Is it possible to organize your family’s travel on a budget? What ways are there to cut corners and save money when travelling to exotic corners of the world?
It may seem like an impossibility, as modern package holiday rates get increasingly more expensive with each year, and if you’ve got several kids to cater for you may write it off as a complete impossibility!
However, there are some basic tips for family travel on a budget that are universal – no matter your destination, and no matter the size of your family.
Keep reading to find out how to have the richest holiday of your life, on the lowest possible budget.
Travel during off-peak seasons
This may seem like an obvious one, but what exactly is appealing about exploring a place in the searing summer sun, struggling for sun loungers, and finding it impossible to move in amongst the hustle and bustle of the busy on-peak crowds?
When you explore a holiday destination during its off-peak months, you get to experience the place on a much more personal level, in more agreeable climates, and all for about half the price!
Jump straight to the front of the queue and save yourself the additional on-season fees.
Worried about there being a lack of atmosphere? Well, you’ll learn to love the peace and quiet, and there will be no doubt be other budget-savvy families onsite and enjoying themselves.
Plus, your kids won’t mind – they’ll be happy enough about jetting off and maybe getting a week or two off school!
Keep your luggage light
These days, most airlines discount flight costs for hand luggage only so try not to have luggage you’ll need to check.
There’s lots of ways to keep your luggage light. Holiday’s don’t need to be a fashion show – they are the perfect time to realize how true the cliché is that ‘less is more’.
You’re on holiday – you don’t need all that excess clothing and equipment to have a good time!
Plus, almost all accommodations will have onsite washing machines, so you can almost definitely repeat outfits.
In terms of equipment you need to accommodate your kids, such as buggies, high chairs, and booster seats, you’ll be surprised at how cheaply these items can be hired at most family holiday destinations. It is often so much cheaper than paying the extra cost to take them on the flight with you and you don’t have to lug them around with you.
Do your research on accommodation websites
Never settle on what one website claims to be the cheapest accommodation available for your desired destination.
With such a wide variety of accommodation websites to browse through, it’s foolish to settle for the first budget listing you see, as it’s almost a guarantee that you’ll always be able to find a cheaper equivalent on another site.
From Agoda to Trivago, you’ll probably find exclusive accommodation listings on each site.
You should also check places like Hostelworld for budget family rooms that, although they may be part of a hostel, will provide just as good a service as you’d expect from a hotel.
Checking on Airbnb is also a must if you want to family travel on a budget, as there are literally tons of swanky and comfortable apartments to rent for whatever length of time you desire.
Airbnb is great because it creates a more immersive experience when it comes to accommodation, for, often, half the price as you would be paying at a budget hotel.
Eat in!
One great thing about staying in a hostel or Airbnb is that you probably have access to a kitchen – which is the biggest incentive to go for a relaxing shop in the local supermarket, pick up some exotic local delicacies, and cook up a fantastic meal at your accommodation.
Again, this can be a fun means of immersing yourself in the local culture – by trying to cook their style of food yourself.
This is a great way to do family travel on a budget as you’ll be surprised at how much you save.
Of course, it would be wrong to go on holiday and not eat out at local restaurants – but mixing it up between eating out and eating in is a great idea, especially if you’ve got a large family to feed.
Eating in is definitely the most economical option.
Don’t fall for the ‘tourist traps’
So, you’ve arrived at an exotic new place and you want to get out and see what the destination has to show for itself.
Of course, being typical tourists, you’re inclined to do all the touristic things that visitors normally do.
But how rewarding is it exactly to climb up the Eiffel Tower or to walk along the Great Wall of China?
What makes your holiday stand out amongst all the other thousands of peoples who visit these destinations every year?
As well as ticking some of the ‘must do’ destinations off your list, why not go out and find your own attractions, without going for the common, expensive tourist traps.
A good way of finding cheap and interesting things to do is to visit the website Atlas Obscura – or one similar to it – which lists more off-beat and secretive locations, that’ll be sure to give you a deeper appreciation of your destination and get you off the beaten track.
If you follow the guidelines listed above, we are sure you’ll be well on your way to becoming a master of family travel on a budget.