You don’t have to break the bank for a family vacation when the fun can be found close to home! Read on for tips on planning an affordable family vacation full of memories.
- Do your research. While your dream vacation might be to a big city or a tropical beach, that might not be in your budget right now. That’s okay because there are tons of places close to home that can make a great family vacation! Check out tourism websites and search online for areas in your state or even bordering states that are off the beaten path. There is always somewhere new to explore!
- Plan the trip as a family. Make the planning and research a family event. After all, this is a family vacation, so finding options that the whole family will enjoy is a great way to guarantee that everyone will have fun. While all-inclusive resorts and theme parks are great, they can be pricey; so it is okay to compromise and do a museum one day and a waterpark the next. Make sure to check for local parks, beaches, and zoos too as a low or no-cost option for some fun!
- Invite others to join you. Invite your best friends, your sibling and their family, or your parents. You’ll be able to split the cost of lodging and groceries with another family and do wonderful things for your vacation budget. You’ll get quality time with your family or friends and make memories that will last a lifetime. Plus, if you want to get away for a night on the town as a couple, you’ll have a built-in babysitter!
- Eat-in when possible. You might want to look into renting a house or getting a hotel room with a kitchenette. If you can go to a local grocery store and buy food to prepare for meals, you’ll save big on the budget. Even if you opt to stay at a hotel without a kitchen, most have mini-fridges. Try stocking them with sandwich supplies so you can pack a cooler for on-the-go lunches. Look for hotels with a free breakfast buffet to save money on one whole meal every day, and buy granola bars and fruit to bring as snacks!
- Be flexible with the itinerary. You might be tempted to fill your days to pack in as much fun as possible, but remember that traveling with kids is a different beast than when you were traveling as a couple. They need bathroom breaks, naps, snacks, and a chance to burn off some extra energy. Plus, vacations should have some relaxation. So, schedule some downtime by the pool or a night in of ordering pizza. Everyone will be happier and more well-rested for the next attraction. And if you don’t get it all in there is always next time…