Hey friends! Like many families, we seize the summer break as the perfect opportunity to hit the road and explore new places. To be honest, while my kids and I are all about the adventures, my partner, Jake, would prefer to stay home, especially if it means flying. But I’m all for travel and love sharing new experiences with the kiddos—road trips are great, but some destinations just require a plane ride!
With all the planning falling on my shoulders, I’ve become a bit of a pro at organizing our family vacations. I came across an article about when to splurge and when to save on family trips, and I thought I’d share my own tips based on that and my experiences. Here’s the scoop on how to spend wisely!
Accommodations
Space is key for us. Cramming into a tiny hotel room with the kids can turn a vacation into a nightmare. Here’s my advice:
SPLURGE on a hotel suite. If you can snag a room with a separate area for the kids, do it! Trust me, it’s worth the extra cash. I remember those chaos-filled nights where naps had to happen in the living area while we tiptoed around.
SAVE by renting an apartment instead. Platforms like Airbnb and HomeAway have been lifesavers for us. We scored fantastic apartments in prime locations in both Rome and Barcelona, complete with separate bedrooms and kitchens—plus, no surprise fees! This summer, we’re renting a three-bedroom house for less than most hotel rooms in the area.
As U.S. News suggests, staying with family or friends is a great way to save some bucks, but only if you really like them and know you can be good guests. Otherwise, it can get awkward real fast.
Breakfast
SAVE by finding hotels that include breakfast. Most free breakfasts aren’t gourmet, but they’re usually decent enough. Plus, who doesn’t love that first cup of coffee to kickstart the day?
SPLURGE if you’re in a place known for amazing food. In Barcelona, we enjoyed breakfast at a charming café with fresh pastries and coffee. It was pricier, but we loved every bite!
Attractions
SAVE by booking in advance and checking online for discounts. Many cities offer passes for multiple attractions, which can save you money. And don’t forget to look for free alternatives! For instance, in NYC, you can take the Staten Island Ferry for free to see the Statue of Liberty and enjoy the skyline.
SPLURGE when you really need some relaxation. After a long day of sightseeing in Paris, we treated ourselves to a scenic boat tour on the Seine, giving the kids a chance to rest while still soaking in the sights.
Travel
SAVE wherever possible. Airfare can be a real budget buster, so avoid splurging on premium seats or early boarding. Save your funds for fun activities once you arrive.
Food
SAVE on lunch. The kids don’t need fancy restaurants. Grab some sandwiches and find a lovely park to enjoy a picnic.
SPLURGE on one memorable meal. For us in Rome, it was a special pasta dinner that still gets talked about!
Lastly, here’s a tip that has nothing to do with money: always take an afternoon break. Whether your kids are 2 or 20, a little downtime can make all the difference. Just retreat to your room, relax, and recharge for the rest of the day.
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In summary, planning a family vacation doesn’t have to break the bank. By being smart about where to splurge and where to save, you can create memorable experiences without the stress of overspending. Happy travels!