Let's face it, traveling requires spending, and traveling with family is expensive. But going on a vacation with the children is a great way to bond and make memories. Despite the expenses and the rising cost of commodities, enjoying the spring break might just be the respite you need to experience together, to recharge from routine activities.
There are still plenty of family-friendly and budget-friendly places and attractions you can visit without putting too much dent in your budget. Here are some frugal tips to consider when traveling with family for spring break.
1. Take time to find good deals.
Before booking accommodation, car rentals, or tickets, look at websites that offer coupons, online discounts, or price comparisons. Sign up for email alerts offered by resorts near the places you want to visit. Check out the social media pages of establishments because there could be deals and contests that can slash the prices off your expenses.
If your kids love theme parks, bookmark CityPass and regularly check its bundle deals if you have already narrowed down your target destination. It will be worth spending some time researching if you think about how much you can save if you score a good deal.
2. Carefully weigh in if it's better to fly than to drive.
American Automobile Association (AAA) Public Affairs Manager Kara Hitchens told Dayton Now that rising prices will impact all forms of travel this spring. If gas prices increase, crude oil will also rise, which will dictate the costs of airfares. Even if families are not traveling too far away or choose to stay local, they will still feel the impact.
However, she recommends working with a trusted travel advisor before families start setting their plans straight to understand their expenses better. Some travel memberships offer discounts on travel or amusement park tickets, so you might want to check on this as well.
3. Travel during the "shoulder season."
The shoulder season is not the off-season, but it is a few weeks before and after the high season. If you travel outside of the high season dates, you can save a few bucks on nearly everything and still enjoy the lovely spring season weather.
You won't also have to compete with other travelers during the shoulder season. You'll get seated at restaurant tables right away or might even get a complimentary upgrade since some flights are no longer full.
4. Consider renting an apartment than a hotel.
If you want to cut your accommodation cost in half, look for an apartment to stay instead of a hotel. Listings of apartments or houses for rent on Airbnb and Vacation Rentals By Owner (VRBO) are not only more affordable, but you can find good accommodations with quality facilities like a kitchen, bathroom, and free internet.
5. Avoid hotel food.
If you've already booked hotel accommodation, perhaps give up on the buffet offers. The cost of spending for a buffet can add up pretty quickly for a family of four. Instead, buy grocery food, such as cereals, yogurt, and fruit, so you can still have a full and satisfying breakfast before you, and the kids do your day's itinerary. Here's why it's also better to rent an apartment than a hotel because you can cook your own meals in the kitchen.
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