Traveling Soon? Here’s how-to Minimize Vacation Expenses

Traveling Soon? Here’s how-to Minimize Vacation Expenses

It’s time for the family to embark on the vacation they’ve all been waiting for, heck, even kids need a break! But, with a family of any size, the expense of just reaching your destination can be daunting.

If you could travel anywhere with your family, where would you go? What’s holding you back? One of the main responses is probably money. Trips are expensive! Traveling with your family makes the price go up even more. But, there are ways to get around that with a bit of planning and creativity.

Here are some tips to help you cut down on expenses while still enjoying a wonderful vacation.

Destination

Where will you go this year? Have a list of places you would like to visit with the family. An alternative to a faraway destination is exploring your own area. You can even break it up into several weekend trips instead of one week-long excursion. Children will think that they are getting a treat every week. It will be a blast!

Plan an itinerary that includes seeing the sights as well as spending quality time together. Instead of eating out every night, plan picnics in the park. Teach kids about the cities you visit by using public transportation to get around instead of your own car.

For popular destinations, look into travel packages. Families can travel to the Caribbean and stay at all-inclusive resorts. Packages often include airfare and while you are there, the food and drinks (and some of the entertainment) are included as well. We did this a few years ago and made out! Less than $500 for 5 days….

Mode of Transportation

Everyone wants to hop on the plane but it is not always convenient; especially when traveling with kids. Check out train and bus fares. It may take you a little longer to reach your destination but the time can be well spent with your family. And, the cost is less. If the family has never ridden a train, treat it as an adventure. Play games and make a great time out of it, and it’s easier than you think!

What about a rental car? When possible, I enjoy renting a car, that way I don’t have to worry about keeping it clean outside and inside, and with the right insurance coverage, you can worry less while in unknown cities.

Food

Eating out at restaurants is one of the biggest expenses of a vacation after transportation and lodging. With a family of four or more, food costs can amount to hundreds of dollars per day if you aren’t careful. There is nothing wrong with supplying your own fare. No judgement here. Bring snacks and drinks that kids will love to eat as an alternative to eating out. On extended trips, plan for lodging that offers a kitchenette so you can prepare your own meals and save money. BIG money.

Vacations are fun but can cost quite a pretty penny. Start your planning process by identifying sources of expense and then finding ways to cut back without sacrificing the quality of the trip. It’s easy to do with just a little bit of work. You got this!