These 50 budget-friendly tips will help you save big on your vacation while making unforgettable memories!
Planning a family vacation doesn’t have to break the bank. In fact, with so many travel options available these days, companies are getting more competitive and offering better deals than ever.
Saving money on your next getaway is not only doable—it can be surprisingly simple.
Check out these 50 smart ways to cut costs on your family vacation and make the most of your adventure without overspending.
Ways to Save on Your Family Vacation
Fuel & Transportation Savings
1. Use apps like GasBuddy or Upside to find the cheapest gas near you.
2. Weigh the cost of driving vs. flying. Driving might be cheaper with today’s gas prices.
3. Drive a fuel-efficient vehicle for road trips.
4. Enroll in a fuel savings club through your grocery store for fuel discounts.
5. Give your car an oil change and tune-up before the trip for better performance.
6. Make sure your tires are properly inflated to improve gas mileage.
7. Avoid paying for carry-ons by maximizing personal item space (purses, briefcases, etc.).
8. Don’t pay for flight extras like early boarding or seat selection.
9. Use Uber instead of traditional cabs.
10. Drive slow and steady to get more fuel savings.
Travel Deals & Booking Tips
11. Sign up for SwagBucks to earn gift cards for gas, food, and travel.
12. Travel during the week, it’s often cheaper than weekends.
13. Compare prices on travel websites like Kayak and Travelocity.
14. Book on sites that offer a lowest price guarantee.
15. Consult a travel agent as they may find deals you can’t.
16. Get on hotel and airline email lists for exclusive offers sent directly to your email.
17. Call hotels directly to ask for their best rate.
18. Ask about discounts for students, seniors, or military members.
19. Book multiple nights at a hotel for more possible discounts.
20. Travel during the off-season for the best prices.
21. Bundle hotel and flight together for better rates.
22. Book flights early to avoid last-minute price hikes.
23. Enroll in hotel rewards programs to earn free nights.
24. Join local travel sites mailing lists for updates on rate changes.
25. Search for online promo codes before booking.
Lodging for Less
26. Stay at campgrounds or campsites for cheaper lodging.
27. Check for “kids stay free” or “stay so many nights, get 1 free” deals on hotel websites.
28. Stay outside the main tourist area for lower prices.
29. Book vacation rentals (like Airbnb or Vrbo) instead of hotels. They often more space for less money and great for large groups.
30. Ask about discounts for AAA, AARP, or other memberships you may have.
Food & Drink on a Budget
31. Eat out earlier in the day to get lunch or happy hour pricing.
32. Keep a cooler in the car packed with snacks and drinks.
33. Bring a few cases of bottled water to avoid overpriced bottled drink purchases.
34. Order water with lemon instead of soda.
35. Pack your own snacks for the plane. I like making a snackle box filled with TSA approved snacks to keep everyone satisfied.
36. Plan simple meals or picnics during your trip.
37. Sign up for mailing lists of restaurants in the area for coupons and special deals.
38. Find places where kids eat free.
39. Dine at local favorites instead of pricey chains.
40. Stock up on travel snacks and essentials at the dollar store.
Cheap & Free Things to Do
41. Research free or low-cost activities at your destination.
42. Check social media or Eventbrite for free events in the area.
43. Download free game apps to keep kids entertained.
44. Shop for cheap souvenirs at gift shops or even a Walmart that is close to the location. We like to shop the Orlando Walmart close to Disney World to get all the cheap Disney souvenirs.
45. Visit local parks, hiking trails or beaches. Nature is fun and free!
Money-Saving Travel Hacks
46. Skip travel insurance unless you truly need it.
47. Bring your own books or magazines instead of buying them at the airport.
48. Pack all your toiletries to avoid overpriced convenience store purchases.
49. Roll your clothes to fit more in your luggage and avoid extra bags.
50. Use a cashback or travel rewards credit card to earn points on purchases.
Are you ready to travel with your family for less? Then give these 50 ways to vacation for less and try to see what a difference they can make!
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