Taking affordable family vacations has become more difficult as people’s budgets and economies have become more prominent. Vacations are an important time for a family to bond and for parents to introduce their children to new and exciting experiences. While finding affordable family vacations may be more difficult than in the past, there are still trips that can fit even the tightest budgets.
Check with your friends and family to see if anyone you know has a vacation home or timeshare they’d be willing to rent to you. They will frequently offer much lower rates than a hotel or commercial accommodations as a gesture of friendship, and may even refuse payment. Thank any such kind person with a lunch or a thank you gift; it will not only be courteous, but it may also result in an invitation for a return visit.
Travel in a group or with other families to save money. If the cost of renting a house at your destination is split across several incomes, it can save you a lot of money. Vacation homes typically have multiple sleeping options, such as futons and extra couches, allowing you to accommodate a surprising number of people in a small space. It can also be a wonderful opportunity for your children to reconnect with old friends and form lifelong friendships.
If you plan to fly during your vacation, make your reservations well in advance and travel during the off-season. While this will require you to take your children out of school for a few days, it will save you hundreds of dollars, and you will most likely find that your children will not object. Booking a flight several months ahead of time can save you money and allow you to give teachers advance notice of your children’s absence. Look for package deals that include flights, hotels, and car rentals. Hotels frequently have affiliations with specific airlines or car rental companies, and using these partners can save you a lot of money.
If money is truly an issue, two tried-and-true options can provide excellent value for money family vacations. Camping is almost always the most cost-effective mode of transportation if you have a tent and can find some good sticks for toasting marshmallows. Camping can be a fantastic way to teach children about nature and the wonders of the natural world, especially for those who live in cities and suburbs.
Ask yourself, “How well do you know your own town?” for the ultimate in low-cost family vacations. Declare a few days of family vacation, turn off the television, and explore local attractions and activities. Take the kids ice skating or mini-golfing, or spend the day at a local park playing games, or take them to their first fancy, dress-up restaurant. Alternatively, travel a few towns over for their attractions while remaining close enough to return to your own beds at night. Local travel can be just as enjoyable as far-flung vacations, with the added benefit of not having to worry about who cleaned the hotel room last.
Family vacations, regardless of budget, are about bonding and relaxation rather than money and luxury. Even on a shoestring budget, most people can afford to take a family vacation. Vacation memories last a lifetime and can contribute to the bonds that bind a family together for generations. No one will remember the money spent in the end, only the time spent and the amusing mishaps and adventures along the way.