Vacationing in the summer is something that many families enjoy doing, but not very many actually get to. It’s the perfect time of year for traveling. The kids are out of school and the weather is just right to go exploring. As beneficial as it is for some to travel, many hold back because of the costs. If it’s been a while since you’ve taken the family on a trip because it’s just too expensive, these money saving tips should make a difference.
Stay in a Vacation Rental
Before you go spending an arm and a leg on hotel accommodations which often are too small for families, you should look into vacation rentals. Hilton Head vacation rentals, if you were interested in traveling to South Carolina, are an example. You can get multiple bedrooms, bathrooms, a kitchen, and a place for relaxing or entertaining, in many instances, for a lot less than it would cost to stay in a hotel.
Plan to Cook
Yes, it’s supposed to be a time to chill out, but if you’re going to save money on your family trip, you should be prepared to cook. You don’t have to make elaborate meals every day, but quick fixes like scrambled eggs and bacon for breakfast or turkey and cheese sandwiches for lunch can save you from having to eat out.
Visit Attractions Early
Most people may not be aware that tourist attractions are often more expensive later in the day. If you want to get a discount on things like the beach, museums, or amusement parks, for example, you’d want to be there bright and early to take advantage of their deals.
Check for Coupons and Passes
Before your family trip do some research to find discounts on things you’re eager to try. You can use couponing sites where you can get percentages off everything from water sports and amusement parks to bowling and dining out. Another jewel for saving money on family travel is to check for city passes. In major metropolitan areas like New York City and Philadelphia, where there are a lot of attractions you can get a city pass which would give you admissions to several attractions for a fraction of the cost.
Pack Light
Whether you plan on taking a road trip somewhere nearby or you’re going to get on a plane you can save yourself some money by packing light. Try to get every member of your family to get everything they’ll need into one carry on bag. This will save you money on luggage transport at the airport and prevent the car from being weighed down if you’re taking a road trip (more weight guzzles gas).
Look for Free Entertainment
Who says that you have to spend money to have a good time with your family. The summertime is usually when you can find a lot of fun and free activities going on. Firework shows and outdoor movies to concerts and festivals, there are a lot of ways you can explore an area without having to spend cash.
Use Your Memberships
If you’re a government employee, have a banking account with a credit union, have served in the armed forces, or belong to certain clubs like AAA or Costco, there may be discounts provided to you. When making reservations or purchases be sure to inquire about membership discounts.
Skip the Car Rental
Unless you’re taking a road trip, try to choose a vacation destination that won’t require you to get a rental car. There are a lot of areas where everything you need is within walking distance. This would save you several hundred dollars, get you and your family some exercise, and allow you to explore the area from a different perspective.
Secure the House
All your savings would go right out the door if you failed to secure your home properly before going on a family trip. Should your home be burglarized, you’ll have to pay for insurance and to replace whatever has been damaged. Give yourself peace of mind by taking precaution.
Getting away with your family every summer is a must. Your kids are out of school, they’re getting older, and everyone has been working hard throughout the year. You deserve time to reconnect and enjoy each other’s company. If money has been preventing you from traveling with your family, hopefully, these tips will help.
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