How to Plan the Perfect Family Vacation This Summer

Summer is here, and there’s nothing quite like the excitement of planning a family vacation without overspending. Every time we gear up for a vacation, it feels like there’s a little puzzle to solve: how do we make the most of our time away, soaking in new experiences and flavors, without our budget waving a white flag? With our next trip coming up, I’ve been mapping out a strategy that lets us indulge in local dining and fun activities, all while making sure we don’t completely blow the budget.

I’ve penciled in about $500 for meals and munchies on the road. The plan is to hit a few local spots we’ve had on our list but also mix it up with some easy meals we can make ourselves. It’s all about finding that sweet spot between dining out and enjoying a picnic at a scenic park or a quick hotel room breakfast.

So, as I sit here sifting through our plans and budget, I’m reminded that the best trips aren’t about how much you spend, but about the experiences you gather. Here’s how you can make your upcoming trip one for the books, balancing good eats, fun treats, and the joy of making unforgettable memories.

Destination

When it comes to selecting a destination, the trick is to find places offering great value. Focus on destinations that provide promotional offers, especially during the summer months when demand is high.

Theme parks are a fantastic example of this. Many parks offer special discounts and deals during the summer, which can drastically cut down on entrance fees. For instance, look for offers that might include a multi-day pass at a discounted rate. These passes allow access to various attractions within the park across several days, which means you’re getting much more for your money compared to single-day tickets.

With multi-day passes, you don’t have to rush through the attractions in a single day; these passes often include perks like discounts on in-park purchases, which can help you stay within the budget.

Accommodation

Once you’ve decided on a destination, the next step is to book an accommodation. Now, this requires a bit of savvy and early planning. Early bookings can secure better rates as many hotels offer early bird discounts. Also, flexibility with your travel dates can lead to lower prices, as staying during off-peak times or midweek often results in cost savings​.

Also, explore other accommodation types beyond hotels, like vacation rentals, hostels, or guesthouses, which might offer better deals, especially if they include amenities that help reduce other travel costs, like kitchens, which can save on food expenses. Always make sure that the accommodation you choose offers payment upon arrival or at least has some sort of a refund policy in case plans change. Doing a bit of research may also help you discover package deals or discounts for longer stays can also stretch your budget further.

If you can, try to engage directly with the hotels or property owners to secure a better rate or additional perks such as a free extra bed for children, especially during less busy seasons​.

Transport

Driving to our destination is our go-to mode of transport. It saves the expense of rental cars and airfare. Before setting off, ensure your vehicle is in top shape. Check and adjust the tire pressure as recommended for your vehicle to improve fuel efficiency. While you’re at it, you might as well check your car’s fluids, filters, and battery so you don’t run into any problems on the road. You’ll also want to ensure your kids’ booster seat or car seat is in safe and reliable condition.

Map out your route in advance to avoid areas with heavy traffic, that might increase fuel consumption. I always use navigation tools to find the most efficient route and to plan your gas stops wisely, especially in areas where fuel might be cheaper. Don’t forget to account for tolls if your route requires them—I usually estimate between $50 and $100, depending on the journey.

Dining Out

Managing food expenses can really help stretch your vacation budget. Planning a mix of dining out and cooking meals at your accommodation is a smart approach. If your hotel or rental has a kitchen, you can save significantly by preparing some meals there. Even a refrigerator and microwave can be a game-changer, allowing you to store and reheat groceries or leftovers from dining out, which can be more budget-friendly than eating every meal at a restaurant.

For dining out, consider timing your restaurant visits wisely. Opting for lunches rather than dinners can often save you money, as many restaurants offer the same delicious dishes at a fraction of the dinner price. Also, dining during weekdays rather than weekends can sometimes snag you special deals or lower prices​.

Activities and Souvenirs

When it comes to activities, setting aside a budget for things like movies or local attractions keeps expenses predictable and manageable. Rather than splurging randomly, you know exactly how much you have to enjoy these extras.

For souvenirs, instead of hitting every gift shop, set a budget and stick to it. This helps prevent impulse buys and ensures you only bring home items that truly mean something to you.

Lastly, use tools like Groupon and check out local discount books or restaurant apps to uncover some great deals that can offer savings on both meals and activities throughout your trip.