Summer travel with kids is all about making memories; splashing in the ocean, exploring new places, and soaking up family time. But for all the good times, the price tag can add up fast. Flights, food, accommodations, and entertainment for even a short trip can feel overwhelming, especially with little ones in tow.
The good news? With some planning and a few smart strategies, budget family summer travel is absolutely doable. Whether you’re dreaming of a beach escape, a road trip, or a low-key staycation with adventure built in, these practical tips will help you save money without sacrificing fun.
1. Plan Early and Stay Flexible
When it comes to saving money on travel, timing is everything. Booking flights and accommodations early usually means better prices and more availability. If your schedule allows, aim to travel midweek or during less popular weeks (like early June or late August), when prices tend to dip.
Set up price alerts with tools like Google Flights or Hopper (<– link includes referral code for 10% off hotels!), and consider being flexible with your destination. Letting the best deals guide your trip can lead to unexpected adventures and serious savings.
2. Choose Free or Low-Cost Destinations
Not every vacation needs to be a big-ticket trip. There are plenty of destinations where families can enjoy nature, explore local culture, or attend community events without spending much at all.
Look for:
- National and state parks – many offer free entrance days in the summer
- Beaches, lakes, and rivers – check for free access points
- Local festivals or free outdoor concerts
- Free community events – check local media outlets for summer markets and other free family activities
Some of the best budget family summer travel experiences come from slowing down and enjoying the simple things!
3. Consider Driving Instead of Flying
If you’re not traveling too far, a road trip can save hundreds (or even thousands) of dollars compared to plane tickets for the whole family. You’ll also dodge baggage fees and have more control over snacks, pit stops, and nap schedules. Bonus: your kids will get to see the journey unfold, not just the destination. You never know what you might find along the way!
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4. Use Points and Loyalty Programs
If you’ve been collecting credit card points or belong to airline and hotel loyalty programs, now is the time to put them to good use. Travel rewards can cover flights, hotel stays, or car rentals, taking a big chunk out of your overall cost.
Even if you haven’t used these programs before, it’s not too late to start. Sign up for free hotel and airline loyalty accounts for yourself and even for your kids if allowed! Some flexible travel credit cards also offer sign-up bonuses that can be redeemed quickly. The sooner you start, the sooner you can use rewards on your budget family summer travel.
5. Be Smart About Where You Stay
Hotels with pools and breakfast buffets are fun, but sometimes vacation rentals give you more value—especially for families. Look for places with a kitchen or kitchenette so you can prep simple meals, and prioritize space to spread out (and let toddlers play!).
Bonus tip: Staying just outside a city center can mean lower prices and a quieter environment, perfect for families with young kids. Just make sure transit or parking options are convenient. And if you are only passing through a city, we recommend finding somewhere just past the city to spend the night. That way you don’t have to worry about inbound traffic the next morning.
6. Travel Light to Save on Fees
Checked bags, extra suitcases, and overweight luggage can add up quickly, especially when flying with a family. Traveling light not only saves money on fees, but also makes getting around easier, especially with young kids. Pack versatile clothes, share toiletries, and consider laundry options at your destination.
7. Pack with Purpose and Skip the Extras
Avoid last-minute purchases and surprise charges by packing strategically. Bring plenty of snacks, refillable water bottles, and small toys or activities to keep kids happy en route.
Some items worth packing to avoid rental fees:
- Car seat (if you will be using a rental car)
- Inflatable booster seat or travel high chair
- White noise machine (or app)
- Stroller or baby carrier suited for your destination
8. Save on Food Without Cutting Fun
Food can be one of the biggest busters of budget family summer travel, especially when you’re feeding a whole family on the go. But eating well and saving money don’t have to be mutually exclusive.
Here’s how:
- Book stays with kitchens or free breakfast
- Do simple grocery runs for snacks, drinks, and easy meals
- Picnic in local parks (bonus: it gives kids space to run around!)
- Look for local specialties – often times, they are super affordable
When you keep food simple, you free up more budget for activities you’ll all remember.
9. Hunt for Local Deals and Discounts
People often miss out on savings simply because they don’t know where to look. Check local tourism websites for coupons at museums and attractions. Apps like Groupon or CityPASS can offer bundled discounts for families.
Before your trip, check if your local library offers museum passes or partnerships that give you free or discounted entry to places at your destination.
10. Travel with Other Families and Split Costs
Group travel can mean shared fun and shared expenses. If you’re close with another family, consider teaming up for a vacation rental where you can split costs on lodging, groceries, and even babysitting.
My mother used to plan our summer trips with another family. As kids, we had built-in playmates, and my mom had another adult to help with daily logistics. Just make sure to set expectations and boundaries up front to keep things smooth. You will learn a lot about the others over the course of your trip!
Down to the Bottom Line of Budget Family Summer Travel
You don’t need a massive budget to make magical summer memories with your kids. With a little planning and a few savvy strategies, budget family summer travel can be just as fun, comfortable, and rewarding as any five-star getaway.
So go ahead—grab your calendar, start scouting deals, and picture your family enjoying a well-deserved adventure this summer… without the stress of overspending!
Want to know more about saving money on food while traveling? Look no further!