Once you've figured out how much your budget is, you can narrow your vacation options. Do you want to beach-it? Visit a city? Go back to a favorite theme park? Opt for skiing? Tour a national park? Often, just being a tourist in your own city is a wonderful, inexpensive vacation option, as is staying with friends. Think about staying one or two nights with a friend--as Ingram and her brood did in Tampa, Florida--then opt for a hotel room for the next few evenings. Or think about tacking on vacation days to a business meeting Mom or Dad may have to attend; as at least one airfare is already covered.
As you're doing your research, think creatively. You may want to stay in an all-inclusive resort, like a Club Med, or a family-run resort like The Tyler Place in Highgate Springs, Vermont (my family's favorite), so you know up front how much you're spending and don't have to worry about hidden extras. I personally like budgeting $3,000 for our week (food, taxes, activities, cabin costs) at The Tyler Place and knowing we won't go over that. Family-friendly cruises such as Carnival, Royal Caribbean, and Disney are other viable options, as you pay for just about everything beforehand.
Packages are another buzz word when it comes to looking for bargains, but beware of hidden amenities you don't need. You don't want to stay at a resort with amenities you're paying for but will never use. Be on the lookout for family-friendly plans offered by many hotels and resorts, such as Hyatt, Loew's, Holiday Inn, and Radisson properties. Some will offer substantial discounts (25% to 50%) off a second (adjoining) room, along with other amenities such as babyproofing, cookies and milk at turndown, coloring kits, and an array of children's activities. Holiday Inn Buena Vista Family Suites, near Disney World, is one example of a hotel that is big on discounts. Every room is a themed-suite, the most desirable for families being the Kidsuites, complete with bunk beds, Nintendo, a kid's desk, TV, and games. Call (407) 387-KIDS or click here for more information and rates.
Be money savvy when choosing accommodations. Staying at a hotel or motel that's two blocks away from the beach instead of right on the beach will save you some money, as will considering a condo or house rental. Any room with a kitchen can help you cut back on restaurant expenses by making some meals yourself instead of eating out three times a day. Los Angeles mom Laura Travis says it's easier to pour a couple bowls of cereal in a kitchenette, rather than getting three sleepy boys out of pajamas and into a restaurant--where cereal is often over-priced anyway.
No matter what, always ask for discounts, and don't forget to mention if you're a member of AAA or another organization that offers occasional savings.
If you want to stay somewhere really inexpensive, say $15 to $45 a night, consider a hostel--they're no longer catering solely to the backpacking crowd and many are family-friendly. Call Hostelling International at (202) 783-6161 or click here. Camping is another inexpensive option.
Thinking creatively also works when considering transportation. Look into taking a train ride (an adventure in and of itself!) or landing at/taking off from an alternative airport. Ingram flew into nearby Tampa, where her family spent the night with friends, then rented a car and drove to Orlando as a way of saving money on four airplane tickets to Orlando, a more popular airport. However, don't forget to consider the age--and fatigue factor--of your kids. Some parents find it's worth paying for a nonstop flight for less aggravation.
Ask questions before you book so you're not surprised by hidden costs. I didn't know that the Florida resort we stayed in last summer charged extra for the kid's program. At $20 a day and two kids, that added up--something I would have known if I had done my homework better.
Be flexible with your travel plans. "Everyone wants to stay over Saturday night," says Palaez, "but if you can go Tuesday to Tuesday or Monday to Thursday, that helps, as these are often less-traveled days."
If you can, consider traveling off-season. Think about going hiking or camping at a destination that's primarily a ski resort. Or go to the Caribbean in the summer. You'll generally find fewer crowds and less expensive airfares.
If your kids are not yet in school full-time, you can avoid peak travel simply by traveling when other people's kids are in school.
Most important: shop around. Here's where the Web comes in. Doing research online has become one of the most popular ways to surf the Internet, according to Linda Daly at Yahoo Travel. Many sites make it easy by giving you spending limits and offering departing and arriving cities so you can figure out airfare. For more on finding good travel deals online, read our story Finding the Lowest Family Air Fares Online. It's also worth checking out the travel guidebook sites such as Arthur Frommer's BudgetTravel online and Fodors. Travel agents, travel guidebooks, and your local Sunday newspaper are another way to find bargains.
Updated August 2005.
