Family vacations–yay or nay? Obviously, I’m a fan, since I pivoted to being in the family travel niche several years ago. I love packing up the family and heading on a trip where I know we can forget our everyday responsibilities for awhile. Whether it’s the sound of the ocean waves crashing, or the thrill of long theme park days, there’s something about travel that makes everything feel a little magical. However– I am a big advocate of being financially responsible when planning your trips. As a family of nine, we have to be budget-conscious in all aspects of life, but especially extras like traveling! If you’re anything like me, you want to have a fun family vacation without breaking the bank. Believe it or not, it’s totally possible to have an awesome budget-friendly family vacation. Some links contain affiliates, all opinions are my own.

6 budget-friendly family vacation tips

So how do you make sure that your family gets all the fun, memories, and adventure without the sticker shock? With some smart planning you can make your next family vacation happen without spending a fortune. Honestly, some of our most memorable family vacations have been the more frugal excursions! Let’s dive into some practical tips for still having a family vacation when money’s tight.

1. Plan Ahead (But Stay Flexible!)

One of the biggest money-saving secrets when it comes to family vacations is planning ahead. When you know where you want to go and when, you can start searching for deals early, compare prices, and map out your budget. But here’s the catch—you also need to stay flexible. Being flexible with your travel dates can save you big bucks.

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Consider traveling during off-peak seasons. Popular destinations are almost always more affordable when schools are in session, and many places offer discounted rates for accommodations and attractions. If your kids aren’t in school yet or you homeschool, this is a game-changer. That’s one of the things I miss most about homeschooling–the flexibility to travel whenever we wanted.

Also, look into bundling your trip. Websites like Get Away Today often offer great package deals on family vacation packages–which also makes your planning a little easier! It’s convenient, and it can save you some serious cash. Just be sure to compare the package price to booking separately to make sure it’s really a deal. And when booking through Get Away Today always use the code LITTLEDOVE, sometimes it can save you even more money!

2. Skip the Fancy Hotels and Stay Somewhere Affordable

When traveling as a family, the hotel is usually one of the biggest expenses. But here’s the thing: how much time do you actually spend in your room? Probably not much! So instead of splurging on a luxury resort, consider staying somewhere more affordable. The hotel can take the longest for me to commit to because I’m constantly weighing the cost of the stay with the size of the room and the amenities. If we’ll be at the hotel a lot then it’s worth it pay a little more, if not then let’s save our money for other vacation expenses!

| Read: Which Hotel Near Disneyland is Right for You? |

There are so many great alternatives to traditional hotels these days. Look into vacation rental websites like Airbnb or Vrbo. You can find entire homes, condos, or apartments for a fraction of the cost of a hotel. Plus, many rentals come with kitchens, which can be a lifesaver when it comes to saving on food costs (more on that later!). It’s also nice to have extra space to spread out when you’ve got kids in tow. Just be sure to check out the “hidden costs” of vacation rentals, like cleaning and service fees. They can really add up!

If you’re more adventurous, you could even try camping or glamping! You know our family loves camping and you can find lots of reviews on this site. Many state and national parks offer budget-friendly camping options, in fact, if you have a fourth grader you can visit our nation’s parks for free, more about that in a bit.

3. Make the Most of Free and Low-Cost Activities

Family vacations don’t have to mean expensive theme parks and pricey attractions, although you know we love those too! Some of the best family memories come from simple, low-cost activities. Start by researching free attractions in the area you’re visiting. Most cities have beautiful public parks, free museums, or historic sites that won’t cost you a penny to enjoy. There are also often deals for kids too, so a little pre-planning can really save you some money!

| Read: Budget Travel Tips with Get Away Today |

The beach is one of our family’s favorite “free” destinations (other than the typical parking fee). Spend your days playing in the sand, swimming in the ocean, and enjoying some family bonding time. You can also bring along inexpensive beach toys and maybe even a frisbee or kite to add a little extra fun to your day.

National parks are another great option that I recommend for a budget-friendly family vacation. While most parks charge an entry fee, there are some that don’t. You can also find a handful of free admission days throughout the year. And as I mentioned earlier, every fourth grade student is entitled to a free America the Beautiful National Park pass. Also, consider investing in a pass if you want to visit a lot of parks—it’s one flat fee that gets your family into any national park for the year.

4. Eat Smart: Pack Your Own Food

For our family of nine, food can quickly become one of the biggest expenses on vacation, especially if you’re eating out for every meal. But with a little planning, you can save a ton by preparing your own food while on the road.

First things first: if your accommodations have a kitchen, use it! If we can, we typically plan our own breakfasts and lunches. Then dinners can be out a unique, local place we want to try. Cooking meals where you’re staying can save you hundreds of dollars!

| Read: Disney Character Dining–Is It Worth It? |

Even if you don’t have a full kitchen, you can still make it work. For example, when we visit Disneyland we stuff our fridge with ingredients for sandwiches and supplement with non-perishables. And we always bring a cooler on our road trips! If you’re staying somewhere with just a microwave and mini-fridge, bring microwaveable meals like cup of noodle soup or instant oatmeal.

One more tip–check out the local grocery stores once you arrive. Picking up groceries at your destination can be cheaper than eating out and means you can take cold items straight to your hotel or rental house fridge without the need of a cooler.

5. Budget-friendly Family Vacation Transportation

Another big expense that often sneaks up on families is transportation. This is why our family almost always drives everywhere. Between flights, rental cars, gas, and parking fees, getting around can add up fast! But if you plan wisely, you can cut down on these costs, too.

| Read: How to Prepare Your Home BEFORE Vacation |

If your destination is walkable, even better! Save money on transportation by exploring on foot. Walking is a great way to see the sights, and you’ll probably stumble upon some hidden gems along the way. This is another important thing to consider when choosing your hotel.

6. Take Advantage of Travel Rewards and Discounts

One of the best ways to save on family travel is by taking advantage of travel rewards programs. If you have a credit card that earns points or miles, now’s the time to cash them in! Many cards offer rewards that can be used for flights, hotels, or even rental cars. Just make sure to book early, as reward seats and rooms can fill up fast.

There are also tons of discount programs out there that can help you save on attractions, accommodations, and transportation. Websites like Groupon and LivingSocial often have deals on activities in popular vacation spots. And don’t forget to ask about discounts for kids, seniors, or AAA members when booking tickets or making reservations.

why plan a budget-friendly family vacation?

I know so many people that say, “I can always make more money, I’ll never get this time back with my kids.” You might be surprised to know that as a family travel blogger, I strongly disagree. Tomorrow (and your health) are not guaranteed. You might not be able to support your family forever. It’s a fine line to walk between making memories and teaching your children how to be financially respsonsible. But I do believe that it’s possible! Planning a budget-friendly family vacation can actually be a fun exercise for the whole family! We recently gave all the kids the oppurtunity to plan a potential Spring Break trip for us with a set budget. It was so interesting to see them do their research and realize the actual cost of things.

A family vacation doesn’t have to cost a fortune to be memorable. With a little planning, flexibility, and creativity, you can give your family a fun experience without breaking the bank. Remember, it’s not about where you go or how much you spend, but the memories you create together. So get out there and make some magic happen—on a budget!

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