Trips are expensive, and when you have a family, the price adds up even more. You have to cover the cost of lodging, food, fuel, fun, and other expected activities as part of a vacation. Because of that, here are a few suggestions on ways to save more money for family trips.
Compare Car Insurance Premiums
This one might not hit you right away, but if you shop car insurance companies for a better monthly rate, you might be pleasantly surprised. Every time you auto-renew your car insurance, you end up paying more, even if it’s just a little. If you’re close to renewal, it’s a good idea to call around to different companies and get quotes.
Take control of your auto insurance because you work too hard to let your money go down the drain. Instead, compare quotes and take the chance at finding better premiums for the same or better coverage. You’ll be able to take that money and apply it to a family trip, too.
Be Flexible With Your Vacation Time
If you can be flexible with your vacation time, you will undoubtedly save on hotel stays, airfare, and fuel if you’re driving. Everything costs less during off-peak seasons, so if you can go that route, you should do it. You’ll save money in the process because you won’t be spending as much to put your family up in a hotel or paying high airfare prices.
A mid-week stay is ideal in most cases, and if you’re really flexible, consider picking your destination first and playing around with the time of your trip. You can find the lowest rates by changing the dates to see which ones will give you the least amount.
Look for Deals
Deals are everywhere, and if you take the time, you can find them pretty easily. Many airlines and hotels will present deals on social media or newsletters that they regularly send out. Use those channels to your advantage to find the best promotions to help you save money.
Plenty of restaurants and attractions also offer excellent deals for your kids, so look for those when you’re planning out your trip. You might even get extra discounts if your kids do well in school, so if they have a stellar report card, ask if you might be able to save some cash.
Book at the Best Times
There are two times that make the most sense to book a trip. The first, booking out a trip as far out as possible, makes sense; the further out you book, the less it costs. Prices steadily go up as it gets closer to when the trip is supposed to happen, so booking far out is an excellent strategy.
On the other hand, if you’re the type that has the ultimate flexibility, wait until the last minute to book your trip. You’ll find stellar deals if you wait until the very end because airlines and hotels will be trying to sell the last few seats or rooms for whatever they can get. It’s a great way to save money on your trip if you can swing it.
Rent Your Home or Swap It
Have you ever thought about renting your home as an Airbnb while you’re gone? It’s a great way to recoup some of your costs while you’re gone. Another great site, VRBO, can help you set up a home rental to get you started. While you’re gone, you can even hire a maid service to clean up and come home to a sparkling clean home.
You might also consider swapping your home with someone who wants to visit your part of the world. This also requires some flexibility because you might find someone willing to swap with you but don’t know if you want to visit that location. You can jump on the opportunity to get somewhere new and know you’re saving money in the process.
A Few Final Thoughts
Saving up for family trips is hard, especially if you have a bigger family. Most places accommodate a typical family of four, but if you have more kids, expect to pay a bit more. You have to be strategic about how to save money for a family trip. Shopping around for car insurance deals is an unusual but effective way to save money to use for a big trip. Flexibility also offers you the possibility of saving even more if you can go on your trip during an off-peak time.
Remember to look for deals on social media, newsletters, and sites that work to share deals for kids, too. If you can, book as far out as possible to get the lowest rates, or if you’re able to do so, wait until the last minute to also score significant savings. Finally, if you’re comfortable with doing so, rent your home to recover some funds or swap with someone else for the ultimate in money-saving experiences.
Related: Shop car insurance
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