There are countless ways to save money on family vacations this summer. Research free and inexpensive activities in the city you’re visiting. If you have relatives in the area you’re visiting, ask if you can stay in their homes while on vacation. This allows you to spend time with them and save on lodging costs. Going to less popular but still fun and affordable destinations also saves you money. Here are additional ways to save money on family vacations.
Tips on Saving on Airfare Costs
Transportation costs eat up your travel budget but there are ways to save money. If you’re flying to your destination, book your flights on a weekday because the tickets will be less expensive than booking a flight on the weekend. Budget airlines may not be as glamorous as the major airlines, but they still offer quality service at decent prices. JetBlue is a favorite among budget travelers, and here is why. You can fly nonstop across the country for less than $200, and you get free access to Wi-Fi and live TV at all the seats. Southwest Airlines is another favorite budget airline of frequent travelers.
Sign up for email newsletters and phone notifications from your favorite airlines because you’ll receive early access to the latest promo codes and discounts on tickets and other perks. Use your credit card to cash in on amazing rewards for accommodations and other travel expenses. Smaller airports tend to be inexpensive and less crowded than the major ones.
Road Trip Hacks to Save Money
If you’re planning a road trip, here are a few ways to save money on your adventure. Don’t pay those high prices for fast food while on the trip. Pack plenty of snacks, drinks, and finger foods with you to keep everyone full. Look for sales on your favorite foods at the grocery store and stock up a few days before the trip. Sam’s Club is another great place to buy snacks in bulk at decent prices.
Save money on gas by using the app Gas Buddy. This app gives you the latest prices from gas stations in your area. You can also save money on gas by driving between the hours of 10 a.m. and 3 p.m. to avoid heavy traffic on the roads and bridges during peak traffic times such as during school drop-off hours and afternoon rush hour traffic. Another option is to drive during the overnight hours. If your destination has reliable public transit, ride the bus to events to save money on gas.
Rent an Airbnb instead of a pricey hotel. This allows you to cook your own meals and maintain privacy while on the trip. However, some Airbnbs come with hefty fees so watch out. In these cases, it may be better to use a hotel for accommodations.
Finally, have your car emergency car kit on hand when you prepare for the trip. Some supplies you should bring are:
- Spare tire
- Jumper cables
- Flashlight
- Safety triangle
- Screwdriver
- Pressure gauge
- Car cell phone charger
Ways to Save Big on Hotel Stays
We discussed how you can stay with relatives or rent an Airbnb to save money on lodging. But what if you want the hotel experience? Then let’s explore ways to save big on hotel stays. If you have rewards credit cards, use them to rack up points for your hotel stay. Who knows? You may have enough points to enjoy a few free nights at the hotel. Instead of using price aggregator sites that may charge you fees for their services, call the hotel directly. You’ll find discounts that aren’t always advertised. Check out the website Roomer. It’s a website where people sell their hotel reservations online, and you can buy these at discounted prices.
Go beyond the big cities to find great deals on hotels. Hotels on the outskirts of metropolitan areas sometimes have cheap rates and quality amenities. Some of these hotels may also offer free breakfast,s and this shaves off some of the food costs while traveling. The hotels in these areas may offer reliable public transit or ride-sharing services.
Low-Cost and Free Entertainment Options
Visit restaurants that the locals eat at often. These restaurants tend to have weekly or daily lunch specials, and they allow you to get to know the city in an unscripted and new way. Your hotel’s concierge and other staff members can also help you find the best and most affordable entertainment options. Local newspapers and magazines have lists of weekly events you can attend. Look for free festivals in the city you’re visiting. Check out any inexpensive events from local colleges, such as music concerts, art exhibits, sporting events, and free cooking or dance classes.
Set Up A Vacation Savings Account
A few months before your vacation, open a vacation savings account and automate a portion of your check to it every pay period. This ensures you’ll have the money you’ll need when it’s time to travel. Look for ways to earn extra money besides your regular job to put towards your vacation savings. If your teens have jobs, they can contribute part of their income to the account. Create a budget for your vacation to figure out how much you’ll need to save.
Stay Away from Touristy Attractions
Every city has venues and other attractions that are expensive because these venues are frequented by tourists. Stay away from these attractions if you want to save money. Visit attractions that the locals know more about than tourists. They cost less and they’re less crowded. For example, you may visit a cultural center that celebrates a certain ethnic group’s heritage and contributions to the city.
So, as you can see, a memorable and fun family vacation doesn’t have to break the bank. By embracing a little flexibility, doing some smart planning, and doing free or low-cost activities, you can create lasting memories without emptying your wallet.