Choosing a Cost-Saving Destination

 So, how do you choose a destination for your next family vacation, especially when prices are through the roof? I know many families would love to travel more with their kids, but the thought of planning and paying for a trip is overwhelming. Airfare is up 25% since 2022, and that’s not including the overall surge in prices due to inflation. But there are still ways your family can get out on an adventure. 

There is no avoiding it, inflation is real and has jacked up the prices of everything. Going on a trip in the next year is going to cost you more no matter what you do. So your options are to either just bite the bullet and go wherever you were dreaming of going, or pivot and pick something more economical. I am always encouraging people to step out of their comfort zone, go somewhere besides the shore or whatever is your normal go-to destination. You can do it! 

With some planning and these 5 tips for planning a family trip that won’t break the bank, you’ll be on your way to new adventures.

1. Pick a location that has many low to no-cost activities. (More below)

2. Pick a location that offers cheap accommodations - think camping or off-site hotels/resorts/AirBnB (more below)

3. To cut back on food costs, choose a location with breakfast included or make your own breakfasts and pack lunches. It makes a huge difference!

4. Fly on a Tuesday or Wednesday - if you’re going by air, Tuesday and Wednesday have the lowest prices by far. Even though it’s tempting to use holidays as a part of your time off, they are inevitably the most expensive times to travel. 

5. Book your air travel 60-90 days in advance. This is when airlines typically drop their prices the most. Doing it too early doesn’t allow for the airlines to feel the pinch of necessity but acting too late means the tickets have now become a scarce commodity. 

   
   

SO, my big suggestion for this post on choosing a cost-saving destination is to look to National Parks. The United States has 63 National Parks and many more National Forests and other preserved lands. Many are within driving distance of each other, so you can even try to hit more than one on a single vacation. Buy a pass at recreation.gov for either a single site or an annual/lifetime/military pass. ALSO, if you have a 4th grader, your entire family can get into any National Park for FREE! Check it out through the Every Kid Outdoors program. 

National Parks are a big suggestion of mine for a few reasons. There’s a variety of lodging options for all budget levels. Depending on the park, there is also often housing outside of the park that may fit your needs better. Besides the cost of entrance for your family, the rest of the day could be free! You can hike, ride bikes, play in streams, explore natural wonders, go on guided tours, and take part in hands-on activities designed for kids. And if you’re worried about your kids getting tired, then being onsite is a good option for you so you can go back to your accommodation and take a rest. 

(One important note about National Parks: the accommodations in and around the parks book up FAR in advance, sometimes up to a year. Many people want to plan their trips a few months before they go, but you will inevitably be left with fewer options. Our family plans the next year’s trip almost a year in advance. Granted, there are 12 of us so there are fewer options available to us, but the rule applies to smaller parties too.)

Although my family hasn’t stayed in the KOA campgrounds, my grandparents were lifelong members. The KOA locations offer a variety of lodging options including RV sites, tent sites, cabins, and a plethora of more unique accommodations like teepees, cabooses, and yurts! Most locations have pools, scheduled recreation for kids, playgrounds and more. I know I sound like an advertisement, but if you’re looking for accommodations with a lot of options for a reasonable price, this is where it’s at! 

Sometimes people opt to stay in a more economical option for a portion of their trip and then treat themselves to a nicer hotel for a second portion. There are lots of ways to save money but still enjoy the vacation of your dreams.

So here is where I leave you: if you’re ready to try something new but are intimidated, start by branching out little by little. Hey, I’m always in support of people who are ready to jump off the deep end and travel to Singapore, but I know that isn’t feasible for everyone, especially when they have kids. But growing your travel bone only happens by doing it. There’s so much to see, so much to experience, so much to learn. Don’t cut yourself short.

As always, if you’d like to plan a trip but don’t have the time to work through all the details, or are stressed just thinking about planning a daily itinerary, contact me today! I take the stress out by doing the legwork, but nothing is cookie-cutter; everything will be arranged according to your preferences. Have any questions? Shoot me an email or FB message any time. 

So, today’s the day! You have kids, (or maybe not)...now travel!