Do you love to travel, but struggle to get away because of the cost of taking a vacation? Traveling can be pricey at the best of times. But when you’ve got a large family, costs can really add up. Thankfully, there are some ways of seeing the world on a shoestring. Here are some family travel tips to help you plan affordable, unforgettable family trips.
Explore different accommodation options
Have you typed your dates into a hotel website and been flabbergasted by the total price? If you’re staying in a hotel for a week and booking numerous rooms, you’re likely to receive a hefty bill. The good news is that hotels aren’t your only accommodation option. There are plenty of alternatives you could consider. If you’re traveling on board, hostels may be an option.
You can hire dorm rooms that will house the entire family and save you a fortune. You could also consider renting an apartment, a villa, or a farmhouse. Often, group accommodation works out much cheaper than paying for individual rooms.
If you’re planning a road trip, or you’re off out into the great outdoors, you may wish to research the advantages of hiring a fifth-wheel trailer. This option covers both your transport and accommodation costs. You can travel at your own pace, and stop where you like. If you have a small family, you could consider RV rental.
Drive instead of flying
Flying is often a cost-effective method of exploring the world if you’re a solo traveler. But if you’re paying for a family, the cost can soon mount up. If you’re traveling overland borders, it may be cheaper to drive. If you’re in the US, and you want to go to Canada, for example, you may find that it works out much cheaper to take the car rather than to book flights.
Do some research before you make a decision. You can use online comparison sites to find the cheapest fares. Work out how many miles you would be traveling, and get a rough estimate for gas charges. You can then figure out the difference, and see which option suits you best.
Take advantage of group discounts
If you’re traveling in a group, make sure you take advantage of special offers. You may be able to save on flights, accommodation, and attraction tickets. It’s also usually cheaper to book online. When you’re making bookings, ask about additional discounts that may be available for larger families. It’s also wise to check online to see if you can use discount codes or promo vouchers.
Traveling doesn’t come cheap, but there are ways of cutting costs. Seeing the world doesn’t have to cost the earth. If you’re hoping to get away with the kids, look at different options. Consider swapping hotels for hostels, and apartments, or even hiring a trailer.
Think about whether it would be cheaper to drive, and make use of the Internet. You can compare prices for almost everything within seconds. Ask about group discounts, and book tickets online for the best-selling sights.
