Rising prices can make planning a budget-friendly family vacation challenging. In fact, the average cost for a week-long vacation for a family of four to a theme park can easily run upwards of $6,000.1 Consider these saving strategies when planning your next family getaway.
Set a budget. Your first step should be to set a realistic budget for your vacation. Start out by determining the amount of money you are able to spend on your trip. Next, identify your vacation expenses. These include travel to and from your destination, accommodations, food, and activities. Don’t forget to include a little extra for any unexpected costs that may arise.
A good way to make sure that you stay on budget is to set expectations for vacation expenses ahead of time. Start with a family meeting to discuss the overall budget and how much you are willing to spend on each component of the trip, such as food, activities, and even souvenirs. It may also help to create a daily vacation budget for your family to help manage expenses and prevent overspending.
Plan ahead. Book flights, accommodations, and tickets to attractions well in advance to secure the best rates. Sign up for price alerts and use online comparison tools to find deals and track price fluctuations.
Be flexible. You might save big on your vacation if you’re flexible with your travel dates and destination. Be open to traveling during the off-season or at off-peak times, and consider traveling to lesser-known destinations in order to maximize your savings.
Look for additional ways to trim expenses. If you find that your vacation might run over budget, consider these ways to further reduce expenses:
- Explore alternative options for accommodations by searching online websites for vacation home rentals or think about staying with family/friends.
- Try to save money on food by shopping at a local grocery store and dining in and/or looking online for restaurants that offer dining specials and discounts.
- Look for affordable or no-cost activities, including discounted or free entry to local museums/festivals, or enjoy outdoor recreation (e.g., beaches and hiking) in the area.
- Reduce transportation expenses by comparing the cost and feasibility of flying versus driving to your vacation destination. Consider utilizing public transportation or ride-share apps instead of renting a car once you arrive.
1) NerdWallet, 2025
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