If you’re looking for a memorable holiday without the price tag, you’re in the right place. We all want our family vacations to be affordable but that’s easier said than done when your pay for plane tickets, visas and excursions. Read on for Globelink’s top money saving tips!
1. Get the most from the web
There’s tons of information on the internet about how to cheapen your family vacations; numerous tips of when to book plane tickets, which hotel comparison site to use, how to pack to avoid extra charges for baggage weight, cheapest seasons and so on. Search engines can be a lifesaver when it comes to saving a few pennies so spend a bit of time researching.
2. Consider travelling by motorhome
This is especially a good idea if you have kids. A lot of the time small children can’t tell the difference between and expensive holiday and a budget vacation and they will love this adventure. So renting a motorhome and having a great adventure together is a good idea for families. You’ll save on hotels and expensive public transport as well as having all freedom you need to stop where you like, to go as far as you want. Many cities have special motorhome camping in the outskirts where you can have additional facilities and a chance to communicate with other motorhome travellers. Remember: a trip like this will take a lot of planning, so take out motorhome owners insurance to stay on the safe side.
3. Visit destinations off the beaten path
Pick a vacation spot that is not so popular with tourists. Besides avoiding crowds and queues for photos and excursions, you won’t have to deal with insanely high prices. Less travelled destinations are not less beautiful and they are more likely to surprise you. In addition, travel before or after peak tourist seasons for the same reason.
4. Go home swapping
Find another family abroad and swap houses with them. This gives you a chance to know one another in advance, to talk out the details, to give each other valuable insider tips as to what to see and where to eat, and finally, you won’t have to pay for the accommodation. Alternatively, try Couchsurfing which works practically the same way but you’ll be hosted by the foreigners themselves. Live with locals, see how they live and what they do, make new friends and save money. Please be aware of the potential dangers of letting out your home to strangers so make sure you go through the proper channels if you are interested in this.
5. Choose destinations within driving distance
This rule works perfectly for trips both abroad and within your home country. Why spend money on plane flights if you can sit comfortably in you your car, rented car or motorhome and drive wherever you want with whatever stops you want to make along the way. This is the chance to see and enjoy the surroundings rather than staring at the inside of a plane.