The older I get the more I am realizing how important family getaways are to reconnecting with our families.
We are always running in so many various directions during the year that we all need some relaxing time to let loose and have some fun.
And while that sounds great in theory, it can be horrible for our finances if we aren’t careful, especially when it comes to taking summer vacations.
In order to get the most FUN on your family getaways, I’ve got solid ways you can save money on the four most important things related to travel.
Because how to save for a family vacation is just as important as where you are going.
Cheap family getaways are doable when you look at your costs and figure out the best ways to save.
And planning a family vacation on a budget may take some time, but it’s totally worth it when you look at all your savings.
Watch the replay of this mornings Fox Segment here:
1. Save On Getting There
The first thing you start to worry about when planning family getaways is the cost to physically travel to get there, right?!
Driving
We sign up and use the Shell Fuel Rewards network in order to earn fuel rewards by shopping at Grocery stores (every other month) and restaurants. Then, we also always choose a Shell Gas Gift Card when Publix offers their Weekend $10 Off Coupon. It automatically saves us $10 in gas.
That makes for some cheap family getaways when you can save on your gas!
Check out other ways to save on a road trip!
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Create A Plan For Your Money
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Flying
If you are planning to fly when you travel, then I have bad news… the best time to book travel is several months in advance.
However, you have a chance to still score a good price on a flight by using Google Flights or SkyScanner to compare the costs across the country. You could also score a great deal by following your favorite airlines on Twitter.
I would also sign up for these three websites: The Flight Deal, Airfare Watchdog, and Secret Flying. They can find mistake airfares and low-cost flights. And by subscribing, you’ll be first to hear about the deals and price drops so you can get them before they’re gone. Get ready for your cheap family getaways by signing up today!
Don’t forget that flying into a nearby airport might save you even more! We are about an hour from the Clearwater Airport, and sometimes flying in and out of there can save you $100 per flight!
Plus, the travel day matters. Traveling on a Tuesday or Wednesday could save you even more.
Save even more by avoiding airline fees like checked luggage fees.
2. Save On Meals
We are traveling over to the other coast for a couple days at the end of the month to celebrate my hubby’s birthday. I plan on using my fuel rewards for gas and I’ve already started buying discounted gift cards for us to use at the local restaurants.
Plan Ahead
I planned out our meals based on what restaurants are nearby and which gift cards I could buy ahead of time either directly from the restaurant or just buy a discounted one from CardPool, CardCash or Raise. You could save over 20% off JUST by planning a couple hours ahead and having a discount gift card to use!
Planning ahead is one easy way to save on your family getaways!
Utilize Kids Eat Free Nights
If you are traveling with kids, don’t forget to stack those gift card savings with Kids Eat FREE nights (usually a Monday or Tuesday) at national restaurants such as Ruby Tuesdays and Steak N Shake!
This definitely helps us save money when planning a family vacation on a budget.
Eat Like A Local
And lastly, it is always fun once you get to your destination, to look on Restaurant.com for fun new local restaurants to try. We’ve been using Restaurant.com for years.
When we first moved to Brandon, we found a fun Indian restaurant by getting the discounted certificates. A typical $25 gift certificate only costs $10. That’s more than a 50% savings!
3. Save On Lodging
I like using websites such as Hotwire, Priceline, and Trivago to search for inexpensive hotels, and then I use Airbnb, HomeAway, and VRBO to rent a vacation home.
Traveling with a large family (our family getaways include 8 people in our party), the biggest feature I always look for, is a basic kitchen so we can cook a few meals as opposed to eating out for every single one.
After we check-in at our destination, we search for the nearest grocery store and stock up on some easy breakfasts and fun desserts. Those are the two easiest things to avoid overspending on when we are away from home. Cooking at home helps to keep our costs down making them cheap family getaways.
BONUS FREE DOWNLOAD
Create A Plan For Your Money
These FREE Budgeting Spreadsheets will help you keep a pulse on your money (from the palm of your hand).
Save More During The Week
If you have some flexibility in your schedule, just like air travel is less on weekdays, an overnight stay during the week will be cheaper than the weekend.
If you are planning a 5-day getaway, instead of traveling Thursday to Monday, plan that vacation from Sunday to Thursday instead. Then you’ll be back home before the overpriced weekend ever begins.
It’s how to save for a family vacation by just choosing different dates! How easy!
4. Save On Experiences
As soon as you’ve figured out where you want to go, I suggest you sign up for alerts from Groupon and LivingSocial for the city you’re traveling to. You’ll save far more than you would if you showed up to the attraction on any given day, even with a regular coupon.
Utilize Natural Parks
The National Park Service website is brimming with information on upcoming activities and events.
As a Mom who loves and needs to save money on family getaways, I can’t think of a better or more inclusive way to not only have fun with your kids, but expose them to history, explore nature, and get involved in community events.
Also, did you know that active military members and their family can get a FREE annual pass?! We love our military and are thankful for each and every one – past, present and future, who sacrifice and serve our nation.
Stop By The Visitor’s Center
Often one of the most underused resources is a city’s visitor center or Chamber of Commerce. There you can find brochure’s, coupons and possibly even some freebies! The State of Florida’s visitor center ususally gives out FREE samples of Orange Juice! How fun?!
Every state has some wonderful attractions to explore. There’s more out there to explore besides the usual museum or zoo (although those are fun too).
So I hope you’ve learn how to save for a family vacation, because saving money is important to your vacation budget.
Plus, cheap family getaways are doable when you look at your costs and figure out the best ways to save.
And planning a family vacation on a budget may take some time, but it’s totally worth it when you look at all your savings.
YOUR TURN: What family getaways are you saving up for? Let me know in the comments below!
