7 Money Saving Vacation Tips for Families

Family vacations are where some of our fondest memories are made and if you plan it well, you can have a wonderful family trip without breaking the bank. Here are some tips on how to save on your vacation.

1. Do your research. Many people don’t spend enough time looking at travel websites before booking. There are lots of deals out there where kids stay free, eat for free, have fun activities included in the price and more, so make sure you don’t just book the first thing you see because it seems like a good deal. Vacation packages can save you money. Just because a company wants to sell you all aspects of holiday from the accommodation through to the car insurance doesn’t mean it isn’t a good deal. You don’t have to necessarily go for the whole package, many travel sites allow you to mix and match!

2. Be flexible! Flights can cost an arm and a leg but have you really checked that you’re getting the best deal? Flying mid-week can seriously reduce your costs, as can booking early. For the winter holidays, consider flying out on Christmas Day or New Year's Day – a little flexibility can save you a lot of money!

3. Back to basics. We often think we need a lot of money to have a good time, but we’d all agree that the best things in life are free. If you can’t afford a Disney holiday, consider a road trip, sandwiches and car games, which when planned properly can be one of the best experiences for a child. The world is a beautiful place full of wildlife and magical oceans so go out and enjoy those things.

4. Avoid tourist traps. It's always cheaper to eat and shop in areas that are not situated too close to popular tourist attractions. If you walk a few blocks you will be able to find restaurants and shops with more reasonable prices.Choose hotels where breakfast and dinner is included. When going out for lunch, avoid eating at the hotel restaurant as it will most likely be more expensive than eating at the local eateries.

5. Sign up for newsletters. The best way to save on a family holiday is to keep an eye on deals throughout the year. Sign up for newsletters on travel sites so you can easily keep tabs on what’s on offer. Booking early can save heaps so don’t just think about your holiday a few months before you want to go. That way you can plan other aspects of the trip and save more. Remember – the more time you have to think about it, the more ways you can find to save money.

6. Purchase travel insurance online. It's a good idea to have a travel insurance, especially when traveling during the busy holiday periods when flightsare more likelyto be delayedand the luggage lost. Do your research, there are many insurance companies that offer discounts when you purchase insurance online.

7. Look for budget accommodation. A house swapping could help you to save a great deal on your accommodation costs while on vacation. Do a little research, and list your home on one of the house swap/exchange websites. Another great option is to stay with your relatives or friends. In this way you can save money you were planning to spend on hotel, and also have a lovely time with your family and friends. You can also always check local free classifieds site to find a flat for rent in Central London .

Whatever your budget, do your research, take your time and remember that the best things in life come from your heart, not from your pocket.