15 Tips to Save Money on Vacation: Food, Fun & Freebies

The official first day of summer will be here soon, and if you are planning a vacation, you probably have finalized your plans and are eagerly counting down the days. Upon arrival at your destination, vacation mode can kick in quickly. You start spending money on things you don't normally do, like eating out more frequently and paying high prices for expensive attractions. From food to fun, here are 15 money-saving tips & discount ideas to help you save on your next vacation.

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*Originally published in  2016; latest update May, 2024.

​Tips to Save Money on Food While On Vacation

From the four dollar water bottle in the airport, to the expensive restaurant breakfast, it’s easy to blow through a vacation food budget pretty quickly. A few nights eating out, or overspending at the grocery store to stock up your rental can quickly add up.  Here are a few suggestions to help you save money, including how to save money on food while staying at hotels.  
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1. Restaurant kids’ menus have gotten a bit healthier since my kids were young, but in many cases still have limited offerings. Consider splitting a full size meal among two or three light eaters; you’ll have more choices and generally options will be healthier for kids. Plus it avoids the problem of food waste by not having leftovers. Substitute water for soda or juice, which can often save a family of five over $10 when eating out. 

2. Stock up on breakfast foods and snacks to keep on hand in your hotel room. Items like fruit bars, single-serve cereal boxes, cheese sticks, fruit, and refillable water bottles are easy to stash in a small cooler or backpack. Bring your own cooler if you are driving to your destination. Carry refillable water bottles and take advantage of water-filling stations now found at many hotels (we discovered there are often water coolers in hotel gyms). If you must buy bottled water,  try the larger gallon of water at the grocery store with refillable bottles, and figure out how to recycle the container when done.

3. Unless you are in a hotel with free breakfast or a rental home with a kitchen, skip the expensive restaurant breakfast. Remind yourself how fun it is to eat cereal out of one of those small, cardboard boxes. Or designate one or two mornings to enjoy breakfast at a local restaurant or make a run to your favorite donut shop. 

4. Change it up and eat a combination late lunch/early dinner. Take advantage of early bird or happy hour specials before 5:30 or 6 p.m., especially on weekdays. Consider small plates to share as a light dinner and a way to try new dishes. 

​5. Consider staying in a vacation rental rather than a hotel. Besides more room to spread out, having a kitchen can help save a ton of money on food. We’ve stayed in rentals in big cities and in the mountains, using a site like VRBO, and had wonderful experiences, including a rental on the beautiful island of St. John with gorgeous views!  Another option is to look for hotels like the Tropical Beach Resorts in Siesta Key, Florida, which offer outdoor eating areas with grills and tables. This provides you with even more dining options, in case you want to pick up carry out or pizza and enjoy a relaxing meal outside with room for the kids to run.

Read: 6 Reasons We Enjoy Vacation Home Rentals for Family Travel

​Tips to Save Money on Vacation Fun

If you’ve ever gone to an amusement park, museum or aquarium, you know that attraction tickets can be expensive, especially for larger families for multiple days. Here are some ways to save:

6. Stop at your local warehouse store or AAA office. In the past, we’ve purchased discounted attraction tickets from a local Costco warehouse in California and a AAA office in Florida. It’s definitely worth the extra time, but always call ahead to see what is available.

7. Don’t be afraid to ask if there are any discounts offered for students, military, or seniors (if you are traveling with multi-generations). Some attractions offer a family pack for more than 4 people. 

8. Find out where the locals hang out. Take advantage of outdoor events and music during the warmer months. Do a little research ahead of time to find out what special events might be happening during your vacation. Many small towns have jumped on the First Friday bandwagon, a lively tradition with music, food, and other outdoor entertainment. 

9. Check into CityPASS if you are planning to spend a few days in one of the 15 CityPASS destinations in the US. While it may seem expensive to shell out all the money up front, if you are planning to visit the attractions that are included, you will save money.

Save up to 50% on combined prices for admission to must-see attractions! Shop Now at CityPASS.com!

​10. With the volume of streaming services available online, it’s easy to find  entertainment on the road or for a rainy day. Many hotels and rentals have smart TV’s which allow you to access your streaming services; just make sure you remember to log out when you are done. Find cheap entertainment for a road trip by renting movies at a Redbox kiosk in one location, and dropping it off in the next! Set up the Libby app before you go and download free audio books from your local library.

How To Find Discounts, Deals & Freebies Before and During Vacation

11. Sign up for emails from a company like Travelzoo. Check into online shopping deals, such as Capital One Shopping. We have used it to earn cash back when booking hotels and rental properties. Use the Hopper app to track price trends for airline tickets. Credit card deals that offer hefty bonus points for signing up are one way to reduce the cost of airline tickets. Just be sure to read the terms and conditions carefully.

12. Take advantage of special days where admission is waived at parks or attractions.  Every year, the National Park Service offers fee-free admission days, or, if you have a 4th grader in the house, take advantage of the “Every Kid in a Park” program to get a free National Park pass. Read our national parks resources for more information. In addition, many museums often offer local discounts or free entry after certain hours. 

13. Be sure to check out hotel perks like parking and attraction discounts. Parking in big cities like New York and Philadelphia could easily run $50 per day. Consider using an app such as Spot Hero to reserve parking in advance, almost always a cheaper option. Look for hotels with extra benefits if you are visiting theme parks. A past stay at the Loews Royal Pacific Resort in Orlando included Universal Orlando theme park benefits such as early admission and the Universal Express Unlimited ride access. We thought it was well worth the extra dollars for the hotel room. 

14. Consider Free Tours by Foot, which offers pay-what-you-like tours. We've really enjoyed their tours in several cities, including a historic tour in Charleston, South Carolina. Their website also has a number of self-guided tours, including one we used during a visit to Lafayette Cemetery No. 1 in New Orleans.  Or consider visiting a city like Washington, DC, where there are plenty of free museums and outdoor monuments. Explore our Guide to Visiting Washington DC for more tips and ideas for visiting this super family-friendly city. Pinterest is a great place to gather ideas for free things to do at your destination, starting with the familyTravelsUSA Travel Deals and Money Saving Tips board. 

15. Whatever your destination, stop by the visitor center or local shopping center to look for a local coupon book. They often offer restaurant and attraction discounts or information about free, community events. Find out what local transportation options are available. Buses and trains are often a cheaper option to get around town and avoid parking hassles. Some busier destinations like Estes Park in Colorado offer free shuttles around town to discourage driving.

Just remember, no matter where you go, watching the sunrise or sunset is always free!

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