5 Tips for Planning a Family Road Trip on a Budget

5 Tips for Planning a Family Road Trip on a Budget

Travel can become quite expensive for our family of six, and due to the costs, we can’t just travel when we feel like it. We plan all our trips in advance and look for the best ways to save money when we’re traveling. If you’re planning a trip and looking for ways to save cash, here are five tips for planning a family road trip on a budget.

Pick the Right Travel Times

In the travel industry there are always generous savings during the off-season. Once you’ve narrowed down your options for where you plan to travel, look for the off-season deals. Hotels offer deep discounts when peak travel season has passed in some of the most popular areas. Local stores and restaurants also offer discounts once peak travel times have past to help entice travelers to the area.

Find A Good Hotel Deal

Almost all of my travel plans start with finding a good hotel deal. I recommend looking for rooms online first, the rates online are usually better than they are when you contact the hotel directly. It’s also wise to use a hotel deals website to check for the best rates. While on those sites, read the customer reviews to help you pick the best option for your family.

Plan Attractions & Activities

Save on attractions and activities by planning ahead of time. Look for special deals and offers during the dates you travel. Theme parks like Hersheypark and Kings Dominion offers discount coupons online via their social media channels as well as on flyers in local supermarkets and even on soda cans. Contact the visitors center for the area you plan to visit for special offers on popular attractions.

Find the Right Rental Car Deal

Getting a good deal on your rental car could really help you save on trip. Start on car rental deals websites to compare all the available offers. Check to see who has the best options and make sure you’re familiar with their rental agreements. Airport pick-up locations tend to have the best deals for renters, but they often require a credit card deposit for rentals. Budget Rent-A-Car is one of our favorite choices, they offer Fast Track checkout for regular customers and additional discounts for repeat customers.

Plan Meal Options

Food can put a big hole in your travel budget. Eating out while traveling can slowly add up, especially if you have a large family like mine. We always book hotel rooms with a refrigerator and microwave, and it’s a bonus when we can find a suite. Find the closest Walmart or supermarket and purchase breakfast bars, cereal, snacks, beverages, water, and quick meal options. Check for dining specials at area restaurants that offer free kids’ meals or discounts on certain days.

There are lots of ways to save money when planning a road trip; these are just a few tips to help you keep money in your pocket for other things. With proper planning and research it’s possible to have an amazing trip on a budget.