Travel Tips - How to Plan a Family Vacation on a Budget - One Hundred Dollars a Month (2024)

By Mavis Butterfield on July 12, 2013 - 8 Comments

Is travel high on your priority list? For me, it totally is. It’s where I’ve made some of my best memories with my family, BUT it can be tricky budgeting for the expense of it–especially in the summer, when all of the rates skyrocket.

The HH and I always set a travel budget before we go anywhere. It helps us make sure we don’t come home and add up all the receipts only to find we may need to start living in a cardboard box. We also try to take advantage of credit card points, etc. Planning the big stuff BEFORE we head out, helps us make sure our budget is realistic. There’s tons of ways to cut corners to make a vacation fit within your budget, though. Here’s a few to keep in mind if you are planning a family vacation:

Where to lay your head? The obvious choice is a hotel, and maybe, just maybe, you can score yourself a screamin’ deal. More than likely, though, you are going to be paying at least $100 a night, and bunking up in super close quarters. Try renting a house for the week. A friend of mine just scored a 4 bedroom house WITH A POOL within 5 miles of Disneyworld for $700 for the week. She split it with another family, so her family’s cut was a $350. Not too bad, if you ask me. Another option, if you are headed to a college town, is to check out local dorm prices. Seriously, most colleges will allow you to rent their empty rooms for pennies. It’s a great experience if you have teenagers too–they can get a taste of dorm life.
Food. Food and shelter will be the bulk of your costs. If your digs have a kitchen, you can save tons right off the bat. If not, there’s still ways to save. Try the deli counter at a grocery store for lunch. You can usually get a chicken and fries or a premade sandwich for waaaay cheaper than a restaurant–plus you don’t have to tip. For dinner, order a pizza and pick it up–you can bring it back to your room and save the cost of a sit-down restaurant. Also, research kids eat free nights before you get to your destination. That $5.00 per kid adds up quick, it’s much cheaper when you only have to pay for you and the hubby.
Entertainment. The cost of having something to do once you get there can also add up. Do some research. Every city has free activities. Hit the beach instead of an aquarium {even with parking and snorkel masks, you will still be in less than your typical aquarium}. Look for parks with hiking paths or wildlife refuges instead of zoos. Try the local Costco for discount passes for local attractions.
Transportation. Rental cars are expensive. There are definitely ways to save on them, but if you are looking for deep savings you may have to consider other options. Cities with public transit systems can be a great way to save money. {They are not ideal, however, if you have little ones.}
Pack light. If you fly, packing light can save a bundle on baggage fees when you fly. Pack enough that you can carry your item on. It is a hassle, but the savings are totally worth it.
Plan ahead. Sign up for facebook alerts, etc. for attractions and locations. That way, if there is a special, you will be the first to know. You will also be able to track deals–making timing your trip a little easier.
Communicate. Tell the kiddos your daily budget during travel {unless they are toddlers, in which case, they will not care} let them know exactly what to expect. Let them know which places they will be able to pick out a souvenir and which places they will won’t. Better yet, have them set their own budget with their own money for their souvenirs. Either way, telling them up front helps to avoid impulse purchases that you might make during vacation euphoria.

How do you save money so you can stick to a budget on vacation?

~Mavis

America’s Cheapest Family has a whole travel section with lots of AWESOME and unique tips on saving money. {You’ll love all of the other money saving tips too!}