7 Budget Tips for Traveling Families
Families around the world are deciding to drop everything, hop in a van and see the world. Although it may seem care-free and totally amazing, traveling with children can be ridiculously expensive. If you’re thinking about embarking on a month or year-long journey with the little ones, you are definitely going to need these tips!
1. Try alternative forms of travel accommodation
You and your family may have already tried Airbnb or Vrbo, which are definitely cheaper than hotels or resorts. However, with new trends like home swapping, you could be saving $1000s more. Tons of travel families have ditched the individualistic method of traveling and have begun to share resources with other like-minded folks.
With Facebook groups like CasaVersa’s, families organize home swaps, find those needing house/pet sitting or simply meet people who are traveling nearby! It’s an amazing community to be a part of and can gain travel families a lot of benefits!
2. Focus on nature destinations
Although urban cities offer endless amounts of activities, places that are more secluded and closer to nature can significantly stretch your dollar. Zip-lining, hiking, swimming and outdoor picnics are all family-friendly activities that won’t break the bank.
Although you may be on a tight schedule, it’s important to take breaks and spend time outside, especially for the mental and physical development of children. According to Terrainpin Adventures, outside play actually increases attention span, sharpens vision, reduces stress and develops social skills.
3. Start using social media…like now
This might seem obvious, but some families have no idea how many perks a traveling family can score once they gain attention on social media. Keep a vlog on Youtube, upload travel photos on Instagram, and post updates on Twitter, you never know who will take interest.
Once you build a following, a lot of businesses around the world will offer deals and discounts if you mention them on your various accounts! Check out these travel fams who have mastered this tactic: The Bucket List Family, Traveling Canucks and MumPackTravel
4. Don’t be afraid to ask for discounts
Whether you’re a family of 10 or just had your first child, tons of attractions and restaurants offer discounts for families or children. Oftentimes, deals or sales won’t be blatantly written on the ticket board or menu and staff mostly likely won’t mention it so don’t be embarrassed to ask.
It’s also helpful to research your options in advance to find out which ones give such discounts. A few of them may even offer discounts to kids under a certain age…heck, it might even be free!
5. Prep snacks and sandwiches for on-the-go
Before you head out for the day, either snag a few things from the complimentary breakfast or stop at a local market for fresh fruit and bread. Let’s be real, no family is pretty when they're hungry. A lot of tension between partners or siblings emerges when stomachs are empty.
Having some emergency food in the car can help to calm fights, save money for dinner and help make your miles since you won’t have to stop. Pro tip: bring a little treat along as well, it will definitely come in handy!
6. Wipes, bags, and more wipes
Most parents already live by this rule, however, when we’re traveling we tend to let it slip. Always have wipes on you, whether it’s in each of your bags or in your rental car. A reusable bag or a few recycled plastic bags will always come in handy, think “sanitation, laundry, diapers, trash, etc.”. In the long run, it will save you time and money to be able to quickly clean up a mess. You can also use them for to-go lunches on the road!
7. Check your expectations at the door
This might sound blunt, but parents tend to build up high expectations for what the trip will be like. They might imagine that their budget is perfectly thought-out or that their kids will enjoy every part of the itinerary, when in reality, we all know that’s probably not true. Understand that kids (and adults!!) have mood swings, have preferences and also have great ideas! Give a chance for everyone in the family to pick an activity and just understand that the trip will veer from the plan quite often!
That being said, traveling with the family is the best. The memories you make with your kids will shape them and stay with them forever. Have fun and happy (cheap) travels!
