A dream vacation is often a substantial expense, but enjoying the trip of a lifetime together is a goal many families have. Whether you’re planning to visit Disneyland, enjoy a luxury resort on exotic tropical island or explore a historical city that you’ve always wanted to visit, the cost of flights, hotels, food and entertainment for multiple people can often exceed your initial expectations.
Of course, every family will have their own idea of a ‘dream trip’, with some being content sleeping under the stars while camping and others wanting an all-inclusive experience at a five-star resort – and anything in between. No matter what your vision looks like, with some careful planning and budgeting, it’s possible to whisk your family away to make lifelong memories in whatever way suits you best.
In this post, we explore five tips to help you afford your ideal family getaway.
Explore off the beaten path
Of course, the most obvious option for paying for your vacation is by saving up the funds. Although this can take a while, if you save even small amounts frequently, it can soon add up. To make your money stretch further, consider taking your family to destinations that are equally beautiful but less popular than the typical vacation spots.
Staying even just a few miles outside of a popular resort town can save you hundreds of dollars, and you’ll still have access to the same attractions and scenery – you may even find you prefer the peace and quiet over queuing for ice-creams. By opting for a more rural setting, you can discover hidden gems you likely would have missed. Plus, you’ll be immersing yourselves in a more authentic cultural experience, which is great for the kids’ social development.
Make the most of free activities
On a similar note, you don’t have to spend everyday at a theme park to have an amazing family vacation. With so many wonderful (and free) places to explore in the great outdoors, you can enjoy quality time together with nothing more than a few pairs of good-quality walking boots and a picnic if you plan it right.
Look for national parks, forests, beaches, parks, and other natural wonders to explore when you need a break from queuing for rides and want to spend some time relaxing rather than keeping a keen-eye on your kids in the crowds. Make hiking fun by tasking the children with finding treasures such as shells, hidden rivers, and wildlife as you wander through the landscape of a new country or region.
Team-up with other families
Group discounts and deals on hotels, entry fees and travel arrangements are well worth utilizing if you don’t mind sharing your vacation with some trusted friends or extended family members. You could share the journey in one car, or split the bill on renting a larger vacation home and benefit from additional luxuries such as an on-site pool.
It’s also a good idea to keep an eye out for any coupons or marketing campaigns running for the attractions you want to visit, as these can often save you a considerable amount of money. Especially in the summer months, zoos, waterparks and other child-friendly attractions often offer discounts and vouchers for families and groups.
Consider using credit
If you’re certain of your financial health and are looking to spread the cost of your vacation, credit options such as buy now, pay later deals or loans can be a good option. Not only does this help you book your vacation sooner, but it also allows you to budget more effectively for the cost of your trip. All-inclusive deals at family-friendly resorts work well with this option, as by the time your adventure begins, you won’t have to worry about finding additional funds to feed and entertain your family throughout your stay.
Whenever taking out credit, it’s important to fully understand the contract you’re entering into and be sure that you can afford to make your repayments on time. Having a clear overview of your finances alongside a regularly updated budget is the best way to be confident that you’re able to uphold your end of the deal and avoid falling into debt.
Take it easy
While it can be tempting to focus on how you’ll be able to afford to do everything in your chosen destination, it’s likely to be far less stressful to pick a few main attractions and then dedicate the rest of your time to enjoying the little moments with your family. Kids can easily become tired and overwhelmed if you have a busy itinerary planned for every day of your trip, so take it easy and schedule in a few days to just relax at the resort, pool or park. Not only will this help reduce everyone’s stress, but it’ll also save you some money, too.