How to Master Planning a Frugal Family Vacation

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Vacations can be incredibly expensive, which is why planning a frugal family vacation may be the right option for you. With admission to the Disney parks at an astounding $99 per person, a family of four might easily spend $1,200 without even counting in hotel rooms, car rental, air fare, and food. Fortunately, there are many ways to travel on the cheap and still have a great time.

Planning a Frugal Family Vacation:

Travel at Off-Peak Times

People always vacation to areas that are warm in the winter and cool in the summer. If you are willing to deal with less than perfect weather, you can take advantage of great deals. Local hotels have a difficult time filling their rooms during the off season, so you can stay in some of the best hotels for the same price you might pay at a budget hotel. Travel to Chicago and New York in the winter, and consider Texas, Louisiana, and Florida in the summer.

Consider Camping

There are great campgrounds throughout the US, and you can even find them close to some of the biggest cities. You can get all the benefits of big city travel while saving on hotel costs by camping. Jellystone campgrounds have many of the amenities you want, and they have low fees for camping. You’ll still have access to indoor plumbing, showers, and more, so you won’t have to worry about roughing it during your trip.

Choose a Hotel Room with a Built-In Kitchen

You don’t have to book a long trip to stay at an extended stay hotel. You can rent a room for as little as a day. The benefit of extended stay hotels is that the often come equipped with mini kitchens. You’ll have access to your own stove, microwave, coffee maker, and refrigerator as well as dishes, pots, and pans. This means you can save money on dining out by preparing your own meals. When you arrive at your destination, make a quick trip to the grocery store to stock up on what you need. Remember: the average trip to a fast food chain can cost $35 for a family of four. You can save significantly by avoiding restaurants.

Stay with Family

Another secret of planning a frugal family vacation is to stay with friends or family. If you know people who live in different parts of the country, consider a visit for your vacation. You get to catch up with the people you care about, and you can save on hotel rooms and meals. You may even be able to borrow a car so you won’t have to rent one.

Planning a frugal family vacation is easier than you might think. Be creative and consider different ways you can cut costs while still enjoying your time together as a family.

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