So this week, I decided to take a Homeschool Fall Break! We have been busy with sports and restaurants and all the things, and I knew that we needed a break as a family. We’ve been saving tons and paying off debt tons, so we had a good cushion to take a trip! We save weekly on groceries, doing my own nails and hair, making my own coffee at home ($130 savings just this month by not going to Starbucks), and so many other ways! So I took the trip instead of putting it on debt because as a family we needed it, and making memories is a core value for us! So here’s my 5 tips to traveling cheaply with kids!
Research hotels on Expedia or other travel savings website I love expedia.com for two reasons! I accumulate points, and they have the best rates on hotels! I usually always book through the Expedia app. I literally booked the hotel right before leaving, based on what area I wanted to stay in, and pool availability, gym availability!
Book a hotel that serves breakfast and/or complimentary snacks/drinks If a hotel does not offer breakfast, I do not book that hotel! Breakfast is a non-negotiable for me UNLESS we are staying in a condo or villa where there is a full kitchen! This helps so much with our budget especially with four kids! Our faves for hotels with breakfast are Embassy Suites, Marriott, some Hiltons. We did go to one Hilton where breakfast was not included so make sure you check beforehand. It usually will show as an amenity if it offers it! Also, bonus, pack snacks and food for the car ride to save money on food!
Our youngest in Greenville SC!
3.If possible, travel during off season. Because we homeschool, we have the availability to pick up and go. We love traveling Monday-Wednesday or Monday-Thursday during the off-season when most people are NOT vacationing. The rates are so much more affordable, AND you beat the crowds.
4. Plan frugal activities ahead of time. I knew I wanted to surprise the kids with a trip to the Apple Orchard, Sky Top Apple Orchard. So that’s what we did! I looked at some other activities in the area too! So day 1 we went apple picking! Day 2, we did Chuck E. Cheese where I found coupons online to make super cheap! We wanted to go hiking which would have been free, BUT we brought the wrong shoes to hike in! But the kids had a blast, and we only spent $69 total on fun activities!
5. Track expenses daily using an app, printable or notes sections to keep track of spending. So in order to travel cheaply with kids, it’s super important to track your spending and know exactly how much you want to spend! I had a $500 budget for our vacation, and spent $472, on lodging, food, gas, fun, and miscellaneous! Here’s the breakdown:
Lodging: 233.42
Food: $90
Gas: $35
Fun: $69
Misc: $45
Total: $472.42
The kids and I had the best time ever, making memories, slowing down, and really enjoying being with each other. Sometimes with sports, school, and all of the things, it’s hard to just make room for adventures, but that is a value of ours so we will “MAKE ROOM” and lean into less so that we can enjoy more time with family and friends making memories and doing the things we love! I’m so thankful we started our minimalism journey (I’ll share more on that in another blog post), but because of it, we have leaned into less in our spending, leaned into less by saying no in our schedule, leaned into less with things that don’t align with our values, which makes room for us to live simply, on purpose, and enjoying life! And guys, that’s what really matters! You can travel cheaply with kids! What are your favorite tips for traveling cheaply with kids?
Until next time friend,
Shelly
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