Take a Vacation without Breaking the Bank
-notes from Michele Z, the Family Travel Mom

Does your family have Cabin Fever but your budget is slim? This year may offer the best travel deals ever! I’ve learned how to create a family vacation getaway on a small budget that everyone will enjoy. It can be done with a guidebook, your family’s input, and first creating a vacation budget.

Here are some tips to help you put together a trip that everyone will enjoy…on a tight budget:

Simplify your lodgings. Join a rewards club, plan to visit areas of the country where you can stay with friends or relatives, or stay at vacation homes and campgrounds. Using a grill or fully equipped kitchen and washer/dryer facility saves money. Go with a group of friends or family, arrange for group meals, and divide the cooking and cleaning between families. Many theme and water parks have condo rooms on the property with a mini micro/frig unit. The best way to save on hotels is to not use them and plan day trips.

Attractions. Buying tickets in advance online saves money and time. Go as a group to shows and fee-paid attractions for the group discount. Invite another large family or ask to be part of another group tour.

Babysitting. When planning a road trip with young children, ask grandparents or another close relative to come along to watch the kids instead of paying for resort babysitting services.

Discount or Membership Card. Buy discount attractions passes for large cities if you know you’re going to visit four or more sites. Up to $500 can be saved at attractions, accommodations, restaurants, and gift shops with free discount cards from convention and visitor bureaus. Some supermarket chains offer discount tickets to local major attractions just by signing up for their Customer Card. Family memberships to a local children’s museum, science center, zoo or aquarium may offer Free or Discounted Reciprocal Admission.

Economize on meals. Splurge on one meal each day and make the other meals less expensive. Stay at a hotel with a complimentary continental breakfast, grab food bars and juice boxes for breakfast, and pack lunches in coolers that will stay fresh for a few hours. Pay attention to three magic words: “Kids Eat Free,” especially at hotel and chain restaurants, and look for Extra Value Meals or Early Bird specials. Share meals between small eaters. Beverages are expensive add-ons, so order only water. Make lunch your day’s main meal by eating at a historic tavern, which often offer better value deals for lunch versus dinner menus.

Freebies. (Yes, they still exist.) Keep little ones entertained without opening the wallet at upscale mall stores like a Lego Store or Discovery Stores. Glance at the brightly colored shelves and make your own Lego creation or play with the trains on a colorful tyke-size table. Many upscale hotels have live, caged animals in their lobby such as exotic birds. Hotel managers  offer daily public programs with a naturalist or you can chance upon a feeding time. Many special events or festivals have free admission.

Getting Around. Many tourist towns have trolley services with on/off privileges; you pay one price for all day travel around a congested historic city without the hassles of parking and tolls. Not only can you absorb the views, but you can get great information from the trolley guide. Many operators are natives and give the “inside scoop” about the sites they pass and offer the opportunity to “know before you go.” Walking is free, too. Some historic towns are very walk-able (Alexandria, St. Augustine, Fredericksburg, Lexington, Pittsburgh, Philadelphia, etc.).

Giving In. A new national survey reveals families on vacation leave “NO” at home. The number one request of kids on vacation: Staying up late and Sleeping in – so let them, no cost here. Next on kids’ list was treats. Most “treats” like ice cream cones are cheaper than sit-down meals, so splurge on that cone or candy and save on dinner because the kids won’t be that hungry!

Go off-season. Not only will the crowds be reduced, but hotels offer deep discounts and gift shops run clearance sales during off-peak times of the year.

Pack to Save. A last minute “necessity” purchase or rental of certain items can add up quickly. Bring your own stroller or bicycles. The kids will be more comfortable in something familiar and you won’t be standing in long lines and filling out rental forms. If you like to theme park or bike/hike, here’s what we suggest you pack to save money: a medium, sturdy backpack with band-aids, pain reliever, hand sanitizer, bottled water, towel or rain poncho, small flashlight, apples, nuts, gum or candy, small deck of cards, tissue or napkins, small box of colored pencils and a coloring book. Take turns carrying the backpack with the strongest backs first (packs are always heaviest at the beginning of the day).

Kids grow up fast. Enjoy time with them (inexpensively) while they’re young.

Visit www.KidsLoveTravel.com and let YOUR next family adventure begin!