How To Travel on a Budget With Kids: 9 Money-Saving Tips

Seeing the world with your kids can be a blast. And contrary to what some people think, traveling with kids on a budget is possible — you don't have to break the bank. 

With a little creativity and smart planning, you can stick to your vacation budget. Picking affordable destinations, scouting out free activities, and other strategies can help you make great memories with your kids. 

1. Look for Budget-Friendly Destinations

You can save a chunk of money by being savvy about where you go. Choosing cheaper cities and countries is an easy frugal travel tactic since everything from lodging to attractions to food tends to cost less. 

Certain cities like Manhattan or San Francisco are obviously more expensive overall. But you can find other entertaining cities that won’t break your budget, like Memphis, Tennessee, or Kansas City, Missouri.

If you’re traveling overseas, you might want to skip pricey London or Vienna and instead consider destinations like Sofia, Bulgaria, or Porto, Portugal. These offer beautiful landmarks and cultural experiences with generally lower expenses. 

COMPARE: Best Family-Friendly Destinations

2. Travel During Off-Peak Seasons

While you don’t want your kids to miss too much school, of course, prices outside of peak tourist season are usually far less expensive. 

You don’t have to visit Europe in June, for example. It could be just as fun (and less crowded) to visit in late October or mid-February. Flexibility is key to cheaper prices. 

If a destination is known for a certain festival that doesn’t really interest your family, don’t visit at that time (for example, hotel prices surge in Louisville during the Kentucky Derby).

You don’t even have to change the month — departing midweek or leaving just one week earlier or later could mean cheap prices and fewer crowds. 

3. Consider Road Trips or Nearby Locations

Don’t underestimate the fun of a good old-fashioned road trip. Chances are, you live within driving distance of some pretty cool landmarks or cities, so save on gas money by sticking closer to home. 

Decide your acceptable driving distance, then see what fun family-friendly activities are within that radius. 

Or if you want to fly, consider destinations that may not require such a long flight. If you want a European experience for less money and shorter travel time, try Montreal, Canada.

READ MORE: Best Road Trip Tavel Tips

4. Choose Budget-Friendly Accommodations

Accommodations are one of the biggest expenses in a vacation budget, so saving money there will go a long way. 

Instead of hotels, you can choose group-friendly vacation rentals through Airbnb or another platform, pick a family-friendly hostel, or even try a home swap. 

Or if you have a travel rewards credit card or are part of a hotel loyalty program, you may be able to get free or discounted stays.

What my brother does with his family of six is camp, which builds other skills and gets them out into nature. It’s saved them a lot of money over the years and they’ve created plenty of great memories.

5. Cut Transportation Costs

If you’re staying States-side, decide if driving is best (often a wise option for larger families) or if you should look for flight deals. 

Cost comparison tools like Skyscanner or Google Flights can help you find good flight prices. And if you’re flexible about location or even dates, you can use the Google Flights trick of leaving your search fields blank. 

If you need to rent a car, look for discounts through your credit card or memberships in organizations like AAA. 

6. Save on Dining

While it’s fun to check out new restaurants, smart snacking and meal planning can save you a lot of money. 

Less-expensive restaurants are always wise with kids along, or you could pick just one day to splurge on a higher-end meal. 

Taking your own snacks to the beach or on a daylong excursion helps prevent meltdowns from hungry family members. 

Renting accommodations with a kitchen can be a big money-saver as well, since you can buy groceries and prepare most meals right there.  

7. Find Free or Low-Cost Activities

I consider myself a pro at finding free or very cheap activities for the whole family. My husband and two kids love state parks and hiking trails, but even if you’re not outdoorsy, you can often find free cultural activities. 

This isn’t to say you should never spring for more expensive activities if you and your kids really want to do them. But don’t assume everything has to cost money, either! 

Try these ideas:

• Local parks and playgrounds
• Free or discounted admission days for museums and cultural sites
• Community events like festivals and outdoor concerts

8. Look for Discounts and Deals

A quick online search will reveal a lot, but here are a few strategies to use:

• Use memberships and passes to specific attractions or groups of attractions, like the reciprocal program for science museums in the U.S. 
• Try Groupon or LivingSocial, where you can score coupons and deals. Cities often have tourist passes that offer access to multiple sites for one price. 
• Book in advance or on off-season dates — often, early booking can save you money.

READ MORE: How To Travel for Free (or Close to It!)

9. Pack Smart to Save Money

I hate paying checked baggage fees, so if I’m traveling for a short enough period, I pack light. Minimize what you bring to reduce your costs. 

As a family, maybe you can pack one or two larger suitcases with items for everyone, then stick to free carry-on luggage for the rest. 

Plus, if your vacation rental provides toiletries and other necessities, you can skip packing those items. 

Reusable water bottles can help you save on buying water (assuming you’re in a destination with potable tap water). And for road trips, a cooler with snacks, sandwiches, and drinks means you can either eat on the road or stop at rest areas. Win-win: You get fresh air and save money.

Flying limits you somewhat, but you can still bring snacks in a carry-on so you’re not forced to buy pricey airport snacks. 

READ MORE: Essential Packing Tips for Stress-Free Family Travel

FAQs About Budget Travel With Kids

What are the best destinations for affordable family vacations?

State and national parks are great options. Camping anywhere usually saves money, too. 

Otherwise, a vacation rental or all-inclusive resort may save you money. For a city trip, pick cities known for free attractions, like Washington, D.C. with its Smithsonian Institution museums.

How can I save on airfare when traveling with kids?

An airline rewards program or travel credit card, which earns rewards you can apply toward flights, can make airfare more affordable.

If you fly on Southwest, consider a Southwest credit card that can help you earn the Southwest Companion Pass. It works like a buy-one-get-one-free (minus a few fees) pass for flights for up to two years. 

Are vacation rentals better than hotels for families on a budget?

It depends on the size of your family, but often vacation rentals have a kitchen, which helps you save a lot on meal costs. (Plus, eating at home may be more relaxing after long days of sightseeing.) Hotels with a kitchenette can also fit that need in some cases, though. 

How do I find free or cheap activities for kids in a new city?

It’s as simple as checking the city’s tourism website or searching online for “free kids’ activities” in that city. Check museum and zoo information for free admission dates, search for free festivals, and get outside, since trails and parks are usually free. 

TL;DR: Budget Tips for Traveling With Kids

Traveling with kids doesn't have to drain your savings if you approach it strategically. Just by being flexible, you can significantly reduce costs while still creating memorable experiences. 

Choose local destinations or low seasons, be smart with meal planning, and look for free activities and discounts, and you’ll stretch your vacation dollars.

Remember that the most valuable aspect of family travel isn't about spending money — it's about spending time together and experiencing new places!

. . .

. . .