Powered by Mom Blog wants to share some Thrifty Travel Ideas
The frenetic pace of life with a young family can leave everyone craving some vacation time, but the high cost of travel can leave most families thinking twice about taking some time away. Luckily, there are low-cost tips and tricks that can help to save money and maximize the fun when planning a vacation for the whole family.
• Leaving from hub cities such as New York, Atlanta, Los Angeles or Seattle can bring airfare costs down dramatically, as can picking flights with one or two stops. It helps to be flexible with scheduling as well; travel plans that are open to red-eye hours or giving up a seat on an overbooked flight can help to save a significant amount of money.
• While it might seem counter-intuitive, staying at a resort can be one of the most budget friendly travel decisions a family can make. Some resorts offer all inclusive vacations themed for the entire family and often the savings can be outstanding. Children usually dine free or have reduced-price meal plans as well as activities geared just for them. Traveling during the off-season can also mean a dramatic reduction in price, as resorts are eager to fill empty rooms and are happy to offer compelling discounts or upgrades. When making travel plans, it is always a good idea to phone the resort directly and ask if there are any special deals. Sometimes discounts are not advertized on websites, especially if they are last-minute deals.
• Similar to resorts, cruises also offer convenience and excellent value, two welcome qualities when traveling with children. Themed family cruises can be especially fun for young children, as they combine beloved costumed characters in live shows with swimming pools, movie theaters and jungle gyms. Taking a cruise also removes the need for logistical planning like booking hotel rooms, restaurants or rental cars. Cruise packages may also include fun activities such as snorkeling or swimming with dolphins or manta rays.
• Camping is one family activity that can provide high adventure at a low cost. When visiting national parks such as Yellowstone or the Grand Canyon, camping is a natural fit. Not only is it possible to purchase camping gear and pay for a site for around the same price as a single night in a hotel, many campsites offer a unique way to experience a park that is not available to most visitors. Rather than just peering over the edge of the Grand Canyon, families can opt to book a campsite on the floor of the canyon and enjoy watching the sun as it sets behind the rim. Due to the popular nature of these exotic locations, some sites can fill up quickly, so it’s best to book them in advance. Some parks, such as Yellowstone, do not take reservations and operate on a first-come, first-served basis.
Image source: www.erv.co.uk
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