Taking a family vacation is one of the best ways to take a break from the monotony of your everyday school and work routine while making memories with your loved ones that will last a lifetime. Despite the many positives, traveling with kids comes with its own set of challenges, and can be quite expensive if not done right. Whether you’ve just had your first child with the help of Tuboplasty or are a proud mom of 5, the beginning stages of planning a family vacation can be overwhelming, and it’s hard not to let the fear of spending too much money keep you from taking your dream vacation. If you are finding yourself in this situation, don’t worry – keep reading for 5 simple yet effective money-saving tips for traveling with children.
Take Advantages of Flight Discounts
Traveling with young children? Use that to your advantage! Most airlines allow children 2 years old and younger to travel for free, making the cost of airfare cheaper than gas when planning a major vacation. The majority of any vacation budget is the cost of travel, so this can make a major difference in your overall cost!
Bring Your Own Snacks
Whether you’re flying by plane, train, or car, your children will get hungry and want to snack. It can be tempting for them to see the fast-food options at the airport or along the highway, but frequently stopping to purchase food can be an unnecessary waste of money. Packing a few of your child’s favorite snacks ahead of a long trip can save you money while keeping their hunger at bay.
Don’t Stop Looking for Coupons
Once you have booked travel accommodations such as hotels, be sure to keep your eyes peeled for deals. Many companies will let you apply coupons retroactively, meaning there is still time for you to save on your total cost even after booking a room in advance.
Let Kids Eat Free
When you do have to eat out, be sure to look for restaurants where kids under a certain age (usually about 12) can eat free with the purchase of an adult meal. This is a deal offered at many popular chain restaurants and can save you a considerable amount of money that can later be spent on a better meal or vacation experience.
Traveling with children can be stressful, but it doesn’t have to be. With just a little patience and pre-planning, taking your little ones on the family vacation of your dreams is possible!
