Planning a family vacation can be a stressful time. You’ve got to plan where everyone is going, as well as how they are going to get there. It can also end up being quite expensive if you factor in petrol costs, flight prices and hotel stays. So, what are the cheaper alternatives? Here are some of the best ideas to make your money go further but still get the holiday you deserve.
Stay local
Travelling doesn’t have to mean hours spent on a plane and arriving at an exotic destination. There is plenty to see around your local area; you just need to know where to look. You can find some inspiration in local guide books, or check the internet for some great places to go. Having a road trip can be a fun way to get everyone together and enjoying each other’s company, as well as finding out more about your local region.
Set sail
You might not know this, but there are some great bargains to be had if you book a cruise as late as possible. Whereas a cruise to the Caribbean could cost around $700 each, if you wait until the last-minute then you could find deals at half price. You will often get deals thrown in too, such as an upgrade or free vouchers. It really can pay to wait as long as you can to book.
Buy an RV
If you enjoy going on holiday as a family, then hiring an RV could be perfect for you. There are all sorts of different sizes and types that you can pick something that’s right for you. There are many sites offering a large selection of some the most popular travel trailer brands so you’re bound to find some bargains. It means you always have accommodation so all you need to find is somewhere you can stay for a few nights. It frees you up to enjoy more holidays and see more of the country.
Go camping
There are some great campsites to be found, with many of them offering great amenities such as WIFI and on-site restaurants. They have come a long way since the campsites of the past. There are websites where you can look at finding free campsites, as well as seeing what facilities they offer. That way, all you need to do is take your camping gear, and you can enjoy a great budget holiday.
Plan around local holidays
An excellent way to find vacation deals can be to check when the school holidays are in the destination you’re visiting. If you are planning to visit Disney World in Florida, it can be helpful to know that the schools go back in early August. This means you can get some great deals between August right through until Labor Day. The same applies to the Northeast are the kids are still in school in June, meaning that if yours have already broken up in May, it can be a fantastic opportunity to see somewhere like the Vermont resort at a great price.
Julie Wood says
We went camping by a gorgeous lake and it did not cost a lot of money. My kids love it and we had such a good time this summer. My best friend has an RV and she took us with her and her family last month on vacation. So much fun and low cost vacations!
Janet W. says
We like to take budget family vacations and save money when we can, yet still have a nice time together. Camping is so fun!