Budget Friendly Tips. Planning Affordable Family Travel with the Kids.

It’s vacation time! You are pumped. Your kids are looking forward to it. But then, there’s that limited budget.

Traveling with family doesn’t have to mean draining your savings. Family travel on a budget is absolutely doable as it just takes a little creativity and planning.

I’ve learned how to stretch a dollar without missing out on the fun. If you’re looking to plan a family trip that’s full of adventure and affordable ways to travel with kids, this guide has got you covered. Get your budget planner ready.

A. Travel Expenses: Where do you spend money?

After going for a couple of trips, we figured out where we will probably spend money on during the travel, which helps to plan for a more budget friendly future vacation. Use this as a guide for you to plan out your family travel budget.

B. Tips on Family Travel on a Budget

1. Plan Ahead but Stay Flexible

I can’t stress this enough. Planning ahead saves you so much stress and money! Booking flights, hotels, or activities early and with extensive research has helped us snag amazing deals for our family.

But you do need to stay flexible. Affordable trips happened because we travelled during off-peak seasons or adjusted our dates slightly to find better rates. Try to avoid holidays and festivals which will have higher travel expenses.

2. Choose Affordable Destinations

Don’t we all love to go to the best of the best of places. But most likely it is going to be costly as favourite tourist destinations are not cheap. Take some time to make a list of possible places to go and run the budget and calculations.

We’ve loved exploring places known for being family-friendly and easy on the wallet. There are affordable adventures with national parks, beach towns, or cities with free museums.

I also make it a point to research free or cheap toddler activities wherever we go. Parks, splash pads, and community events are amazing too.

Pro-tip : Keep an eye out for things like exchange rates, possible visa fees and travel documents.

3. Pack Smart to Save Money

Packing wisely has saved us countless of time. I always make sure to bring essentials like diapers, wipes, and toddler snacks so we’re not unnecessarily spending time and money to find shops to buy them.

My go-to budget tips? Have a toddler or baby essential item to bring list.

Pro-tip : Pack snacks in small containers for easy access and bring toys that double as comfort items, like a favorite stuffed animal that also works as a pillow.

4. Save on Transportation

Traveling as a family means transportation costs can add up fast. Private cars with drivers can be comfortable but do cost a lot. Save big by hunting for family discounts on flights and train tickets.

When we arrive, budget friendly public transport is often the way to go because it’s affordable. Also it adds a little adventure to the day!

For road trips, rent cars through budget-friendly platforms, but always double-check for hidden fees like car seat rentals.

5. Find Budget-Friendly Places to Stay

First thing that comes to mind are hotels and resorts at prime location with ample amenities. But they sure do cost a lot.

Accommodations can be tricky with toddlers, but there are some great deals by booking family-friendly Airbnbs or budget hotels that offer amenities like cribs or play areas.

Pro-tip : Get an accommodation near public transport such as train so you won’t be spending more on transport.

Pro-tip : Always look for a place with a kitchen. Cooking even just one meal a day can save so you and your family so much money.

6. Save on Food and Dining

Eating out can be one of the biggest family travel expenses. To cut costs, stock up at local grocery stores or markets. Making simple meals in our rental, like pasta or sandwiches, not only saves money but also keeps things low-stress with a toddler.

When we do eat out, I search for restaurants with kids eat free nights or affordable kid menus. Another tip is to carry snacks everywhere and make sure either to get it at a local store rather than airport or hotels.

7. Take Advantage of Discounts and Freebies

Toddlers are free at so many attractions! We’ve enjoyed free entry or discounted tickets for our little one at zoos, aquariums, and even theme parks.

Always ask about family discounts or toddler-specific deals. You’d be surprised how much you can save just by inquiring.

Other than just activities and attractions, this applies to restaurants and public transportation too.

8. Budget Friendly Fun for Toddlers

The best entertainment for toddlers doesn’t have to cost a dime. My toddler loves simple activities like playground visits, nature walks, and splashing in the waves at the beach.

I also pack a few affordable toys, coloring books or stacking cups to keep them busy on the go.

Pro-tip : Bring along familiar travel toys from home, or get affordable new ones from the dollar store.

9. Organize travels on your own

Sure, joining a tour group or buying a package saves you all that headache of planning. But you, your spouse and your kids are stuck with the tour guide. You might end up at an expensive restaurant or travel in an expensive tour bus.

The joy of being free to plan your own path and travel is a different feeling. Yes more work into it. But you have all the say in where to go and where to spend. And definitely way more affordable adventures.

10. Family travel budget planner

What is financial planning without a sheet of paper with a number on it. Create your own custom budget planner, budget sheet, budget excel or search for budget templates.

This helped us to keep up with our expenses closely without having to break the bank.

 With these tips, I hope your next family adventure is as affordable as it is unforgettable!