With summer behind us and the holidays quickly approaching, you may be thinking about planning a getaway with your family around Thanksgiving, Christmas, or New Year’s. The good news is that if summer travel depleted a lot of your discretionary funds, you still can plan a nice trip that is also budget-conscious that the whole family can enjoy.
With careful planning and a little creativity, you can create unforgettable memories without draining more of your savings or going into debt on your next family vacation.
If you want to plan a budget-friendly trip you should consider the following:
- Do set a realistic budget: Determine how much you can comfortably spend on transportation, accommodations, food, and activities. Remember, each of these important elements have options at the lower and higher end of the spectrum.
- Do be flexible with dates: Even though the holidays are approaching, traveling during the off-peak season can significantly reduce costs on flights, hotels, and attractions. Consider planning a trip a week before the big travel days after to avoid crazy markups.
- Do research free or low-cost activities: Many destinations offer free or affordable options, such as parks, beaches, and public events. Sites like Groupon will offer deals in discounts if you research for things like festivals near you or escape rooms near you in your desired destinations.
- Do consider alternative accommodations: Explore alternate accommodation options like vacation rentals, Airbnb, VRBO, camping, or staying with friends or family to save on costs. If you have credit card points, see if you can use them to cover your hotel stay or if you can transfer them to a hotel partner to earn even more bang for your buck.
- Do pack your own food: Bringing snacks and going to the grocery store (provided you have a kitchen where you’re staying) will save you loads of money over dining out.
- Do utilize technology: Use travel apps and websites to compare prices, find deals, and plan your itinerary. Sites like The Points Guy are really popular resources people go to before booking flights and accommodations.
If you follow the above rules, make sure not to forget the following:
- Don’t overpack: If you plan to fly, pack wisely. Packing light can save on baggage fees and prevent unnecessary expenses at the airport that can add up if you have several travelers with overweight baggage. Pro Tip: Weigh your suitcase at home.
- Don’t fall for impulse purchases: Souvenir shops at the airport or in your travel destination are known to empty your pockets slowly but surely. Even the little purchases day to day can add up, so try to avoid them if necessary if your budget is tight.
- Don’t underestimate hidden costs: Factor in expenses like parking fees while at your destination, rideshare costs, Wi-Fi charges, hotel charges, ATM fees, and more and leave some extra room in the budget to cover those.
- Don’t ignore travel insurance: While it may seem like an added and unnecessary expense, travel insurance can protect you from unexpected costs in case of emergencies or cancellations. Cancelled flights are higher than ever these days and can really be a financial burden depending on the situation.
Family Vacation Checklist
Now that your budget is set and your trip is planned, don’t forget to do a quick scan of everything you and your family will need before you jet off:
- Accommodations (hotel, vacation rental, camping)
- Transportation (flights, rental car, public transportation)
- Daily itinerary (including free or low-cost activities)
- Packing list for each family member
- Emergency contact information
- Travel insurance (optional)
- Important documents (passports, identification, travel vouchers)
- Medications and first-aid kit
By following these dos and don’ts and avoiding common budget pitfalls, you can plan a memorable family vacation without breaking the bank.
