11 Quick Ways To Save Money And Time On Your Next Family Vacation
Save money and Time with these quick tips
Welcome! Family vacations can be expensive, but there are plenty of ways to save money and time when planning a trip with your loved ones.
Here are some quick suggestions that can help you save money at Disney World or wherever you next family vacation destination may be.
Let’s get started!
Create a vacation fund in your savings account: Consider setting up an automatic transfer from your checking account to your savings account every week. This way, you can save money for your trip gradually, without having to make drastic changes to your day-to-day spending habits.
Choose a hotel with free breakfast or other complimentary meals: Many hotels offer free breakfast, which can be a great way to save money on food. Some hotels even offer complimentary meals for kids. All-inclusive resorts are also growing in popularity, so be sure to consider these types of properties when researching lodging (check out 8 major chains that offer free breakfast).
Book a vacation home and cook: Renting an apartment or house in a neighborhood can provide more space and a kitchen to cook in, which can help you save money on food. Be sure to research the nearest market or grocery store before booking. You can search for options on websites like Airbnb and Vrbo.
Skip checking a bag - or choose your flights carefully when you need to: Checking bags can add up, so try to pack light and stick to carry-on bags. When you do need to check a bag, research airlines that offer free checked bags or consider paying for a credit card that offers this perk (here is a guide).
Use travel rewards credit cards: Consider getting a travel rewards credit card to earn points or miles that can be redeemed for travel. Many cards offer sign-up bonuses and other benefits like free checked bags and lounge access.
Be flexible with travel dates and destinations: Traveling during off-peak times can often save you money on airfare and hotels. Also, consider traveling to destinations that are less popular, as they may be more affordable
Research deals and discounts: Check out online sites like Groupon, LivingSocial, and Expedia for deals and discounts on hotels, activities, and restaurants. You can also join travel loyalty programs to get exclusive discounts and perks.
Look for free activities: There are plenty of free things to do in most destinations, like hiking trails, beaches, museums, and parks. Do some research and plan your itinerary around these activities to save money. You can also check out websites like TripAdvisor and Yelp for user-generated reviews and recommendations.
Pack snacks and drinks: Bringing your own snacks and drinks can save you money on meals and drinks while you're out and about. Pack items like granola bars, fruit, nuts, and reusable water bottles to keep everyone fueled and hydrated.
Use public transportation or walk: Depending on where you're traveling, you may be able to save money on transportation costs by using public transit or walking instead of taking taxis or renting a car. Look up the public transportation options in your destination and plan your route ahead of time.
Plan and book your trip in advance: By doing so, you can take advantage of early-bird discounts and promotions, which can help you save money on flights, hotels, and activities (in general, it's a good idea to book your summer vacation at least three to six months in advance, if not earlier). Additionally, booking early gives you more time to compare prices and find the best deals. If you book a flight through Google at a higher cost, you also may be able to get a refund with their price guarantee.
Final Thoughts…
These are just a few of the ways to try to think creatively and save when planning your next family vacation. Whatever strategy or combination of strategies you choose, we would also advise letting the kids in on what your are doing as a teaching tool.
Perhaps getting them involved earning will get them to think about more ways to save money and learn valuable financial skills!
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