Affordable Family Vacation – 10 Ways To Save w. Road Trips.

Posted on 14. Apr, 2009 by TheCuteKid Photo Contest in Parenting

10 Tips for a Happy-Family, Happy-Wallet Vacation

Hit the road without emptying your wallet

By Michelle Bruns

Hitting the road with your family may be tough with rising prices, but staying home doesn’t have to be your only option. The key is to plan ahead. Do your research, look for insider travel tips, and consider these helpful guidelines for a family friendly and financially friendly vacation:

1. Save on fuel economy – When packing your suitcase and loading up your vehicle, try to keep it light. According to Edmunds.com, “An extra 100 pounds in the trunk will reduce your fuel economy by one to two percent in the typical vehicle.” Driving the speed limit also maximizes fuel efficiency, as well as minimizing the number of stop-and-gos you make along the way.

1. Let them nod off – If you’re hitting the road, leave early or late night, letting your kiddies snooze in the car. You’ll cut down on boredom and save some gas by steering clear of traffic. Plus, if you’re well-rested and prepared to drive through the night or share driving duty, you won’t have to pay for a hotel pit stop.

1. Look for discounts – Keep your eyes peeled for savings when booking a room, buying tickets, or even purchasing dinner and memorabilia. Discounts through your AAA card and some credit cards offer savings for members at locations across the country. If national parks are part of your vacation schedule, consider purchasing an annual pass at www.store.usgs.gov/pass to save some dough.

1. Eat cheap -Eating on the road doesn’t have to be a wallet-draining affair. Packing a lunch and/or snacks can curb hunger cravings and prevent you from having to stop for full-blown sit-down dinners. You can also bring an ice chest that plugs into the car charger to keep food cold. While you’re discovering new towns, consider exploring the local grocery store deli for healthy but less-pricey chow. And, remember, the early bird gets the worm – taking advantage of the free continental breakfast at the place you’re lodging will also cut down food costs. One more option – eat in! Stay in a room with a kitchenette and cook your own meals.

1. Ride the train - Your local railroad is your ticket to an affordable vacation. Riding the train can be cheaper than gas, since gas prices are also affecting airline flights. Plus, the train is a rare treat that kids often enjoy! (And hopefully you can get a little shut-eye here and there along the journey.)

1. Rough it – Instead of opting for a pricey hotel or motel, consider staying in a camp ground and tenting it. Camping is an adventure for the kids and gentle on your finances – just make sure you already have the kind of camping equipment you need or that you can borrow it from a friend. Buying or renting your supplies can make this creative solution suddenly expensive.

1. Travel during off-season – Since taking the red-eye with kids can backfire, traveling during the off-season can offer you discounted rates to the very same family destinations you’ve always dreamed of visiting. If you are flying, most airlines offer cheaper rates if you fly on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, or Saturdays. Hotels are also cheaper mid-week for double the savings.

1. Avoid the souvenir trap – Souvenirs really add up. Consider bringing some new toys to reward your children for good behavior during your travels. If you know your kids are going to want keepsakes and you don’t want to be forced to say no to them, give each child a small but reasonable souvenir allowance. They can choose what they want, and once their funds are gone, they’re gone.

1. Take self-guided tours - Getting there is only half the vacation. Once you’ve reached your destination(s), cut down on tour fees by choosing free sightseeing spots and have kids take turns as “tour guide” if they’re old enough.

1. Stay close to home – Day trips and local hot spots can offer family vacations that are just as fulfilling as week-long journeys. Hitting up a destination in your area will cut down on fuel costs, the price of an overnight stay, and it’s sometimes easier when you have younger tots. You’ll still satisfy your goal to cut the overall cost of having a good time without cutting down on fun.

How do you cut down on costs while keeping your kids happy when you travel?

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Tags: affordable family vacation, child parenting, family time, parent advice, parent center, Parenting, parenting advice, parents, road trip, teach kids