Expert Tips for Family Travel on a Budget

Question: Knowing you're a family of four, how do you plan and budget for a beach vacation? 

Jen's Answer:

• We book accommodations with a kitchen. We cook many of our own meals on vacation. To make cooking easier with two kids running around, we use meal boxes like Hellofresh or “ready to cook” meals from Sam’s Club or Costco. It seems pricier up front, but it cuts down significantly on waste and therefore, cost. 
• We bring our own beach gear. We avoid renting or buying beach gear on vacation. That said, if you forget the umbrella, do buy or rent one – don’t underestimate how important a little shade is. 
• We score deals ahead of time. We watch Facebook Marketplace for a few weeks leading up to our trip to see if we can get any chairs, umbrellas, or beach toys at a fraction of the cost of new. After vacation, you can often sell everything for the same price you paid!
• We travel at less popular times. Traveling during the week or in the shoulder season avoids crowds and gets you better rates on accommodations. We take advantage of our kids’ teacher in-service and training days. 
• We avoid unnecessary expenses. For example, we bring plenty of snacks and drinks to avoid pricey beachside stands. 
• We spend where it counts. If you're driving rather than flying, it's worth it to invest in a beach wagon to haul stuff in and out – it will save you money on everything else in the long run.
   

Question: What activities besides the beach do you recommend for families to stretch their budget? 

Jen's Answer:

• Many museums have reduced prices for certain days of the week, or discounts for AAA members, teachers and more.
• Indoor play areas or trampoline parks have discounts for at certain times of day.
• Exploring nature centers or botanical gardens can also be a great way to enjoy the outdoors in a shaded setting. Many of them, like the free-admission Florida Botanical Gardens in Largo, have a children’s garden with family-friendly events. 
• The Tampa Bay Watch Discovery Center is a very reasonably priced local attraction that kids enjoy.
   

Question: Do you plan meals on vacation? How do you treat yourself and stay within budget? 

Jen's Answer:

• Meal planning is a big part of vacation. We start by making a list of quick-and-easy meals (like yoga parfaits, sandwiches and pasta) that can be prepared in our rental accommodation’s kitchen. We prioritize easy meals because otherwise we’ll opt for takeout, which can really add up.
• If there’s a restaurant we want to try, we go for breakfast or lunch. You can often get the same dishes at a much lower price! Plus it’s less crowded and you are less likely to have to wait for a table, which can be hard with young kids. 
   

Question: What are some of your top tips as a mom who loves to travel?

Jen's Answer:

• Book in advance. Early booking often means lower prices for flights and accommodations. Many Airbnb hosts offer early bird discounts. Planning ahead also gives you a wider range of options.
• If you’re traveling last-minute, seek out deals. While it’s less likely that you’re planning an impromptu trip with kids, if the travel bug happens to strike last-minute, seek out hotel deals online. If you decide to book an Airbnb, Vrbo or other rental, be aware that you can often negotiate a lower price than what’s listed, if you ask nicely and it’s very close to your travel dates (the host may agree to lower the rate for you, rather than have their rental property sit empty).
• Set price alerts. Utilize online tools to track flight and hotel prices. You'll be notified when prices drop, helping you book at the best rates.
• Travel off-season. Avoid peak vacation seasons to save on flights, hotels, and attractions. Off-season travel also means fewer crowds and a more relaxed experience.
• Fly on off-peak days. Traveling mid-week, especially on Tuesdays or Wednesdays, is usually cheaper than weekends. Off-peak flights also tend to be less crowded.
• Use smaller airports. Consider flying from or to smaller, nearby airports like St. Pete-Clearwater International (PIE). Allegiant has many direct flights to PIE. Tampa International (TPA) also has some low-cost carriers, such as Breeze.
• Leverage points and miles. Maximize your travel rewards by using points or miles from credit cards or loyalty programs. This can significantly reduce your travel expenses… as long as you pay your card on time and in full every month!
• Stay in alternative accommodations. Look into vacation rentals, hostels, or staying with friends instead of hotels. These options can offer unique experiences at lower costs.
• Pack light. Avoid checked baggage fees by packing only carry-on luggage. This can also save time at the airport.
• Bring snacks for the plane and/or car. Airport food and even gas station snacks can be expensive. Packing your own snacks helps you save money and ensures you have something you enjoy.
• Use public transit. Public transportation is often much cheaper than Ubers, taxis or rental cars. The SunRunner is a great way to get from St. Pete to the beach affordably. Several area trolleys are free. Even better, young kids often see a trolley or bus ride as an adventure!
• Research free activities. Many destinations offer free or low-cost activities such as museums, parks, and walking tours. Planning ahead can help you enjoy these without breaking the bank.
   

About Our Expert

Jen Smith is the co-host of the Frugal Friends Podcast and co-author of Buy What You Love Without Going Broke. She and her husband paid off $78,000 of debt in two years while battling unemployment and buying a house. She’s been featured in top personal finance publications including Forbes, Money Magazine and Business Insider. When she’s not writing or podcasting, she’s training for a half marathon at Disney World. She lives in St. Pete, Florida, with her husband and two sons.