Every family wants a family vacation (especially in the summer months). It is great to get away – but it shouldn’t break the family bank. Family getaways should be – and can be – family budget friendly.
Whether you travel local, national or global — a family trip takes planning, organization and cost savings (that hyperlink takes you to a site that we found informational on planning a family vacation budget).
We often travel internationally and we try to book our plane tickets just outside the peak travel times. France is just as nice in October as it is in August (and – hey – all the French are on vacation in August anyways so most things are closed). We also rent apartments by the week rather than stay in a hotel (which is a more reasonable option at times). With one visit to a local grocer we stock up on breakfast “at home”, snacks and easy to carry fruits which means we go to restaurants less but still eat well on holiday (and I’ve said before the best fast food – is food you already have in your bag!). We also walk a lot (which saves on transportation). Little cost saving things but they are appreciated when the vacation bills come in.
Big picture: a family vacation should be a time to enjoy your family. Not something to create parental stress, budget concerns and shrinking balances. It’s not about “go big or go home”. It’s not about “keeping up with the Jones'” vacation. It’s about the right holiday decisions for your family. Does that mean – if your budget is limited – you can’t go see the mouse in pants? No. It just means you need to make a budget plan before seeing that pant-wearing mouse.
A family vacation shouldn’t put a family in debt. If this has happened to you – seek out help to get you back on track. If you are fortunate to keep you head above the vacation budget water then be sure to continue making informed decisions when planning your vacation and holiday budget.
For more on credit counseling surf over to this informative website (yes, click that).
Do you have a holiday budget tip to share with the club? Do so in the comment field below.
I’ve always paid for a vacation up front and I make sure I use the credit card that gives me the most rewards. But as soon as the bill comes in I pay it off.