4 Smart Ways to Save On Your Next Family Vacation

By Guest Author Erin Gifford

Are you looking for new ways to save money on your next family vacation? Whether you’re traveling to Walt Disney World or the beach, there are many things you can do to maximize your savings. Here are four smart ways to save on your next family vacation.

1. Find Discounts for Attractions
Are you planning to visit a fun attraction, such as an amusement park, waterpark, zoo, or aquarium? The problem with attractions is that they can really get costly, especially if you’re traveling with a lot of people. Doing a little research ahead of time can help you save money. Check for online coupons through sites like Groupon. You may also want to see if any of the attractions you’re interested in visiting offer discounts during twilight hours or on certain days of the week.  

2. Get Your Next Flight for Free
If you’re planning to fly to your next vacation destination, it’s possible to fly entirely for free. However, you’ll need to start preparing ahead of time. You can sign up for credit cards that offer frequent flyer miles and use them to make purchases throughout the year. Once you’ve accrued enough rewards, you’ll be able to cash in your miles and points for free tickets. You may want to check out RewardExpert to set up a customized plan to make the most of your airline rewards.

3. Book Your Hotel Early to Save Money
It’s ideal to book your hotel as early as possible. Many resorts and hotels offer early-bird discounts, which could help you save money on your room. However, it is possible that rates could drop as your trip gets closer. Keep an eye out for reduced rates and consider rebooking your hotel as your trip gets closer. One site to try is Room 77, which lists room rates for each hotel across various booking sites.

4. Rebook Your Car Rental to Get a Cheaper Price
If you’re planning to rent a car when you’re traveling, you may want to consider checking for discounts up until the week of your trip. Most rental companies will allow you to rebook your car rental at the last minute without a penalty. To make sure that you’re taking advantage of any discounts that come your way, check out AutoSlash. This service searches multiple rental companies in the area to find lower prices and rebooks your car rental to ensure that you’re getting the best rate possible.

These are just four of the things you can do to save money on your next family vacation. Regardless of where you’re traveling to, there are plenty of ways you can save money on your trip!

Erin Gifford is a mother of four who looks up and down for ways to save money on travel for her big family. She has a family travel blog, Kidventurous, which was recently selected as a top family travel resource by Parents magazine.