Are you one of the 100 million Americans planning a family vacation? I’m one of them for sure, I love traveling and love going on vacation. Going on vacation isn’t cheap and if you’re not careful, you can very easily go over your budget. It’s much harder to say no while on vacation, and there’s so much you want to do, see, experience! However, you don’t have to spend a small fortune to have a great vacation. I’m a big believer in saving money even while on vacation, and as such, I feel I’m able to away more often! Check out these pieces of advice that I follow and that you can too!

Create a Souvenirs Budget 

Before you leave for your trip, set a budget for souvenirs. Give each member of the family a certain amount of money they can spend. (Even BabyMoneyFinance gets a budget – we love buying little shirts or things like that). Then while on vacation, stick to that budget. This will help control spending and teach your children, and remind yourself of the value of money. If they spend their entire budget on the first item they see, they’ll experience the consequences of that. 

One way to ensure you get what you want is to save souvenirs shopping for the last day. That gives everyone their entire vacation to make a decision. We personally wait till the end of the trip to give us more time to shop and really figure out what we want the most.

Bring Your Own Snacks (or grocery shop)

Your food bill will grow quickly when you depend on eating out every time you get hungry. You can control this spending by bringing snacks with you on your adventures. Try bringing mixed nuts, protein bars, or trail mix. These items travel well, are healthy, and will keep you feeling full. If your hotel offers fruit at breakfast, you could grab a banana, apple, or orange for consumption later. 

While you’re at it, bring a reusable water bottle, or grab a few from the local grocery store. This will be more affordable than buying them at tourist spots or from the hotel. 

Also consider grocery shopping for a few small items in an effort to help you save on meals. We often will bring or buy food for breakfast and lunch, and then do a big dinner out each night.

Choose the Right Hotel 

A hotel will likely be the biggest expense, after the flight to your destination. So, try to shop around and search a variety of options for the right hotel. You don’t have to stay at the nicest spot and you may find others nearby at a more affordable price. If your vacation budget gets sucked up by pet boarding, then look for a hotel that allows pets. A slightly more expensive hotel may still be cheaper than paying for pet care while you’re away. 

Check online for discounts and hotel suggestions that you may not have discovered on your own. Sites like WorldRoamer can help you compare your options. 

You should also look for a hotel that provides breakfast. This is one meal you won’t have to worry about every day. 

Finally, look into joining rewards programs (I LOVE POINTS). This could be direct with the hotel or through a credit card. You can earn free nights and upgrades this way. 

Look for Free Things to Do 

Do some research in advance of your vacation and look for free things to do. This could be a public beach, local park, or community event. Many museums offer free admission on a particular day of the week or month. You can also check with your bank or credit card for discounts and free tickets. We’ve found that most cities offer a free (well you leave a tip at the end) walking tour, which is a great way to get out and see the city, and also get recommendations from your guide.

Enjoy Travel Savings on Your Vacation

By using these travel savings tips, you can make the most of your next family vacation. You don’t have to spend a lot to have a great time and create lasting memories. Plan ahead by setting a budget, finding the right accommodation, and packing snacks. 

What about you? How do you budget and ‘save’ while on vacation?

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