10 Tips for Saving Money on Vacation with Kids (2024)

Planning and budgeting for family vacations can be challenging, with trying to save money during the trip posing an additional difficulty. The costs, especially with kids, can add up quickly, and even basic expenses like food can become quite expensive. Drawing from my experience traveling with our four kids, I’ve gathered a list of 10 key tips for saving money on vacation with your family.

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1. Be Flexible with Travel Dates

You might save a lot of money by being open to different travel dates. Even changing the day of the week can affect the cost of your flight. Google Flights simplifies this process by allowing you to choose flexible dates and find the most affordable days to fly. This can make a significant difference, especially if you’re traveling with your family and looking to save money.

2. Avoid Over Spending at the Airport

I have a bad habit of spending too much money at the airport before my vacation even begins. Indeed, restaurants, bars (hello, gin and tonics), and snack shops can be expensive. After the airlines have taken their share of fees, you find yourself at the airport, exceeding your budget while waiting for your flight—especially troublesome if you have a layover.

To save costs while at the airport, try bringing your own water bottle and refilling it after security. Also, pack your own snacks, books, and magazines because airports charge a lot more for these items, and the costs can add up quickly.

Another tip for saving money on food at the airport is to find an airport lounge. Numerous premium travel credit cards provide lounge visits as part of their perks, often through programs like the Priority Pass lounge membership. My Capital One Venture card offers free lounge access twice per year, so be sure to check if yours does. Every lounge provides complimentary high-quality food and beverages, grab-and-go refreshments, fast Wi-Fi, designated work areas, and ample power outlets.

3. Travel During the Off-season

Traveling during non-peak times can be a real money-saving tip for a vacation. Flights and hotels are usually cheaper, and as an added bonus, there are fewer crowds! I once traveled to Yellowstone in April as the snow was melting. It was actually magical as we saw Lake Yellowstone still frozen and could hear it cracking as it melted. There were no crowds, and we saved money on lodging.

4. Book Places with Kitchens

Another tip to save money on food while on vacation is to book a condo with a kitchen. This money-saving move, which we frequently employ with our four kids, involves finding accommodations with a kitchen—typically a condo or house through platforms like VRBO. As soon as we arrive, we make a beeline for the local grocery store. Stocking up on snacks, breakfast essentials, and drinks not only gives us flexibility but also helps cut down on food costs. While we love indulging in the local cuisine, having a few meals in our home away from home proves to be a savvy strategy for both our taste buds and our budget.

5. Book Tours in Advance

Before I go on any trip, I make sure to to do my research and create a detailed itinerary. For excursions that involve guided tours, such as those to iconic landmarks like the Eiffel Tower or the Louvre, I compare tour prices through research on platforms like Get Your Guide, Viator, and Trip Advisor. This way, I can make informed decisions and ensure the best experiences for our travels. Pre-planning these are a great tip for saving money on vacation, most are even allow you to cancel if plans change.

6. Set Budgets for Shopping

I have a bit of a knack for going all out on souvenir shopping, and my favorite collectibles are ornaments. During our family trip to Hawaii, we decided to make the experience more manageable. Each child was given a budget to spend on something special. This approach not only prevented overspending but also eliminated any potential whining for more purchases. It turned out to be a great way to balance the joy of collecting with responsible budgeting

7. Embrace Public Transportation

Another great tip for saving money on vacation is to use public transportation to get around. While I’m not a big fan of public transportation, I’ve learned to embrace it. Using public transportation is an excellent way to save money on vacation. In cities such as Paris or London, you can’t beat the Metro or the Tube. When I traveled as a teen, we took city buses all over Europe. Not every city has great public transportation, so do your research beforehand.

8. Look for Discounts on Rental Cars

When you’re in spots like Hawaii, Oregon, Colorado, or California, renting a car often makes sense. Before you decide, check out the hotel you’re staying at to see if they charge for parking. I recommend doing some research and comparing options. Look for potential upgrades too. Some credit cards might give you better deals with certain rental car companies. If you’re a Costco member or have AAA, you can save some money as well. It’s all about smart comparison shopping! It never hurts to ask for an upgrade as well, we did get one in Hawaii and it did not add much to the daily cost.

9. Learn to do some credit card travel hacking

What is credit card travel hacking?

Credit card travel hacking commonly refers to various methods used to accumulate points and miles for prospective travel. By using credit cards on day to day purhases to travel hack you don’t need to accumulate points by actual air travel or hotel stays. This practice entails the strategic utilization of credit card points or miles, along with those accrued through airline and hotel loyalty programs, to secure reduced-cost (or free!) travel and additional benefits.

How did we fly our family of 6 to Hawaii for Free?

We use our Capital One Venture card for our day-to-day spending, and we’re about to accumulate over 300K points to use towards travel. This has enabled us to offset the cost of our air travel almost 100%. Now, earning this many points took some time, but each year, we accumulate enough points to offset some of our airfare or put them towards our hotel stays.

10. Get free Hotel Stays with this Hack

I prioritize staying loyal to specific hotel brands during my travels and ensure to enroll in their respective loyalty programs. By doing so, I accumulate points through these stays that can be utilized for complimentary accommodations. For instance, I enjoyed complimentary stays at the San Francisco Marriott Fisherman’s Wharf and the Courtyard by Marriott Paris Gare de Lyon by redeeming my Marriott points. My preferred hotel chains for point accrual are Marriott, Hilton, and IHG. This is a great free hotel hack!

In my latest free hotel hacking strategy, I utilized the IHG Mastercard to earn additional points. I applied for the card and plan to meet the $3,000 spending requirement within three months, mainly through everyday purchases that I’ll promptly pay off. In return, I will receive a bonus of 100,000 points, sufficient for a three night stay (plus I’ll get a bonus free fourth night for booking with points) at most IHG Hotels.

Conclusion

In conclusion, being neither affluent nor having a small family hasn’t deterred me from embracing the joy of travel. With a large blended family, affordability becomes a crucial factor in planning our adventures. The strategies shared above have been instrumental in making our travel experiences not just accessible but also enriching. We’ve mastered the art of travel hacking and continue to find innovative ways to save money for our next big adventure.

Whether you’re a fellow budget-conscious traveler or simply seeking ways to make your journeys more economical, I invite you to follow my blog. Discover practical tips, insightful hacks, and firsthand experiences that will empower you to embark on unforgettable adventures without burning a hole in your pocket. Join me in the pursuit of affordable and rewarding travel – where every destination becomes attainable, and every journey leaves you with cherished memories. Here’s to more budget-friendly escapades and the thrill of exploring the world without breaking the bank. Safe travels!