Frugal Hacks for Fun Vacations: Best Tips for Family Travel on a Budget
Vacation-time is a fun-filled, laidback and totally relaxing experience. Right? Well yeah but not when you come back to debt, credit card bills and a feeling of overwhelm.
This year, when you take that family vacation, make sure you actually get the most out of every dollar spent and can come back feeling refreshed and recharged and with your bank balance intact. Here are 5 frugal tips to have a fun-filled but budget-friendly time travelling.
Read the Fine Print When Booking Hotels
This is very important to make sure what you’re paying for and what you’re getting. Are you getting the most bang for your buck? Are you paying a whole lot of taxes or paying for a bunch of add-ons that you wouldn’t be using. If so, look for another hotel or call them and ask if you could instead get services that you would need and use, such as breakfasts or entry to the kids’club, if they have one.
Scout for Deals Online
One of the best ways to get yourself a steal is to check the various travel booking websites for deals and offers, especially around off-peak season. Don’t just jump at the first deal that you get that fits your budget. Look around. Call the sales offices. Negotiate and drive a hard bargain. It may sound like some effort but you’ll be happy to see the dollars it saves you. Trust me.
Use Technology to Save You Travel Money
If you have a smartphone or iPAD, travel is when you should keep it charged and ready to use. Not only can you use it for getting directions, there are plenty of free apps that let you find places to go to, eat at and stay in. Plus, for tweens and teens, there are plenty of entertainment options to choose from as well to keep them engaged while traveling.
Make Sightseeing Save You Big Bucks
Sightseeing doesn’t always have to cost a bomb. Pack your own snacks and take your own bottled water instead of buying the exorbitant and unhealthy options that most amusement parks offer. Also, you’d be surprised at the amazing fun kids can have at places like nature parks and zoos, which are usually cheaper than parks with rides and thrills.
Book Early for Best Deals
If you know well in advance about your travel plans, book early. Not only will you save on airline fares, hotel stays too, would be cheaper. Most hotels and airlines offer you Early Bird Specials and there is seriously no reason why you shouldn’t use them.
This year, when you make travel plans, set a budget with your family and then, work your vacation around that amount. Its fun, liberating and totally do-able.
How do you save money when traveling with your family?
Photocredit Rennet Stowe
About the Author (Author Profile)
Prerna Malik is a freelance writer and work-at-home mom who believes in green living, frugal fun and positive parenting. You can find out more about her at The Mom Writes.Subscribe
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These are five great tips for saving money while on vacation. In our quest to help people transform debt into wealth, one of the subjects we cover is finding better deals. While on vacation, no reason to stop looking for those deals.
I really like your tip about reading the fine print. Thank you for sharing your ideas.