While travel is not a household’s biggest expense, family vacations are expenditures that many families care about. So, today we’re sharing travel tips to show you how to save on family vacations. Furthermore, getaways can be expensive. Particularly when traveling with kids. Even so, here are 20 ways to push through your vacation expenses and save at the same time.
1. Be Flexile on Flights
Save big money on travel by flying during less popular times, such as early in the morning, late at night, or midweek. When booking online, use the flexible-travel-date feature that lets you compare fares for days on either side of your target date.
2. Book early
Book trips between 27 to 114 days in advance saves a significant amount of money. The prices of airfares, according to CheapAir.com, fluctuate until about 14 days out, when they reach their maximum.
3. Carry-ons
Avoid paying huge checked-bag charges by making sure that several of your suitcase adheres to the standard carry-on size (9 inches x 14 inches x 22 inches). You can carry these bags on the plane and place them in the overhead bins. Pack several large or a large suitcase for family clothing and toiletries. Be sure to pack light.
4. Hotel rooms
Call potential hotel rooms in your vacation destination and ask about discounted rooms. AAA rates and any other specials can help cut cost. Do this before booking your hotel room. Reservations can be made on-line. Be sure to get a confirmation number and ensure your discount has been applied.
5. Vacation homes/condo
Consider booking a vacation home or condo rather than at a hotel. It will usually cost less and is more comfortable for the kids. They also full or partial kitchens which can be used to cook some of the meals or house snacks.
6. All-inclusive resort
When traveling outside the U.S., consider an all-inclusive resort, which includes meals, drinks, and entertainment. All-inclusive resorts offer maximum value while making budgeting for vacation easier.
7. Special promotions
Find online promotions related to your vacation. Attraction tickets are often less expensive when bought online, especially during certain days of the week. If you don’t know where to start online, consider hiring a travel agent. These agents work on commission and won’t charge you.
8. Coupons
Search the Internet for coupons you can use once you reach your destination. There are many sites that will show you how to save on vacations. Family deals are often offered when purchasing multiple tickets. Special Internet offers are also available when buying tickets online.
9. Deals
Find discounts and deals for your destination by using Groupon or Living Social. Also, check your destination’s local newspaper for specials and discount coupons. You can find special deals on How to Save on Vacations in local newspapers or the hotel you will be staying in.
10. Transportation
Check to see if your hotel or resort offers shuttle service. You can eliminate car rental fees. Use taxis or Uber, which can take you to outlying locations at a cost lower than a rental car.
11. Car rental
If you need to rent a car, go with a local car rental company instead of renting one at an airport location. Local car rentals help you to avoid high airport rates and fees. Check to see if they offer service to and from the off-site location.
12. Car seats for kids
If you are using a rental car you may need a car seat. Renting a car seat can set you back more than $5 a day. Save on car seat fees by bringing your own car seat for your kid.
13. Supplies
If you are driving, pack plenty of drinking water, bread, cold cuts, healthy snacks and other supplies. This helps avoid stopping and buying on impulse. Once you reach your destination, shop at the local grocery store for supplies.
14. Vacation essentials
Bring basic vacation items such as sunscreen and water bottles. Bringing your own essentials is far cheaper than buying them in hotels and amusement parks.
15. Packed lunches
If possible and when you can, prepare bag lunches each day for adults and for kids, This can help avoid spending more, particularly on fast food chains.
16. Travel needs
Buy water, snacks and everything you need for a trip at a grocery store instead of purchasing them at the hotel, which usually sell overcharged items.
17. Eating locally
Eating at local restaurants is not only less expensive but also makes the trip more of an adventure. Ask for suggestions from your hotel’s front desk or from your vacation home’s contact.
18. Rewards points
When booking your airfare, hotels, or rental car, use points you have earned from credit card purchases or loyalty programs. Also, use credit cards that offer extra bonus points when used at supermarkets.
19. Apps
Download money-saving apps that you can use for gas, sites along a route, local diners, and accommodations. Save them in your phone during the planning stages of your trip.
20. Off season
Consider traveling during off-peak times. It will be cheaper and is less crowded than traveling during popular dates. Many vacation destinations offer reduced rates during the off season.
We hope that you find our tips on How to Save on Vacations beneficial. You may not be able to or need to implement them all, so just implement the ones that will save you the most.
About the Author:
Stephanie is a freelance writer who resides in Gilbert, Arizona. She is co-owner of How Much Is it. Aside from spending time with her family, she also enjoys hiking, biking and scrapbooking
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