Budget-Saving Tips to Make Family Travel More Affordable

Traveling with kids is one of the best gifts you can give your family — but let’s be honest, it doesn’t always come cheap. Between flights, hotels, meals, and activities, the costs can add up quickly, especially with multiple little travelers in tow. One of the most common questions I get asked as a frequent traveling family of 7 is “how do you afford all that travel?”. A totally fair question as travel is expensive, but over the years, I’ve discovered smart strategies, ways to stretch our travel budget further, save money on the big-ticket items, and make our dream trips possible.

The good news? You can do the exact same thing with the right tools and tips!

Here are some of my favorite budget-saving tips for family travel — the same ones that have helped my family of seven take unforgettable trips without breaking the bank.

1. Be Flexible with Dates and Destinations

Traveling during school breaks or peak holiday seasons often means higher prices. If possible, look at shoulder season (just before or after peak travel months) for cheaper flights, smaller crowds, and lower hotel rates. Even shifting your flights by a day or two can make a big difference. I like to look at the flexible flight calendars that various airlines have to see which days are cheaper. While this may not work for all families, we are also ok to skip a couple days of school if it means a better deal overall (we work with the teachers ahead of time and make up all work).

2. Plan Meals Strategically

Eating out three times a day adds up fast. Instead, book accommodations with kitchenettes or breakfast included. Pack snacks and simple meals for travel days. A great rule of thumb: splurge on one meal a day, then make the rest budget-friendly with groceries, picnics, or hotel breakfasts. We also like hitting up happy hour deals at family friendly restaurants to save on a meal out.

3. Take Advantage of Free and Low-Cost Activities

Some of the best family memories don’t cost a thing. Parks, beaches, hiking trails, local markets, and even hotel amenities can keep kids entertained without expensive tickets. Look up “free things to do with kids in [destination]” before you go — you’ll be surprised how many options pop up. You can also look at facebook mom groups for the area you’ll be visiting as they share fun, low cost things to do too.

4. Pack Smart to Avoid Extra Costs

Overpacking can lead to baggage fees and unnecessary stress. Create a packing checklist (and stick to it!) so you bring only what you need. Don’t forget essentials like snacks, reusable water bottles, and travel-sized laundry soap — little things that save money on the road. When flying, we also all bring a reusable water bottle that we go through security with empty, then fill up for free at the water bottle stations by the gates. This saves over $30 alone with avoiding the need to purchased bottled water!

5. Use Rewards Points and Miles

This has been a game-changer for my family. Instead of paying full price for flights and hotels, we use credit card rewards and airline miles to cover the bulk of our travel costs. With just a little strategy, you can turn everyday spending (groceries, gas, bills) into free or nearly free family vacations. For example, by leveraging Southwest airline points to book flights, we only pay $5.60/ person each way in taxes and fees! I have another blog post all about that here.

👉 That’s why I created a free resource: Beginner’s Guide to Points & Miles for Families. It’s a simple, step-by-step roadmap that shows you how to start earning travel rewards and turn them into your first nearly free family vacation. No jargon, no overwhelm — just real strategies that actually work.

[Download your free Beginner’s Guide to Points & Miles here]

6. Bundle and Book Ahead

Flights, hotels, and rental cars are almost always cheaper when booked in advance. Use price trackers to monitor fares and consider bundling services (flight + hotel) for added savings. The earlier you book, the more options you’ll have within your budget.

7. Adjust Your Mindset

This might be the most important tip of all: focus on the memories, not the money. Kids don’t need five-star resorts or expensive excursions to have an amazing trip — they just want time with you, adventure, and maybe a few extra snacks. By being intentional with spending and focusing on connection, you’ll find that your family vacations are just as meaningful (if not more) on a budget.

Final Thoughts

Traveling as a family doesn’t have to drain your savings. With the right mix of flexibility, planning, and budget-friendly strategies, you can create unforgettable trips that fit your family’s budget.

And if you’re ready to save big on your next vacation, don’t miss my free resource: Beginner’s Guide to Points & Miles for Families. It’s helped countless families like mine save thousands on flights and hotels — and it can help you too.

Because family travel should be about making memories, not stressing over money.