Traveling with Kids: Budget Hacks Every Parent Should Know
Travel with kids can be a delight as much as it is a challenge. While memories are priceless, the costs add up pretty fast. However, with a bit of planning and some handy budgeting hacks, you can easily make your family vacations so much more affordable, without any compromise on the fun.
Here are the top budget-friendly family travel tips for getting there, keeping a roof over your head, stuffing your face, and keeping everyone busy:
Transportation Savings
Plan Best Buys in Advance
Advance reservations on airfare and car rentals will save you a lot. Use fare comparison sites; set up alerts for when the best prices pop up. If you drive, credit union auto loans can be a great financing option for the right family car. Many credit unions offer competitive Idaho auto loan rates that can help make a new or used car purchase more affordable.
Take Help of Credit Union Auto Loans
If your car is not reliable enough for a long drive, then consider having a better one with the help of credit union auto loans. According to Idaho Ecommerce, Eighty percent (80%) of visitors on an overnight trip to Idaho were very satisfied with the overall trip experience, this includes the accommodation, and even the transportation itself.
This talks about how important it is to have a car that is ready for travel which is offered by boise auto finance. Generally, credit unions charge lower interest rates and are much more lenient than most banks. This means you will be able to get the best auto loans possible while keeping your monthly payments within your budget.
Get Better Gas Mileage by Driving Efficiently
The next two tips will help you save on fuel costs and give you the best deal in case you are in need of some quick finance for your vehicle. To save on fuel expenses, ensure your vehicle is in good condition and adopt fuel-efficient driving skills.
Sudden acceleration, hard braking, and lots of revving can be avoided as this will help run your vehicle at constant speed. In addition, apps that find the cheapest gas prices along one's route can save a fair amount during a long journey.
Budget Accommodation
- Book Family-Friendly Accommodations: Look for hotels that have the kids' stay or breakfast free of charge. Even better, in most cases, Airbnb has more pocket-friendly options for, particularly large families. You can book a self-catering place with a kitchen to help save dining expenses by preparing your meals.
- Use Rewards and Loyalty Programs: Cash in your hotel rewards programs and credit card points to help with the accommodation. Some credit cards would go as far as to offer sign-up bonuses equivalent to free hotel stays or airline miles. Seasonal promotions and special deals are available, too.
- Alternative Accommodations: Campsites are a whole lot more affordable than hotels. Many campgrounds have added family-friendly swimming pools, playgrounds, and activities to keep kids busy. If you're not interested in roughing it that much, then consider glamping for a slightly more comfortable experience but still very affordable.
Budget-Friendly Meals
Pack Snacks and Meals
Bring snacks and lunch. This really helps out with the cost and will keep your kids full between stops. Have a good cooler and fill it with good, self-contained health options. Not only will this cut down on how often you need to pay for overpriced snacks, but you can also make healthier choices.
Eat Like a Local
Instead, try going to local markets and food shops. You will not only save money but also return home with a more realistic taste of the culture. So many places come with really cheap street food or fixed-price menus that best serve the families on a budget.
Take Advantage of Hotel Amenities
If your accommodation offers free breakfast, avail yourself of this perk. Fill up on breakfast so that everyone is full and ready to go for the day. Other inns and some hotels have afternoon receptions with free appetizers and beverages.
Affordable Things to Do
- Look for Free or Low-Cost Points of Interest: Many cities have free or low-cost attractions, such as parks, museums, and festivals. Do a little homework before you go to see what's available. National and state parks often have a nominal fee to get in but offer hours of entertainment and beautiful scenery.
- Use Local Discounts and Passes: Tourist passes and discount cards offer fabulous discounts on multiple attractions. Log onto local tourism sites to look for admission price deals, transportation, and dining. Some cities have free admission days to their museums and zoos.
- Plan Group Activities: Traveling with other families can give group discounts for activities and accommodations. Look for sharing opportunities like a large vacation home rental. This will give you more space, amenities, and at a lower per-family cost.
Tips on Financial Planning
Open a Dedicated Checking Account
Open another checking account specifically for your travels to keep your travel money away from your regular expenses. That way, it will be easier to monitor and track your spending, helping you stay well within your budget. Many banks and credit unions have accounts with no monthly fees that offer extra perks.
Use a Budgeting App
There are many budgeting apps to help you take a finer control over your finances, even when on the move. These apps will help you set spending limits, trace expenses in real-time, and receive alerts when you're reaching toward the limit on your budget.
Plan for Emergencies
No matter how much you plan, emergencies can always arise. Be sure to have some kind of cushion for these little financial emergencies. This can be in the form of a low-interest rate credit card, a small emergency fund squirreled away in your checking account, or travel insurance that covers medical emergencies and trip cancellations.
FAQs
- What are the benefits of using a credit union auto loan for a family car?
Very often, credit union auto loans have lower interest rates and flexible terms compared to traditional banks, making them cost-effective in financing a good and reliable family vehicle.
- How do I save money on meals when traveling with kids?
Pack snacks and meals, eat like a local, and take advantage of hotel freebies like a free breakfast to help you save dollars on food during your trip.
- What are some things to think about when booking accommodations for a family vacation?
Seek out family-friendly accommodation that includes free kids' stays, complimentary breakfast, and kitchen facilities. Use rewards and loyalty programs to reduce the costs.
