top of page

How to Plan a Family Vacation on a Budget: Tips & Comparisons

Writer's picture: Kristina LightKristina Light

Planning a Family Vacation on a Budget

As a mother, I know how important family vacations are for creating lasting memories together. But let’s be honest—traveling with the whole family can get expensive quickly! Luckily, with a little planning and some smart strategies, you can have an incredible trip without emptying your wallet. Here’s a guide to help you budget effectively and find the best deals.


By following these budgeting tips and comparing your options for lodging, flights, and car rentals, you can plan a memorable family vacation that won’t break the bank. Happy travels!



Set a Realistic Vacation Budget

1. Set a Realistic Budget

Before booking anything, establish a vacation budget that includes transportation, lodging, meals, activities, and emergency funds. This will help guide your choices and prevent unexpected expenses.


Family Hotel

2. Compare Lodging Options

Choosing the right accommodation can make a huge difference in cost and comfort. Here’s how each platform stacks up:


  • Best for: Bundled travel deals (flight + hotel)

  • Perks: The loyalty program offers discounts and rewards

  • Tip: Look for “Member Prices” for exclusive savings



  • Best for: Flexible cancellation policies and wide hotel selection

  • Perks: No booking fees on many properties

  • Tip: Use the “Genius” loyalty program for additional discounts



  • Best for: Vacation rentals for larger families or extended stays

  • Perks: Full home rentals with kitchens to save on meals

  • Tip: Book early to avoid peak-season price hikes




Airplane Flight


3. Compare Flight Booking Sites

Flights can be one of the most expensive parts of a family vacation, so comparing booking sites can help you save big. Here’s how these flight platforms compare:


  • Best for: Finding discount fares and last-minute deals

  • Perks: Price match guarantee and frequent promo codes

  • Tip: Use their app for exclusive mobile deals




  • Best for: International flights with flexible date searches

  • Perks: Competitive prices and multilingual customer service

  • Tip: Look for Trip Coins and exclusive member-only deals



  • Best for: Bundling flights with hotels for savings

  • Perks: Loyalty rewards program and 24-hour cancellation on most flights

  • Tip: Check for “Expedia Add-On Advantage” for extra discounts



  • Best for: Cashback on flights and travel expenses

  • Perks: Offers unique cashback rewards and travel insights

  • Tip: Consider the WayAway Plus membership for maximum cashback benefits



  • Best for: Budget travelers who don’t mind layovers

  • Perks: Unique flight combinations at lower costs

  • Tip: Be mindful of self-transfer flights which may require extra planning




Family road trip

4. Compare Car Rental Services

If you need a rental car for your trip, choosing the right platform can help you save money and find the best vehicle for your needs.


  • Best for: Global car rental options with price comparisons

  • Perks: Covers major brands like Hertz, Avis, and Enterprise

  • Tip: Book early to secure the best rates and free cancellations



  • Best for: Budget-friendly rental options

  • Perks: Often offers lower prices than big-name agencies

  • Tip: Check reviews carefully, as some low-cost rentals may have hidden fees



  • Best for: Renting cars from local providers, especially in off-the-beaten-path destinations

  • Perks: More personalized service and unique vehicle options

  • Tip: Ideal for international travel where major rental chains may not operate




Map

5. Driving vs. Flying: Which is More Budget-Friendly?

One major decision in trip planning is whether to fly or drive. Here’s how to compare costs and benefits:

Driving

  • Best for: Road trips and destinations within 10-15 hours

  • Perks: More flexibility, lower transportation costs, and no baggage fees

  • Tip: Use apps like GasBuddy to find the cheapest fuel prices

Flying

  • Best for: Long-distance or international travel

  • Perks: Faster travel time, more direct routes

  • Tip: Book flights 1-3 months in advance for domestic and 3-6 months for international to get the best rates




6. Save on Food While Traveling

Food expenses can quickly add up, but there are ways to cut costs without sacrificing delicious meals.

  • Book a hotel or rental with a kitchen: Preparing simple breakfasts and dinners can save hundreds.

  • Purchase Groceries on the Road: We frequently pack one or two coolers for long trips and pick up groceries from Aldi or Walmart (pre-ordered through the app) once we arrive. Opt for simple-to-prepare meals, such as pancake mix that only requires water, for convenience when your pantry is limited.

  • Pack snacks and drinks: Avoid overpriced airport or convenience store purchases.

  • Look for free breakfast deals: Many hotels offer complimentary breakfast.

  • Order Pizza: Pizza is one of the more affordable ways to feed a family. We often order pizza for our hotel after a long car trip.

  • Dine where locals eat: Tourist areas tend to be pricier; explore local spots for more affordable and authentic meals.

  • Use food delivery apps: Services like Uber Eats and DoorDash often have discounts for first-time users.


Online purchases

7. Maximize Your Savings with Cashback & Discount Programs

Using cashback sites, travel rewards credit cards and discount platforms can help you earn money back on travel expenses.

  • Wayaway: The WayAway Plus membership plan for cashback on travel deals

  • Credit Card Travel Rewards: Earn points, miles, or cashback

  • Loyalty Programs: Many hotels and airlines offer points for bookings



Dollywood

8. Save on Experiences & Attractions

Activities and attractions can be expensive, but these platforms offer deals and discounts:


  • Best for: Booking tours, transportation, and travel experiences

  • Perks: Competitive pricing on attractions and guided tours

  • Tip: Look for bundled deals to save on multiple experiences



  • Best for: Excursions, day trips, and sightseeing tours

  • Perks: Extensive reviews, last-minute booking options

  • Tip: Look for “Reserve Now, Pay Later” deals for flexibility



  • Best for: Concerts, shows, and major events

  • Perks: Verified tickets and resale options

  • Tip: Buy early for popular events or wait for last-minute discounts




  • Best for: Guided tours and unique travel experiences

  • Perks: Flexible cancellation policies and expert-led excursions

  • Tip: Use the app for exclusive mobile-only deals




Maximize Savings & Enjoy More!

By setting a budget, choosing the right lodging, flight, and car rental platforms, and using money-saving hacks, you can enjoy a memorable family vacation without financial stress. Whether you book through Expedia, Booking.com, VRBO, CheapoAir, Kiwi, Trip.com, or RentalCars.com, planning ensures you get the best deal possible.



Pin for Later:


How to Plan a Vacation on a Budget
How to Plan a Vacation on a Budget
How to Plan a Vacation on a Budget

Comentários


Join the Club: Sign up for the FREE Newsletter from Surprising Getaways

Join our email list for travel inspiration and tips.

Thanks for submitting!

Do you want to travel affordably and easily?
Here are some of our favorite travel resources:

Flights: For the best flight deals I highly recommend CheapOair. Their website is our go-to for discovering fantastic flight offers!

 

Accommodations: When it comes to finding great hotel deals, Booking.com is my top choice. VRBO is my top pick for longer term rentals with the family or groups.

Car Rental: RentalCars.com is available in over 60,000 locations worldwide.

Travel Insurance: Travel insurance is crucial for many reasons. EKTA offers simple and flexible coverage protecting against unexpected events.

 

Camera: The Canon EOS Rebel T7 DSLR Camera features a 24.1-megapixel APS-C CMOS sensor for capturing stunning images with impressive detail and low noise. With built-in Wi-Fi and NFC, you can easily stay connected and share your photos instantly.

Tours: I LOVE taking tours to experience destinations like a local—my preferred site for booking them in advance is GetYourGuide.

 

Tickets: We enjoy shows, concerts, and live performances on our trips. TicketMaster is reliable for verified tickets to the shows we want to see.

  • Pinterest
  • Instagram
  • Facebook
  • YouTube
© 2024-2025 Kristina Light | All Rights Reserved.

Message from Our Team: Surprising Getaways is supported by our readers. If you make a purchase through the links on our website, we may earn a small commission at no additional cost to you. We appreciate your support!

bottom of page