Simple and Effective Ways to Save Money on Your Next Family Vacation
Simple and Effective Money Saving Family Vacation Tips
Embarking on a family vacation can be a great way to reconnect with your loved ones and enjoy each other’s company in an exciting new locale. However, despite the many benefits of a good family vacation, there’s no denying that such travel excursions can be exorbitantly expensive. No matter how robust your travel budget is, a jaunt to popular family destinations is liable to put a considerable dent in your personal finances. Families interested in enjoying first-rate vacations without breaking the bank are sure to appreciate the following pointers.
Travel During the Off-Season
There’s little wonder as to why so many people travel during the spring and summer months. In addition to the weather being more agreeable, many schools and businesses have lengthy breaks during these seasons. Because of the massive demand for affordable airfare and lodging during the busy travel season, rates tend to be at their highest. So if you and your crew have your hearts set on a spring or summer vacation, be prepared to pay maximum rates.
Conversely, if you’re amenable to the idea of off-season travel, you can save yourself a considerable sum and dramatically expand your destination options. Because so many airlines, hotels and resorts have trouble filling spots throughout fall and winter, they provide off-season travelers with discounts that can’t be found at any other time of year. While traveling during the off-season may not be quite as convenient as peak season travel, it can be a lot more affordable. Furthermore, since fewer people embark on vacations during the off-season, you’re less likely to contend with large crowds. Families interested in traveling to Niagara Falls are sure to appreciate the convenient off-season specials found at Fallsview hotels.
Don’t Eat Every Meal at a Restaurant
Sampling new cuisine is one of the foremost staples of a memorable vacation. However, dining out for every meal can leave a massive hole in your travel budget, especially if you have a large family. Depending on how many people make up your travel party, you could easily spend upwards of $100 on every restaurant visit. While there’s nothing wrong with wanting to dine at unique restaurants when you’re on vacation, everything is best enjoyed in moderation. With this in mind, consider limiting your crew to one restaurant meal per day. You may initially experience some pushback, but once your family sees how much money is being freed up for other endeavors, they’re likely to come around.
Since fighting off the temptation to dine out while on vacation can be an uphill battle, make a point of being proactive. For starters, staying at a hotel that provides guests with free breakfast can be a great way to save money on the most important meal of the day. Additionally, before you and your crew head out for the day, make sure that you have a lunch and plenty of snacks packed up and ready to go. If you are on a road trip carry a cooler in the car. Having food within easy reach will help keep temptation to a minimum and save you a princely sum. Consider starting your explorations with a visit to a local grocery store to pick up drinks, fruit, snacks, and pre-made lunch items for your day. In addition, many restaurants have specials for early dinner hours. And don’t forget to ask at your hotel desk if they have any local dining coupons.
Look for Cost-Effective Things to Do
Depending on your destination, your family may be able to enjoy a bevy of fun attractions for very little money. Many popular vacation spots feature an abundance of attractions and activities that are either free or very close to free. Your options will vary from place to place, but such activities commonly include visits to parks, trips to museums, hitting up street fairs and attending free local concerts. In addition to providing your crew with a frugal good time, this can effectively free up funds to enjoy popular attractions that aren’t quite as easy on the old travel budget. Pinterest.com and the local tourism bureau are good sites to search for “Free Things To Do in _____”. Also, don’t forget to ask if an attraction offers “Student Discounts”. You may be surprised how many museums offer free or greatly reduced admission for school-aged children. If you have a yearly museum pass at home, check to see if they offer reciprocal admission to attractions at your travel destination.
A good vacation has the power to bring your family closer together and create memories that will last a lifetime. However, a fun-filled travel excursion also has the power to leave you in the lurch financially. Of course, this isn’t to say that families should simply resign themselves to spending unreasonable sums on vacations. Additionally, cutting costs doesn’t have to mean compromising on fun. With the help of the previously discussed tips, you and your loved ones can enjoy memorable vacations without paying top dollar.
