50 Ways to Take a Family Vacation on a Budget

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For many families, what stops them from taking the family vacation of their dreams is their wallets. They think they can't afford a vacation. So they never plan one! However, there are many ways to travel on limited funds. I'm sharing dozens of tips on how to budget and save for your dream vacation.

Family Vacation on a Budget

Travel brings immense joy, adventure, and lasting memories to families. Most of our happiest family memories are from our vacation. I'm sure I'm not alone in that sentiment!

So why aren't you taking a vacation? What is truly stopping you from planning your dream trip? If your answer is "Money", here are a few things to consider.

Even as a family on a tight budget, we've found that there are many ways to make a vacation happen. No matter what your funds look like, there's a getaway that fits within your spending limits.

Keep reading for the ways you can make those all-important holidays happen with these money-saving tips. Then I'll share how you can save on the actual vacation, as well.

Cut Back on Day-to-Day Savings

Naturally, your day-to-day spending can make or break whether you have extra vacation money or not. Each family has its own spending habits, and it knows where it could cut back. It's amazing how much "extra money" you'll find when you put spotlight focus on where the money goes! 

Create a written log

Start by creating a log that shows you where every dollar is spent. I like to do this old school style, in a paper notebook each month.

Jot down expenses and income in one place. A Google spreadsheet is another easy place to log expenses. When the numbers are all laid out for you, it's much easier to see where to cut spending.

From here, you can figure out where to start cutting back in big areas first, then move to the small areas.

Big Areas to Make Cut Backs in Your Budget

No interest payments. Do you have credit cards that carry interest? Before you even consider saving for a vacation, start paying those off in full. 

Schedule bills to pay automatically. Paying extra money towards late fees is a major step back.

Trim back on television. Do you actually watch cable TV, or could you cut out some of the channels? Or could you turn off cable completely?

Cancel subscriptions. Are you automatically paying monthly for something you're not using? Take a peek at your statements to see if you have subscriptions or monthly payments that could be cancelled.

Off-peak usage. Take advantage of off-peak hours with electricity (check with your utility company to find out the best off-peak hours). We save a ton of money on our electric bill by only using our major appliances before 4 pm and after 9 pm.

Call companies and negotiate a lower monthly rate. We do this about every 6 months with our auto insurance and cell phone carrier. You'll be surprised how easily they will work with you in order to keep you from switching!

Small Areas to Trim Your Spending

Cut out coffee shop drinks

We've all heard how much we can save by cutting back on coffeehouse drinks and making our own at home. But it's true! If you're spending $4+ a day on coffee, this could be a huge weekly savings.

Avoid purchase temptation

Turn off email notifications from retail stores that send coupons tempting you to spend.

Pack lunches

Eating lunch out daily is another expense that adds up. Try meal prep and packing your own lunches to save big.

Switch to generic

What are the cheaper generic options for some daily use items that you could opt for instead of the pricier name brands?

Buy in bulk

Things like individual cones at the ice cream shop could cost a family of four $20+. But a gallon of ice cream from the grocery store costs less than $5. Swapping things like this can go a long way towards adding to the vacation fund!

Stop buying individual cleaning products

Use inexpensive vinegar in a spray bottle to clean everything from windows, mirrors, countertops, and toilets! Vinegar is healthier for the environment and in the home, anyway.

Opt for free entertainment

In what area could you switch out paid entertainment for free? Your kids are likely just as content playing at the park as they are going to the pay-to-play indoor play structure.

Rather than paying for streaming services or rentals, try borrowing movies from the library at zero cost.

What Can You Live Without?

I’d rather plan another vacation than have cable television. That’s just me, but traveling is just more fun than watching TV. I make the choice to do without.

What do you have that you could cut back on, freeing up more money for a trip? If you look ahead to your vacation and know exactly what you're saving for, the sacrifice you take now will go a long way.

Talk out the changes first

Before you start cutting things out completely, it's very important to have this conversation with your family. Changes that eliminate things from the routine can cause children to protest. Yes, it can be hard to tell the kids NO when it comes to spending money on things they're used to.

Use the skill of distraction

For my younger kids, I use a distraction technique. I'll then remind them about our impending trip and how we’re using extra money towards our vacation.

Bring up a certain part of the trip that you know your kids will want to talk about. Soon enough, they’re excited about planning for their vacation, feeling more a part of the process.

Things to Live Without When Budgeting for Vacation

It's been suggested that parents should spend less on toys and take more vacations. I’m all for that. As a family, we reserve toy purchases only for Christmas. And even then, we try to choose high-quality classic items that work for a wide age group.

A month of no extra expenses

Consider a month of no extra expenses. This is an awesome way to kick-start a savings plan. Yes, it can be tough - but it's still worth the kick in the pants.

Stop saying yes to frivolous spending

That might mean you warn friends and family not to ask about spending ahead of time (ie, skipping a weekly dinner out, not spending in school fundraisers, etc).

Avoid your favorite spending spots

If there's a store that sucks money right out of your wallet, stop shopping there!

Set up expectations

Let the family know you won't be making purchases that don't help towards your savings goal. That might mean not dropping money at the school book fair or on toys at your kid's request when out shopping.

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Use Points to Pay for Trips

I’m not a huge credit card hacker, but I do have a few practical and very easy tips for earmarking points towards travel.

Here's the caveat: Attempting to earn credit card points only makes sense with responsible credit use. Pay off the balance each month and don't carry interest on the cards.

Book your trips

If you shop at Costco, their Costco Citi Visa can be an excellent way to save for travel. We use our Visa for groceries, gas and utilities and receive a large check in return each year. You can take the check back to Costco for payment. They'll pay you cash back or you can use the amount towards a purchase.

On our last big road trip, I plotted out on a map where all the Costco gas stations are on our route. This helped us get gasoline at a great price and we continued to earn big points back on our card! You can also book trips directly via Costco Travel.

Disney travel

Since we do a lot of Disney travel, I also have a Disney Visa that I use for Disney-related travel expenses. The points value isn't as great as some other credit cards, so do your research there.

There are additional discounts through the Visa that might be worth it to you. You'll be able to use these "Disney Rewards Dollars" earned towards purchases in the park, airfare, at ShopDisney, or on a vacation booking. 

Save on flights

If Southwest is your usual airlines for travel, consider a Southwest Rapid Rewards Visa. You'll earn points to exchange for flights. I've been able to earn enough for free cross-country trips!

Vacation must-haves

The Prime Visa is also a great choice if you make lots of Amazon purchases. Stock up on your vacation essentials like new walking shoes, sunscreen, and packing cubes at Amazon. Earn credit to spend immediately on purchases.

Get Paid for Shopping Online

Another simple way to save book all my travel online, links that track back to Rakuten. It works in several ways. You can go directly to the Rakuten website and click the tabs to shop (including a Travel and Vacation section). But my favorite is to add the Rakuten tracker directly to your computer.

You'll shop online as you normally do. When shopping through a Rakuten partner, a pop-up will alert you to activate the Rakuten link. It's as easy as a quick button click. Rakuten tracks the purchase and you'll earn a percentage back. They'll even remind you of coupon codes when available.

When you're ready to cash out your balance, you can receive a “Big Fat Check” in the mail. Or turn it around into an e-gift card to spend online (usually with a better return rate). When you sign up for Rakuten through this link, you'll receive $30 into your account!

Planning a Family Vacation on a Budget

Now that you know how to save money for the trip, these are some tips for saving more money when on vacation!

From choosing the right destination, using points for travel, and picking the best accommodations, you'll be wisely informed for the most cost-effective vacation. These are some smart, budget-friendly family trip ideas.

The Staycation

Hotel accommodations and travel expenses are the heavy hitters in a vacation budget. You know what the least pricey accommodations are? It's your own house!

If you're struggling to budget for an out-of-town hotel, consider a staycation. You'll be able to venture out for day trips and return home to your bed at night. These are the benefits of planning a staycation:

Families with small kids

Staycations can be the best options for families with younger children who need to stay on a waking/sleeping schedule (and who sleep better in their beds).

Pack meals and eat at home

Day trips allow you the ability to prepare meals at home. Eat breakfast at home, pack a picnic lunch, and put something in the slow cooker to have ready for dinner when you return home.

Visit local areas

A staycation offers exploration of your own city or area. Search out places near you that you've always wanted to see, but never have.

Keep the drive short

Seek out day trip destinations with a one-way drive that's under two hours. You'll be able to head out early and return late, without the expense of an overnight in a hotel.

Saving Money on Accommodations

A large chunk of vacation money often goes towards the overnight accommodations. These are a few suggestions on how to save when booking a hotel.

Stay outside the popular areas

Prime locations often have the priciest hotels. If you're on a tight budget, book slightly outside the zone for cheaper prices. The drive might be a bit farther out, but it might be worth the added savings.

Budget hotels

If you don’t care where you lay your head, then scrimp on the hotel costs and drop your money where it matters more to you. Look towards booking at budget hotels like Comfort Inn or a Holiday Inn Resort.

Rent a house

Vacation rentals are another option that can be budget-friendly. Pair up with another family to divvy up the costs of accommodations on larger property rentals.

You may pay a bit more, but you will have amenities that pay off. For instance, it can be convenient to have a kitchen and dining room for home cooking instead of spendy restaurant dining.

House Swap

Outside of the staycation, another option is staying with friends and family who offer up space. Or consider "house swapping" and trade places for each separate vacation. You can stay in their house, and they can stay in yours during the same period.

Is "free breakfast" worth it?

The lure of free breakfast at the hotel can be great, just work out the math on the cost of the hotel versus that complimentary breakfast buffet. No point paying more for the room when you could eat breakfast on your dime.

When to Splurge on Hotel Accommodations

If spending time at a fancy hotel suite with a breathtaking view is a must-do, place the majority of your budget there. There are good reasons to splurge on your hotel booking for family travel, as I'll share here.

Pool and water features

The hotel swimming pool can be a huge draw for booking, but only if you intend to make use of it. Pools with hot tubs, water park play areas, and slides for kids and poolside dining options are ideal.

Is an all-inclusive worth it?

All-inclusive resorts that include food, drinks, and water sports use may prove to be priceless if you actually take advantage of the amenities on site. 

Beach-front property

Choosing a beach resort hotel can be on the expensive side. But if it means you can walk to the sand and skip the rental car, the added cost might be worth it.

Kids Clubs

The kids' clubs at some hotels often offer inexpensive options for children's activities. In some cases, the kids' club is complimentary with overnight accommodations, including Disney's Aulani.

As my friend Leslie from Trips With Tykes explains, Aulani's Aunty's Beach House allows for complimentary care and activities for ages 3-12 years. This includes arts & crafts, movies, and an outdoor play area. That's an amazing reason to choose this upscale Hawaiian resort for a family vacation!

Stay close and skip the rental car

If you're flying in from somewhere, consider booking a hotel near all the action. Find a location near public transportation or that is within walking distance of the events. You can save money by not getting a rental car.

Choose Budget-Friendly Destinations

There's family fun to be found at a number of vacation spots, both internationally and domestically. When researching vacation spots, make note of the most affordable locations that offer what you're looking for.

Beach vacations in Mexico can be affordable for families. Be sure to look for destinations that are safe for travel.

Outdoor activities can be inexpensive, but ensure that they are a good fit for your family dynamic. Very young children may not be safe (or entertained) on long hiking trails through the Grand Canyon. It's also important to make note of weather conditions, in regard to heat and flash floods.

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Realize that Separate Vacations Are Okay

Coordinating every family member's schedule can be the worst part of planning a vacation. And once you do choose a date that works for everyone, there’s also the challenge of making everyone happy.

One of the trickiest parts of planning is finding a destination and accommodations that work for the entire group on family getaways.

Taking Separate Family Vacations

Here’s a solution to this issue – Plan separate vacations. Don’t wait until you can get things “just right” because that day might never come.

When trying to work out a trip between my husband’s work schedule, the kid’s school year, and allotted vacation time, finding that week when everyone is available is the equivalent to a needle in a haystack.

We compromise with separate vacations. My husband likes going to Disneyland as a family once a year for a few days, but traveling cross-country to Walt Disney World for a week is not his idea of fun. He would rather be riding the ocean waves in his kayak and fishing for tuna (definitely not my style!).

Our kids get the best of both experiences and nobody is gritting their teeth through a week of something they’re not happy with. And on the budget-side of this, a vacation with fewer family members is going to cost less.

Find Ways to Budget on the Trip

Once you nail down the itinerary, decide what features of the trip are the most important to you.

Are you looking for outdoor adventure, or would you prefer to sleep in and lounge at the pool? Make sure you're getting everyone on board with the details of the vacation so there are no surprises and/or disappointments.

Is it cheaper to drive or fly?

While taking a road trip can be part of the fun, it can also take a very long time to get where you're going. Not to mention the wear and tear on the car, as well as the cost of gasoline on the drive.

Compare the cost of driving to flying, as well as the time it saves. Sign up for airline company emails, like Southwest, to receive special discount codes on flights.

Seek out free and low cost activities

Review the destination website and scan to find fun activities for your next trip. National Parks can be a great way to explore, but they aren't free. Be sure to include any admission fees, like parking, in your travel budget.

Small Town vs. Big Town

Some popular small towns may be full of charm, but also rely on tourism. This can mean higher prices on everything.

Certain locations in popular vacation states can also have boosted prices, including California, New York, and Hawaii. Do your research online to get an idea of what your desired activities will cost before committing.

Take the Time Off (and Save More)

If you’re white-knuckling those sick leave hours, you might need a vacation! Here’s a hint: Your coworkers can survive without you. Take the vacation time!

If you wait until the summer season, a three-day weekend, or holidays when the kids are out of school, the costs of a trip during peak travel season will be higher. Consider pulling the kids out so you can plan your vacation when the travel prices are best.

I’m taking my kids out this spring for 5 days so we can take a road trip. I was able to contact their schools about independent study. The kids will be able to get their school work done on the road and not get “dinged” with unexcused absences while they’re gone.

Research tells us that family vacations have a long-lasting impact on your child’s happiness. I know that seeing my children soaking in new experiences is going to have a greater impact on their lives than any gadget ever will!

This article originally posted in 2017 and has been updated and republished with a new date.

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