Summary
- Choose inexpensive destinations like Greece or Mexico for a budget-friendly family vacation with lower costs of living and attractions.
- Travel during off-seasons or shoulder seasons to save on transportation, lodging, and activities, but be aware of potential closures.
- Book flights ahead of time and search for package deals to maximize savings, and consider flying midweek or to nearby cities for cheaper airfare. Utilize local transportation options and save on food costs by packing lunches and taking advantage of free experiences. Remember to prioritize experiences over souvenirs for a budget-friendly trip.
Traveling the myriad corners of the earth is a wonderful way to experience the incredibly diverse cultures, cuisines, and natural wonders of the world. And, for those traveling with a family, it's also an amazing way to create new experiences that will undoubtedly be cherished for years to come.
But traveling with the family unit, whether it be a small brood or a larger household, means vacation costs can add up quickly. Want to book a trip of a lifetime but are unsure of how to budget travel? Here are some tips and cheap ways to travel with a low budget for families looking to embark on an exciting getaway that won't break the bank.
10 Choose An Inexpensive Destination
This one goes without saying, but a tourist can really get the most out of their dollar by picking their travel destination wisely.
For those eager to travel abroad, in lieu of choosing destinations that are notoriously expensive, such as England or St. Barts (the latter of which has accommodation rates that run an average of $1,770 per night!), opt for a location that has a low cost of living and favorable exchange rates. These places will generally be cheaper in terms of food, lodging, and attractions.
Countries that generally have a low cost of living include Greece (average daily cost of $131), Turkey (average daily cost of $23), Hungary (average daily cost of $70), Mexico (average daily cost of $93), Thailand (average daily cost of $52), Indonesia (average daily cost of $47), and Laos (average daily cost of $15), as per Kiplinger.
9 Travel In The Off-Season
There are a number of tourist towns in the US to visit during the off-season. And, since fewer people travel during the off-season, the period of time when activity is lower in any given region, prices are generally lower.
Off-seasons vary depending on the location, but it typically runs from November to February in the Northern Hemisphere and from June to August in the Southern Hemisphere.
It's important to note that due to extreme weather or the drop in demand, many places or modes of transportation may not be open during the off-season, such as restaurants, attractions, hiking trails, museums, ferries, shuttle buses, and more, so be sure to double-check any potential closures prior to booking.
8 Travel During The Shoulder Seasons, Too
Whether traveling within the US or abroad, opting to travel during the shoulder seasons — which typically fall between a destination's peak season and its offseason — is generally cheaper in terms of transportation, lodging, and activities.
Of course, shoulder seasons greatly vary by location; for example, Park City, Utah's peak season is winter, whereas Orlando, Florida's peak season is during the summer. But in addition to the savings, another added perk of traveling during the shoulder seasons is that tourists won't have to deal with the off-season closures.
In terms of budget-friendly flights, plane tickets booked for the shoulder season were an average of 23 percent cheaper compared to peak travel season, per a 2021 study by NerdWallet.
7 Book Flights Ahead Of Time
When it comes to airfare, savings can be had by booking ahead of time instead of last minute.
In terms of flights, it's best to purchase plane tickets about three weeks to two months before the scheduled departure date, as this time period tends to see cheaper rates.
However, the opposite can usually be said for hotel accommodations. A 2019 study by NerdWallet found that it's moderately cheaper to book hotel rooms only 15 days out compared to four months in advance 66 percent of the time.
6 Search For Package Deals
From booking an affordable Disney World vacation to embarking on an all-inclusive cruise, when it comes to traveling with a family, there's probably no better way to save money than by opting for family package deals, which usually feature plane tickets, hotel accommodations, and sometimes even local attraction tickets.
Try looking for package deals off-season or during the shoulder seasons, too, for added savings.
5 Snag Cheaper Flights
Avoiding the usually high costs of airfare is possible, which can mean a lot of money saved for a family on the move. In addition to seeking flights during the off-season or shoulder seasons, consider flying during the midweek. Per Google, the off-peak days of Mondays, Tuesdays, and Wednesdays tend to be about 12 percent cheaper than weekend flights.
And, while it may seem the opposite, opting not to fly directly to a chosen travel destination — meaning flying to a nearby city and then boarding another flight or train to the final destination — may also result in cheaper airfare. Keep in mind that this may not be a favorable option for those with younger children as the total time spent in the air will be longer.
Compare cheap airfare online using websites like Skyscanner.com.
4 Take Local Transportation
Some things travelers should go cheap on, while others should be splurged on. Getting around the travel destination each day is definitely one thing that shouldn't be expensive.
Depending on where a tourist chooses to vacation, there is usually a myriad of affordable (sometimes even free) public transportation options, including local buses, subways, ferries, light rails, and trams.
Be sure to plan out public transportation routes ahead of time in order to have a stress-free family vacation.
3 Save On Food Costs
Another costly aspect of travel is eating out, so reduce food-related expenses by packing lunches to-go and carrying refillable water bottles.
Prioritize accommodations with kitchenettes or kitchen access so that meals (whether eaten there or on the go) can be made in lieu of eating out every day.
Also, be sure to keep refillable water bottles and snacks on hand to help save on food expenses throughout the day.
2 Take Advantage Of Free Experiences
Before settling on a travel destination, do a quick Google search to see if any free experiences or attractions are available in the area, including museums, state parks, historic sites, and natural wonders, such as lakes, hiking trails, and scenic overlooks.
Some museums and other attractions may also offer free or discounted admission on certain days of the month.
1 Collect Experiences, Not Things
There's no better way to spend less than by...spending less, so a great way to cut back on travel spending is by forgoing the trinkets and souvenirs.
If collecting mementos while on a trip is an absolute necessity, then be sure to set a budget for souvenir spending ahead of time.
For travel keepsakes that won't cost a dime, take lots of pictures or save ticket stubs, boarding passes, receipts, hotel cards, local newspapers, or maps of the local area.