A fun summer vacation doesn’t have to cost you an arm and a leg. You can have a summer vacation on a budget and have just as much fun as if you’re on the French Riviera staying at a 5-star hotel. I mean, we all want to do that too, but sometimes adventuring on a budget is just as exciting and fun, especially for your kids. Here’s how to have a summer vacation on a budget:
1) Stay Local
Travel doesn’t have to be synonymous with flying across the world to an unknown destination and culture. You can travel within your own city and have just as much fun. It’s one of the best ways to save money. Bart and I take the kids on many local getaways like exploring Downtown Detroit or Rochester, visiting cities that aren’t too far. Use your local attractions to the fullest. Zoos, parades, parks, lakes, other unique activities, any opportunity to stir excitement and magic for the kids. Don’t get too caught up about going to Italy or Tulum or whatever to newest hotspot it. For example, if you’re in Michigan, opt to drive up to Boyne Highlands in Harbor Springs, Michigan instead of jet setting to Aspen. When we strip it all down, it’s about being grateful for everything we have and realizing the things and places aren’t the most important; it’s with whom we’re experiencing it that matters.
2) Plan Your Trip Directly Through An Airline
We try to always plan our trip through one airlines because it alleviates multiple points of contact. In the end, it saves us time and money. Our airline preference is Delta Airlines. They always seem to go above and beyond to accommodate our kids, giving an extra space occasionally, giving extra pillows and blankets, being kind and sweet. I know some of the flight deal websites are attractive, but in the end, it’s more challenging to change and adjust flights when you’ve used a 3rd party.
3) Plan Your Vacation Early To Save Money
The earlier you plan your vacation the better. Flight prices go up, the options become sparse. Sometimes you can get the last-minute deal, but most often booking flights early is a budget-friendly way to do it!
4) Stay In Budget-Friendly Accommodations
Vacation rentals like Airbnb make traveling more affordable. Don’t judge it as bad because it’s not a luxury hotel. Appreciate it as a more local home base often with a kitchen! A while back I joined Bart up north for a work trip in Torch River. He booked a house in an area that isn’t as common to stay and at first I was annoyed. Then I realized, okay, this place is really cool and why not save some money! Vacation rental sites offer some of the oddest accommodations, like a silly tree fort. Get creative on your travel budget.
5) Use Reward Points
You have credit cards for a reason! So take advantage of all the reward points you’ve earned. If you’re like me, I have so many frequent flyer miles and Marriott reward points. Using them to redeem flights or hotels helps reduce the out-of-pocket expense you’ll incur on a trip.
6) Travel To More Remote Areas
I often consider traveling with kids as an opportunity to spend less money. An opportunity to get away from the golf club and salons and ice cream shops on every corner. When you’re somewhere remote, the temptation to splurge and consume disappears. It’s our chance to scale back and focus on what’s most important: quality family time. Appreciate our toes in the sand and a crackling bonfire. To make it extra adventurous, rent an RV!
7) Simplify Your Meals
Every meal doesn’t have to be a full-blown, 5-star experience. Pick up granola bars and fresh fruit from the grocery store or have the free continental breakfast at your hotel, and then go about the day of adventures. Especially if you’re planning on having a big dinner that evening. You can save big time on food and drinks if you’re not eating out three times a day!
8) Be Your Own Photographer
As much as I find incredible value in hiring a professional photographer to capture magic moments, especially on a memorable trip, you can also be your own photographer. Bring a camera, direct your kids and partner how and where to pose, and start documenting those special moments yourself!
9) Bring Your Own BabySitter
While a family vacation is about spending time all together, it’s a great opportunity to have a bit of alone time with your partner. Instead of dishing out a bunch of cash on paying a sitter, bring your own babysitter! Like Aunt Tiffany or Grandma.
What summer vacation are you planning or wanting to do? Comment below!