Traveling with kids can be a wonderful experience! It gives the family something to look forward to and you know you’re helping your kids make lasting memories.
If you want to travel with your kids but are worried about the costs, don’t worry! It is definitely possible to travel with kids when you’re on a budget; you just need to know-how.
Here are some tips that will help you plan your family budget trip.
Travel off Season
Summer and winter breaks are peak seasons to travel, so if you plan to travel in these breaks, things are sure to be expensive. Traveling around holidays won’t be easy on your pocket either.
The easiest way to save on traveling is by going offseason. It not only means being charged a lot less for everything but also not having to put up with thick crowds!
Traveling off-season with grown-up kids might not be an option if you don’t want them to miss classes at school. But if you have a toddler or two, you should definitely make the most of traveling offseason. Do note the challenges of traveling off-season before you make your plans though!
Choose Your Destination Well
You’ll need to put proper thought into choosing a destination for your budget family vacation. Consider if you have the time and money to travel abroad right now. If you don’t think traveling to a far off destination is a good idea right now, consider going to a nearby place.
Traveling to a nearby place not only involves spending less money, but you’ll also have to plan less and pack less. It is particularly great for those who find it difficult to go away on a long holiday offseason, leaving their work and causing kids to miss out on school. What’s more, traveling to some place close by means not having to deal with jet lag too!
Consider Your Mode of Transport
Depending on where you’re traveling to, you’ll have to consider what mode of transport will be cheaper. If your destination is just a couple of hour’s drive away, driving down there in your car will probably be a lot cheaper than booking airline tickets for you and the kids.
While booking air tickets, check the prices of both one-way tickets and return tickets. Do the same when booking train tickets! Also note that at times, direct flights or trains may be quite expensive than connecting ones. Moreover, all airline carriers have some or the other deal that you can make use of; so research well and find connecting flights that can help you save money even if you have to book with different airlines.
When it comes to taking advantage of airline deals, be sure to search all discount websites. Use websites like Farecompare and Airfare Watchdog to know about airfare sales and get alerts on destinations and trips. Most importantly, be sure to start looking for the best prices weeks in advance instead of booking tickets at the last minute. You’re sure to get a good deal this way.
Additionally, you’ll have to consider how you’ll get about from one place to another once you reach your destination. If you’re planning to take your car, you shouldn’t be worried about this. But do consider if you’ll be comfortable driving around in a new city.
If you’re still not sure about where you want to go on a vacation, you might want to prefer traveling to a city that has really good public transport. This way, you’ll save a lot by traveling via bus or train. Also, you won’t have to deal with the hassles of driving your own car or renting a car.
Pack Light
With kids in tow, this may seem to be an impossible task. But if you’re traveling by air, packing light can help you big time. Not only will you have less and lighter baggage to deal with, but you also won’t have to pay for extra luggage.
If you intend to stay at a particular hotel or resort, call them up in advance and ask what facilities they provide. If you’re going to be provided with toiletries, towels, a hairdryer, etc., you needn’t carry these things with you. If you can’t do without your trusted lotion, cleanser, shampoo, or face wash, buy travel-sized packs or get free samples of whatever you need.
You might want to pack your kids’ bath-time toys, but many hotels are willing to offer toys and games for kids without charging extra. So again, ask!
Opt for the Right Accommodation
If you want to save on accommodation, staying at a B&B or a hostel is a good option. Not only will the prices be less, you’ll also be able to experience something new. And yes, hostels aren’t just for single travelers or a bunch of friends; there are many of them that cater to families. Just be sure to find the right one!
If you prefer staying at a hotel, book one where you can get complimentary breakfasts or lunches. Sure, you’d want to go out and try the local dishes but if you’re looking to cut costs, a few free meals can help!
Save on the Extras
Researching the place you’re traveling to will help you save a lot on food, drinks, and attractions. The best way to save on food and drinks is to use coupons and make the most of special deals.
Note that lunch menus are usually cheaper than dinner menus in most restaurants. So if you’re planning to eat one good meal a day, have it during lunchtime. You can always barge into a McDonald’s for dinner!
Again, researching will help you find out what attractions are worth seeing in the city and which ones have free entry.
Conclusion
Using the tips mentioned here, you will be able to plan your budget trip well, and your kids are sure to have a great time. Happy holidaying!
