Taking the Stress Out of Kid-Friendly Budget Travel
Cheap family vacations can seem like an impossible dream. Looking for places to stay and activities that won’t break the bank may have you feeling overwhelmed. But with a bit of research, planning, and creativity, saving on family trips doesn’t have to be hard. Let’s learn how to make kid-friendly budget travel work.
Finding Accommodations
The first step in budgeting for family trips is to find suitable accommodations that won’t put too much financial strain on your wallet. Here are a few tips for keeping your lodging budget-friendly:
Look for deals. Sites like Hotels.com often have great deals and discounts on stays, including package deals.
Book an Airbnb. An Airbnb rental can be cheaper than a hotel and still be family-friendly.
Choose a good location. Opt for a hotel or Airbnb that is not only affordable but also close to the attractions or activities you want to do.
Stay with family. When you visit family or friends, you can still have the vacation experience without having to pay for accommodation.
Try camping. Camping is a great way to save money, and it can be plenty of fun for the whole family.
How to Feed the Family
The second step for budget travel is figuring out a way to feed your family. We recommend these methods for saving money on meals:
Use a kitchen. Taking advantage of an Airbnb rental with a kitchen can be a great way to save on food. You can buy groceries from a local store and make your own meals.
Cook in bulk. Cooking ahead, buying in bulk, and packing meals can help you save money on eating out.
Take advantage of coupons. Coupons and promo codes can be found online or in local newspapers.
Eat with the locals. Instead of eating out, find options that offer food to go. This is also a great way to experience the local food culture.
Look for daily specials. Look for eateries with daily specials on specific days. A lot of restaurants and cafés have “Kids Eat Free” specials.
Choosing Activities
The third step in budget-friendly family vacations is to to decide what activities you want to do. Here are some suggestions for finding activities for less:
Look for free activities. Taking advantage of free admission days at galleries, museums, and parks is a great way to save money.
Take part in local events. Local newsletters often list upcoming events in the area such as festivals, concerts, and sporting events.
Choose activities with discounts. If you’re looking for something more expensive, search for coupon codes, group discounts, and other cost savers.
Take advantage of nature. You can always find something to do outside. Take hikes, visit beaches, explore trails, etc.
Look for cheap entertainment. Look for comedy clubs, movie theaters, and other places with discounts or happy hours.
Tips for Finishing the Trip On Budget
The last step in taking a trip on a budget is to make sure that you end the trip on the same note as you started it. Here are some tips that you can use to help cut costs:
Share costs. If you’re traveling with family or friends, try to share costs. Splitting the bill for an Airbnb rental, for example.
Prioritize your spending. Make a list of activities or purchases you want to make and prioritize them according to your budget. This is a great way to make sure you don’t overspend.
Take advantage of free transportation. If you’re staying somewhere for a few days, opt for free public transportation like buses or subways.
Drink plenty of water. Staying well hydrated goes a long way in making sure that you don’t spend money on expensive bottled water.
Plan ahead. Making a plan ahead of time can help you avoid costly surprises once you’re already on the trip.
Taking a family vacation on a budget can seem like an impossible dream. But budget travel for a family is certainly possible with some research and planning. The key is to focus on finding the best deals and discounts, which can make all the difference. With a bit of patience and creativity, you can save a lot of money while still enjoying your family trip.
