6 Family Travel Tips that will Save You Money and Headaches
1. Free Stuff Rules
When
you are in the travel planning stages, take the time to run a Google search for
“free” activities in the possible destination. You may find that some cities
have far more fun-free options than others. Picnicking in a gorgeous city park
can be a wonderful family-bonding experience. After all, the point of traveling
as a group is being together. As the old saying goes, “The best things in life
are free.”
2. All-Inclusive Vacations Reduce Money Stress
Staying
at resorts where you pay one price, and everything is included can be one of
the most relaxing experiences available. You have already cut a few corners and
reduced discretionary spending to save up for time away from the hustle and
bustle. Spending that time at an all-inclusive resort means you won’t have to
think about money the entire time. If nothing else, it will save you $5 on
aspirin.
3. Make Gift Shops Off Limits
Airports,
train stations, and hotels, among others, have high-priced gift shops filled
with sparkly trinkets designed to lure travelers into spending money. Many
products are branded with the region’s name and have the added attraction of
being a so-called souvenir. Don’t waste your money.
The best keepsakes are often free. Consider gathering exotic shells or a piece
of driftwood from the beach. If you are inland, rare stones or other natural
items specific to the location say more about being there than some “Made in
China” bobble. The point is that you can bring home meaningful items from your
travel without spending a penny. Look around.
4. Travel with Snacks
Airports
have become highly commercialized, and you can find a wide range of restaurants
and franchise favorites. Spending money at airports can be unnecessarily
expensive. Pack enough snacks in your carry-on to sustain you and the family in
the event of an airport delay. This travel strategy can save hundreds of
dollars and remove quite a bit of stress as well.
5. Check Out Public Transportation
Travelers
are sometimes surprised to discover that public transportation can be superior
to renting a car. If that seems counterintuitive, consider the options at a
place like St. Augustine, Florida. Many visitors prefer to stay on neighboring
Anastasia Island and enjoy beachfront hotels. But that means traveling into the
hot tourist town to enjoy the sights, sounds, shops, and eateries. Parking can
be expensive and strenuous, to say the least.
As it turns out, there’s a trolley you can pay a modest fee to ride for your
entire stay. It’s far less expensive than a rental vehicle, parking meters, and
headache free. There are plenty of destinations that understand the value of
inexpensive and convenient public transportation.
6. Keep the Young Ones Entertained
Parents
understand all too well that bored children can grow anxious and vocal. The
last thing any parent wants to hear repeated are the words, “Are we there yet?”
Talk about trauma!
Travel is a time to consider letting go of some of your otherwise wise
parenting rules. In other words, let them have free use of electronics with
headphones or earbuds during long travel periods. There will be plenty of time
for real-life bonding when you arrive. It’s a compromise you could be thankful
for in terms of peace and tranquility.
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