How to Plan an Affordable yet Epic Family Vacation

Decide on Your Budget

The first step is deciding how much you want to spend on your family vacation. Come up with a budget that works for your finances - don't overextend yourself, but have enough set aside to cover the activities and experiences you want. Keep in mind costs like airfare, hotel, food, entertainment, etc.

Pick Your Destination

Once you know your budget, research locations and resorts that fit both your price range and your family's interests. Do you want a beach vacation or to explore a new city? What climate do you prefer? What activities does your family enjoy - museums, hiking, theme parks? Narrow down destinations based on budget, weather, and things to see and do.

Choose Your Lodging

Your accommodation sets the tone for your entire trip. Look for family-friendly hotels that won't break the bank. All-inclusive resorts bundle food, activities, and more into one nightly rate, but you lose out on immersing yourselves into the local culture. Vacation rentals like Airbnbs offer home-like amenities and give you more control over your budget for food and entertainment.

Factor In Food Costs

Food is typically one of the biggest travel expenses. All-inclusive resorts provide most meals, so you won't have to budget as much for dining out. Otherwise, look up average meal costs at restaurants. For affordable family dining, apartments and vacation rentals allow you to cook quick breakfasts and easy dinners.

Book Your Flights

Once you decide on a destination and lodging, buy plane tickets for your dates. Be flexible with departures and return dates, and check alternate nearby airports to score the best fares. Use flight search engines like Skyscanner and Google Flights to compare options across airlines and times. Consider budget carriers if you pack light.

Research Family Discounts

Many hotels, flights, tours, and attractions offer discounted rates for children under 12 or free admissions for kids under 5. Museums, zoos, and more have family tickets to cap costs. Build these money-saving options into your budget.

There you have it - decide your budget, pick a family-friendly destination, find the right hotel, account for food costs, book flights, and score family deals. Following these steps will help you choose an amazing vacation package everyone will enjoy!