The average person spends around $1,200 on traveling for leisure purposes each year. When you have a family in tow, the costs can add up quickly! So, it’s no surprise that many people try to stick to a budget when they travel.
But, if you think having limited financial resources means you can’t plan your dream tip, you’re wrong! There are still plenty of ways to see the world and have incredible experiences even when you’re on a tight budget.
Let’s cover a few tips you can use as you plan your own family trip this year, so you can save money while still enjoying every second of your travels.
Stay Away from Tourist Traps
Places like New York City, France, and Italy are wonderful. They’re popular tourist attractions for good reasons! But, because they’re so popular, they’re also some of the most expensive places to travel.
Going off the beaten path, wherever you are, can save you money. For starters, look into less-expensive countries to travel to, including South Africa and India. These places have incredible cultures and experiences you’ll never forget, and you won’t blow your budget booking airline tickets!
Even if you did splurge on your location, you can still find things to do that will end up being less expensive. Talk to the locals to find out what they do for fun, instead of signing up for stereotypical attractions or tours. It’s also a good idea to eat like a local instead of going to hotel-recommended restaurants. Not only will it give you a chance to immerse yourself in the culture, but you’ll save money, too.
Change Your Travel Style
Air travel is expensive. Staying in hotels? Also expensive. If those are your only options, there are certain things you can do to save, including looking for Holiday Specials, or browsing flight deals on different days of the week for lower prices.
If possible, though, consider changing the way you travel. You may be able to get to your destination by train, or even by car, which can be less expensive. When you’re there, you can travel light and stay at Air BnBs, rented rooms, or even hostels to save money. Don’t be afraid to look into different low-cost lodging options to save money. After all, most of your time will be spent exploring, so you really only need a safe place to rest your head at night!
The longer you can stay in one place, the better. If you stay awhile, you may be able to take advantage of renting a space to stay, rather than having to pay nightly room fees at a hotel. As a perk, when you do rent a place, you can often cook your own food, which will save you even more!
These are just a couple of suggestions to get started as you begin the planning stages of a trip this year. Don’t let your strict budget keep you from seeing the world. With a few adjustments and a bit of creativity, you can still be a globe trotter with your whole family, without having to blow your entire budget.