One thing I have found out about myself in the past year is I enjoy traveling much more than I ever thought. In fact, I used to wonder what all the fuss was about traveling from one point to another. After our trip to LA for the Biggest Loser Finale, my recent trip to Pensacola for a week with the girls, and my amazing Real Steel LA trip I found that new places and experiences are exciting! The problem is with a family a five it I need to be traveling on a budget.
Tips for traveling on a budget
One thing that these three trips have in common…I didn’t pay for them. I won one, was sponsored for one, and invited to another. With a family of five, you can imagine how expensive traveling would be. In fact this July my aunt is throwing a 90th birthday party for my grandfather who honestly looks like he is about 70 in Michigan. I really would love to go, maybe if I had an Expedia voucher (as you can find here) or some free miles my trip would be affordable. The cost to send five of us to Michigan is well over $1500. In fact, just flying from South Florida to North was over $5oo.
Stay Close to Home
This of course would cut out on travel expenses, maybe a hotel with a nice swimming pool and play area like our stay at the Hilton Orlando. Or maybe take a local camping trip where you don’t have to pay for airfare or a hotel.
Do Your Due Diligence Online
If you do plan on visiting somewhere further away research where you are going, and the attractions in the area, and try to find discount passes. A great place to find out-of-the-way places and deals is by checking out traveling blogs.
Set a Budget
Set a budget and stick with it. Give yourself a little cushion for extras but decide ahead of time what you plan to spend and stick to it. This is the only way you can travel on a budget.
Be Flexible
If you can be flexible with your vacation time you may be able to get better deals during off-peak seasons or traveling by plane on weekdays instead of weekends.
Stock Up
When you are on vacation you want to splurge and have fun but don’t do so out of necessity do so out of pleasure. For example, there is no need to eat all three meals every day. Find a hotel with free breakfast, or bring your own breakfast Protein bars, trail mix, fruit, etc. are great breakfast foods. Bring your own drinks and snacks instead of paying $3 at the vending machine.
Having Fun While You Travel on a Budget
When I plan a family vacation I spend a lot of time finding the best rates on everything I want to do, this way I know I’m getting the most for my money. I once purchased an Orland Escape pass on eBay and stayed in an Orlando hotel outside of Disney for $89 total for all three nights. If you have been to Orlando then you know that is an awesome deal. I purchased Disney tickets for 4 days for $99. Due to the 4-day tickets, we made the whole package into two separate vacations.
Traveling Internationally
I’m not an international traveler I’ve only visited Canada a couple of times it was just a road trip over the bridge when I lived in Michigan. My family and I used to drive over to Mother’s Pizza which a friend of mine told me was no longer a pizza joint. However, I’m sure the same travel tips apply overseas. Research and budget and you will be on your way to a no-stress family vacation and learn how traveling on a budget can still be fun!
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