight up home swap, where you trade lodging with another family. They stay in your house, you stay in theirs, and no one has to pay for a hotel. Websites like HomeExchange and Intervac Home Exchange could help set it up.
8. Check for resorts with deals.
Family resorts can simplify travel plans as they provide food and activities all in one place. Booking club-level rooms with complimentary kids’ clubs can significantly reduce costs when traveling with children.
9. Save on home-cooked meals.
Families usually worry about major expenses like airfare and hotels, but meal costs can also add up. Staying somewhere with a kitchen allows you to prepare meals cheaply. If you can’t secure a kitchen, shop at a supermarket for basic foods, which can save you hundreds of dollars.
10. Ship your items instead of checking bags.
If you are going on a camping trip or any travel that requires a lot of gear, consider shipping your luggage ahead of time. Services like LugLess can simplify the process.
11. Watch out for extra car rental fees.
If you need to rent a car for your trip, if possible, avoid car rental locations inside airports, which tend to be more expensive. Bring your own toll transponder to avoid extra fees from the rental agency and decline unnecessary insurance options.
By considering these budget-friendly tips, families can enjoy memorable vacation experiences without overspending, creating lasting memories while keeping finances in check.
