4 Budget-Friendly Tips for Parents Traveling with Kids

​Family trips can be so much fun! If you’re a parent, though, worries about stress and budget can make focusing on the fun a real challenge. Thankfully, traveling with kids doesn’t have to be stressful or expensive as long as you have the proper planning and some useful tips. So, before you start worrying about your next family vacation, try to keep these helpful hints in mind.

Stash Some Self-Care Essentials in Your Diaper Bag

Diaper bags can be real lifesavers when you are traveling with small children. Whether you are road-tripping with toddlers or flying with an infant, be sure to pack the diaper bag essentials in that handy bag. In addition to diapers, wipes, and supplies for your children, you should also stash some helpful things for yourself. A few extra hair ties, hand sanitizer, and a couple of T-shirts to keep the travel outfit clean. Be sure to look for coupons and online deals to help you save on these items. Then use those savings to score some self-care extras that will make any travel stress you may feel melt away. A soothing adult coloring book is a great screen-free activity to keep yourself busy on planes while earplugs can make sleep easier.

Weigh the Pros and Cons of Hotels and Vacation Rentals

If you’re planning and budgeting for a trip with your family, you’ve likely given a lot of thought to where you will stay. Parents now have the convenience of choosing between rentals or hotels, so it helps to know the pros and cons of each one. If you are looking for convenience during your stay, hotels can be very helpful by providing perks like fresh sheets on demand, a crib set up, and a pool to keep kids busy. Still, there are some considerable bonuses to staying with your family in a vacation rental as well. You can definitely find vacation homes that include access to pools. If polls are important for your family, but you can also find added comforts, such as access to a kitchen, washer and dryer, and more room and privacy for your entire family.

Pack Some Healthy Snacks and Food for Your Travels

Vacation rentals may make more sense for budget-conscious parents. Especially when you can bring your own food to prepare during your stay. Don’t worry about cooking though, when you can simply prepare make-ahead meals that you can easily reheat in a microwave or oven. You can stock your cooler and bags with simple fixings for memorable family vacation meals, from the dry mix for morning pancakes to marinated meats for afternoon BBQs. In addition to bringing food to eat at your destination, you should also consider packing some snacks for the road. Healthy alternatives to gas station fare can include muffins, dried fruits, and even popcorn. Of course, you may consider eating out during your travel part of the fun, so if you plan on visiting restaurants, look for deals or money-saving apps to help trim dining out costs.

Look for Budget-Friendly Fun to Keep Your Family Busy

Nothing inspires a meltdown faster than boredom. You don’t want your family to get bored during your travels. After all, a family vacation should be about having fun together, and you can do so without spending your entire travel budget. Your first thought may be to visit Groupon to look for entertainment deals, but there are other promo sites where you can find even more discounts, coupons, and specials to help save on everything from tours to tickets to groceries. So, make sure you thoroughly scan through these sites to see if you can score deals on activities for your family.

Another savvy way to save on travel entertainment is to plan some outdoor fun together. You can take your kids to a local park or even visit the closest national park for an experience they will always remember. Plan your trip around fee-free dates to gain access to national parks and monuments without having to pay.

Stop stressing about your family trips! Put the tips above into action so you can get back to the ultimate goal of traveling with your kids: having fun together!

written by: Ms. Campos ​