Traveling on your own is expensive enough. Adding a spouse and children to the mix can increase the costs substantially and cause your stress level to rise as well. Traveling with the family means buying multiple plane tickets, paying for multiple admission packages at the amusement park and perhaps booking an extra hotel room for the kids. Those costs can add up quickly, making a quick weekend getaway or week in the country anything but affordable.
The good news is that there are tried and tested ways to save money on family travel while reducing travel-related stress. These strategies can trim your travel costs, increase your fun and keep the kids happy.
Choose Holiday Rentals Instead of Hotels
It is no secret that hotel costs have been on the rise. The cost of a single night at a hotel can exceed $100 or even $200. If you want to make your money stretch and enjoy a fun family vacation, you need to be open to creative alternatives.
One such alternative is the vacation rental. Renting a home or apartment can be a great deal, especially for large families. Even better, vacation rentals are often centrally located —close to the beach or just down the street from the amusement park. If you choose a vacation rental instead of a hotel, you can spend less time commuting and more time having fun —all while saving a lot of money.
If you do choose a hotel, try to strike the best deal you can. Membership in a travel club or affinity program might entitle you to special discounts or extra perks. When you book the room, ask for a suite so you and the kids can enjoy some personal space. A suite may cost a bit more than a regular room, but the extra privacy can be well worth the cost.
Be a Loyal Customer
Loyalty is a valuable commodity in the travel industry. of a particular hotel chain, airline or rental car company opens the door to a world of discounts and perks.
If you are not yet a member of a loyalty club, do your homework before you leave. Simply signing up for an airline-affiliated credit card could net you enough bonus miles for a free ticket. A hotel credit card could get you a free room for yourself and your family.
Pack Smart
With most airlines now charging fees for checked baggage, packing smart has never been more important. Bringing more than you need will weigh you down and add to your stress level, especially at the end of the day when the kids are starting to get fussy. Lightening up your suitcase is a great way to reduce baggage fees and back strain.
