Cheap family vacations have become more difficult to arrange in the last few years. The price hikes for trips during school breaks are well documented, but there is also the steady upward trajectory of the costs of food, accommodation and entry to attractions, all of which add up when you are travelling as a family.
It's not all doom and gloom, there are ways to make your money go further. Planning a family holiday on a budget can be difficult.
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During the school holidays, last-minute deals are usually to less desirable places. If you know your child's term dates in advance, you can book months or even years in advance, when prices are still relatively low. If your kids aren't in school yet or you educate them at home, travel outside the peak periods when costs are low and crowds are less.
Collective wisdom is not limited to moral support and diaper-changing techniques. How much they cost and what they would do differently to save money are some of the questions fellow parents are asked. In the online world there are plenty of forums and family travel bloggers who are willing to give you budget tips on destinations they have traveled to.
The higher the demand, the higher the prices. Is there one solution? Get out of the way. If you don't want to go to tourist hot spots, look for places that are less trendy or famous. You can find fun things to do with the kids and enjoy the luxury of not having to fight other people to get ice cream or selfies. Being a bit more adventurous will give you the kudos that come with it.
If you can save money on a night's accommodations, you will be able to travel to your destination in a different way. If you are brave enough, you can take an overnight train or ferry and retell a story back home. The cost of air fares and rental cars can be avoided if you use your own vehicle.
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While staying in a hotel certainly removes the strain of cooking and cleaning, it is often a much more cost effective option for families. Teens in particular welcome extra privacy, so renting a house or apartment is a good option for them. You can often find things for your family to play with. A youth hostel with a family room is an affordable alternative to hotels.
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It's great news that kids like spending time in the fresh air. Plan day trips that involve nature walks rather than expensive attractions, find a local playground for your kids to play at, and take a picnic to avoid restaurant prices. A great way to save money is to go camping. If you think you won't like it, it's worth trying at least once, even if you don't like it.
There are a lot of little ways that families can use the power of numbers. You may be able to get a discount pass for local transport, find family coupons online for the attractions you want to see and take advantage of marketing campaigns such as kids go-free weeks for theatres or big exhibitions that don't charge entry for children.
When you travel with kids, it is important to remember that the little extras add up and can save you a lot of money. Purchase ice cream by the pack in a local supermarket and read up on the sites you are visiting before you head to avoid paying extra for audio guides, activity packs or special exhibitions. Extra spending can be kept at bay by having an "eyes only" policy.
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If you want to consolidate the cost of getting away in the first place, consider going less frequently but for longer. You could travel for months if you are able to work from home. The much-hyped "staycation" could be considered. It's a fun challenge for the family to switch off and pretend to be on vacation. It is possible to convince grandparents that the perfect way to spend quality time with their grandsons is to join you on a holiday, or to try and connect with forgotten aunties who would love to have your whole family descend on her for a week.
If you can't afford an all-inclusive luxury resort or long-haul trip, it's time to rethink what you need to have an incredible experience. Is it possible to swap a villa for a beach or public pool? Kids are easy to please and most will embrace any adventure you have for them. It is doable and the collective challenge will benefit the entire family.
The article was published in December of last year.
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