Traveling and going on a vacation is an expensive adventure. This is even truer for a family with several children. Oftentimes, vacations get put off because of necessities such as clothing and food. So many people want to take vacation, but do not have the money. Below are five ways you can plan ahead and budget for your next trip so that it will not be so difficult when the time comes to enjoy a vacation and relax.

Plan on a Smaller Budget

Think about going camping in the mountains or taking a trip overnight to the beach. If you plan a smaller budget, it will make saving for that vacation possible. Taking a vacation does not require spending a week away from home. You and the family can have a good time just getting away for a day or two on a much smaller budget.

Keep a Vacation Jar

Find ways to cut your expenses, and add the money you save to your vacation jar. When you keep your vacation jar in a visible location, the family finds it easier and fun to save up for the impending vacation. Children tend to get excited and may even contribute their allowance to the fund. Anytime you find small change, drop it in the jar. Next time you want to go out to eat, order water instead of soda and put the extra money in your vacation fund. Instead of going out to see a movie, watch one at home, and put the extra money you would have spent in that vacation fund. You will be surprised at how much a bit of change can add up over time.

Lodging and Air Tickets

If you are traveling away from home, you want to plan far in advance booking your air travel and hotel accommodations. In most cases, booking far in advance can save you a lot of money. Choose to travel during non-peak days and times to get better deals. On the other hand, if you are traveling during a non-peak time of year, you might be able to book hotel and air reservations at the last-minute. Some hotels and airlines offer special deals to fill up unsold hotel rooms or seats on airplanes. If you can be flexible on your dates of travel, you are going to land a better deal.

Cheaper Accommodations

To cut back on your hotel bill, book a cheaper hotel. Stay somewhere local and out of the main area to save a lot of money. If you are traveling to the beach, a hotel located across the street from the beach as opposed to being right on the beach is going to be a lot cheaper. You might not get a room facing the ocean, but the savings will be worth it.

Save on Transportation

Plan to enjoy the scenery on your vacation by taking a bus, train or coach instead of renting a car or grabbing a taxi. Many places offer discounts for visitors and tourists to travel around for days for one set price.
Being consistent and working with a budget can allow you to take a vacation that the entire family will enjoy without breaking the bank.
 
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Written by Natalie Brooke
Natalie has travelled extensively in the past twelve months to over 30 countries. She uses cash passport cards from Travel Money Oz every time she travels to keep her travel money safe. She prides herself as a thrifty traveller and loves sharing her thrifty practice with her readers.