Who does not love a budget-friendly vacation with all vacation perks? But the question stands here, is that even possible? Cutting on costs always has a cut on fun and enjoyment.
A good vacation gives us a break from all of our problems. It should be mind-refreshing and a break from regular life. Family vacations are the best times to rekindle family bonds and spend good time making the best memories with your loved ones. The quality time you spend that should last a lifetime. While family vacations are grand and it expects to spend a hefty amount, that’s a concern.
Well, your every problem has a solution and so it is. Whether your vacation is for the weekend or the whole month, you can manage all your expenses regardless, of the number of days, family size, or destination. Here are ways to cut back on expenses for a family vacation without breaking the bank.
Make a budget and plan
Planning a family vacation must begin with budget calculation. The amount you can spend must be thought of carefully and put aside. Otherwise, poor planning might lead you to non-amendable debts.
On a vacation the only joy is sticking to your budget on the other hand, it fleets satisfaction. You exactly know this amount of money you can spend without worries and you already have a secure living after you return home. In such cases, research and list down your spending on a flight, accommodation, attractions, meals, travel, and others. This should be an estimation that can fluctuate. Since it is important to watch where each penny goes you have to be a bit careful, budgeting and cutting back can enable you to have a much more relaxed vacation.
Find the cheapest flights
With the rising currency rates, your flight or ferry comes at a premium cost. Even by straining every muscle, you can achieve a few dollars in savings. Here are a few implementable solutions to stay on budget during flight. So, make sure you do your research on flight comparison sites to help you find the cheapest rates. Go through Kayak and Skyscanner, Google Flights, and Expedia.
You must also see rates of different modes of transportation to find the friendliest rates. It’ll be cheaper if your route can be made with a train than an airplane. Traveling by train is fun, a Business Class is even cheaper than the lowest flight. Or you can even make it on a bus rather than a car to save additional costs and don’t forget to work on hidden charges. Know your packages well, so you know what’s included and what’s not so you can ask for it if not provided, like free food, blankets, or extra comforts.
Also Read: Awesome Affordable Travel Advice
Consider Season, festivals, and school holidays
There are particular seasons and periods of the year when flights and other transportation costs are a bit higher than the rest of the year. It is during school holidays, festivals, and summers. If you are planning a vacation during such events, you must remember it is very expensive and very rare to save any penny. Although it’s smart to travel off-season, where you get less traffic, no public adventure sites and you can take advantage of low fares.
It might be difficult to manage a vacation in off seasons and when there’s no school holiday but if you can make it, you will enjoy it at your best. You can even go to adventure sites and there is always a vacancy for your family. You don’t have to wait in long lines or spend hours in traffic honking at other cars. It’s peaceful, enjoyable, and low-budget enjoyment with all benefits.
Find free adventures available
After deciding on your destination, research the place and walk-on distance adventures like, public parks, skating clubs, hiking, and camping that are free and you can enjoy a lot with your family. After having a good time you can return to your place or plan a different place.
Often places have art galleries and museums that hold rich history with sculptures and art and national armors that could be your or any of your family members’ interest. If it’s the winter season, you can enjoy playing with ice or if it’s the summer season, beaches are a perfect outing with cold breeze and sea waves, birds chirping around while you can enjoy a sun bath.
How can you save on food?
On vacations, you cannot help yourself from spending on tasty foods and enjoying new meals every other day. It’s so tempting to see street foods, colorful drinks, and fancy restaurants. If you are on a budget, then you need to follow some tips so you can still have the convenience of saving and cutting on family vacations.
You must never miss free food served in hotel rooms and flights. When you are full, you are likely to avoid extras. Since hotel services are very expensive, if the food is not involved then try cooking meals in the kitchen. For example, if you have access to a fridge and microwave then you can get family pouches of bread, eggs, cream, jam, ham, or any other filling available. This is one of the finest ways to cut back on expenses.
Pack light and return light
There is nothing worse on a trip than carrying heavy bags and still realizing that you forgot to pack something important. This happens when you focus on packing lots of stuff for long trips even those you aren’t sure if you need them. Stuff your bag with the least required weight is always best. From your shoes to an extra pair of socks that has the slightest chance of no use, keep it at home. If you pack light you will be more cautious of what to pack, and you don’t have to worry about forgetting medicines or first aid. The best is to create a list of stuff you need to pack and keep it with you when packing. As you pack your bag, highlight the item so you know it’s already there.
What’s even more important is to return light as well. Spending on souvenirs and gifts for your family might cost you a lot. You can either skip the gifts or if it is very important spend on low-cost items that can be a present and not incur a financial burden.
Search for the budget hotel
Hotels are the most costly expense for any vacation trip, especially when you are going with a family. You can try to save money by using alternative options, such as vacation homes, apartments, or hostels. These can be cheaper and more spacious than hotels, and also allow you to cook your own meals and save on food costs.
But if you want to stay only in hotels you can try a few hacks to save some money. You can Join a hotel loyalty program and book directly with the hotel at cheaper rates. You can also save money by avoiding peak seasons, weekends, and popular tourist areas. These are just a few options. There are many other ways to save money on hotels out there. Also use websites like Priceline or Expedia to find deals and packages that include airfare, hotel, and car rental.
