12 Ways to Travel with Kids and Not Break the Bank

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Last Updated:Aug 07, 2024

12 Ways to Travel with Kids and Not Break the Bank

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Family travel can feel like an overwhelming endeavor, both in terms of logistics and cost. As a parent, you want to provide your children with enriching experiences and unforgettable memories without draining your savings. Fortunately, it's entirely possible to embark on family adventures that are both fun and budget-friendly.

Traveling with kids on a budget doesn’t mean compromising on the quality of your experience. Affordable family vacations are about creating cherished moments through thoughtful planning, smart budgeting, and a spirit of adventure. After a decade of working for TripAdvisor, these are my tried-and-true travel tips for family vacations.

In this article

1. Stay at a hotel with free amenities

One thing any parent knows is how quickly all the little expenses add up. And one thing that has always confounded me is why I have to pay for WiFi at an expensive hotel when a budget property will give it to me for free. When it comes to traveling with kids, it’s all about the free amenities: free breakfast and free internet can easily save a family $30 to $40 a day. An extra $80 during a weekend getaway could be used to enter an attraction. Stay for a week, and the extra $210 to $280 covers a night in the hotel and then some.

2. Check your credit cards

There may be deals you are missing out on without even knowing it. Your credit card may come with various travel perks for you and the whole family. For example, Bank of America cardholders (including debit cardholders) have access to free museums on the first weekend of the month, including the Chicago Art Institute, the Museum of Fine Art in Boston, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. Others may offer discounts for family members who aren’t cardholders. Take a look at the benefits your cards offer and take advantage of them.

3. Cash in on rewards

Speaking of credit cards, if you are not using a rewards card, you should be. Credit cards offering 2:1 points and miles for simply shopping at the grocery store and dining can help you get free nights at hotels and a free flight. If you research, you’ll find even more rewards for purchasing flights and hotels on your card, from 5 to 10:1 earnings. One of the best credit cards for rewards is the Chase Sapphire line, which gives you the freedom to earn points for any hotel or airline. Just make sure when you use the card to make purchases that you pay the balance off each month so you don’t incur interest and negate your earnings.

Related: The Best Hotel Credit Cards Offering Travel Rewards

4. Book in advance

Booking in advance is easier said than done in our busy world, but anyone who travels understands airfare climbs the closer to the dates you want to travel. Plus, airlines watch school schedules in your state to know when spring break and other school breaks take place to raise the rates. Getting in early will save you, but not only on the airfare. These days, airlines only offer free seating selection in the rear of the plane. If those free seats go to someone who booked ahead, you’ll be left with two choices: Be at the mercy of the airlines to attempt to seat your family together (horrible!) or purchase seat assignments in advance, which can climb over $100 on certain airlines, flights, and seats. Book ahead to ensure you are seated together and save money. Many airlines have changed their policies to make changing flights easier and without charging fees if you need to schedule your trip.

Bonus tip: Be wary of budget airlines advertising low-cost fares. These drip-pricing scams (yes, I said it) lure you in, but because they don’t include baggage (including even a backpack!), seat selections, or earlier boarding to help you get all your carryons on the plane, you’ll discover the price can sometimes double by the time you are through. If you see a price that is too good to be true, check the same flight on a larger carrier like Delta, which often includes those “extras” in the price, and compare the final prices before booking.

5. Turn to Groupon

Sites like Groupon and Living Social offer discounts on dining and attractions but you don’t need to use them just in your hometown. If you’re going away, search the sites for specials in the destination in which you will travel and you may find meals and attractions at 2 for 1. On a trip I took to Oahu, a Groupon search presented a half-price underwater Snuba adventure. Besides saving me $35 per person, it introduced me to a travel experience that I had never even thought to look to do.

6. Visit destination websites

Visitors’ bureaus have websites filled with fantastic information on what to see and do in their ‘hood. They also list hotels, restaurants and shops, oftentimes providing discounts to all on their websites. If you forget to do this before you go, the same bureaus may have printed discounts available found at local hotels and websites. You can typically find 10% off or kids’ eat free deals.

7. Carry-on

Except for those dog-gone budget airlines charging for carry-ons (thank you, Southwest, for continuing to offer free checked and carry-on bags!), each passenger traveling gets to bring a personal item as well as a carry-on. It may sound like an oxymoron to pack light with small kids, but it is possible, and each child can bring a carry-on. Perhaps they cannot wheel it through the airport themselves, but if you can manage multiple bags, you can bring them aboard for each member of your party – stow it under the seats in front of the kids since their feet don't touch the floor.

Bonus tip: The carry-on doesn’t have to be kid-sized; it just has to be a standard carry-on. Skip those cute little kid packs and use adult-sized bags and you’ll fit more for your family trip.

8. Stay at a hotel or Airbnb with kitchenettes

While I certainly can spend more than $100 on a dinner for two at a nice restaurant with a bottle of wine, meals with kids can be chaotic and quick. It’s not about the ambience; they are just hungry and need to be fed. All. The. Time. And how often do they actually finish what they order? That’s why a hotel with a kitchenette comes in handy. When the kids wake you at the crack of dawn, you can give them some milk and cereal while you shower and dress. When you take a break for naptime, the kitchenette can have snacks at the ready for when they wake up (snacks out can run you $5 dollars versus what you pick up at the local store). And those leftovers can be refrigerated and reheated so they don’t go to waste. Even better? Keep a bottle of something to enjoy when the kids conk out.

Related: 12 Grand Hotels for Getting Away from It All

9. Use AAA

I remember my grandparents using AAA and Trip Tiks with maps detailed with road trip routes. It may seem old-fashioned, but without the printed road maps, AAA not only provides roadside assistance for your travels to give you peace of mind when doing a big drive but also comes with a plethora of discounts to make travel more cost-effective. Members get savings on hotel rooms, dining, attractions, theme parks, and shopping. When traveling with kids, the minimum $65 membership pays for itself in rewards and can save you lots of money.

10. Watch for "kids-free” deals

Resorts and others know the money is where the parents are, which is why they may offer kids-stay-and-eat-free deals. Yes, they are giving you something free in hopes you'll spend more money but you can really save with these. This promotion is especially popular with Caribbean resorts such as Atlantis in the Bahamas or all-inclusive family-friendly resorts in Mexico. Amtrak also often runs promotions for kids 15 and younger to travel free by train when traveling with a parent.

11. Go for that all-inclusive package

All-inclusive resorts may seem more expensive and perhaps that is because you see the price upfront. Instead of being nickeled and dimed, an all-inclusive vacation allows you to budget. When you arrive at your resort, all meals, activities and the room are covered. You won’t have to say “no” to the kids and they can eat all-day if they wanted in the buffet. Try that at, say a Disney hotel where you wear the handy-dandy MagicBand and you’ll find yourself with a big bill at the end of the trip, especially if you've given your child free reign on snacks.

Related: The Cost of Raising a Child, State by State

12. Travel in the off-season

There is a reason travel is more expensive in the summer and during major holidays: Everyone is doing it. Attractions and hotels slash prices once school resumes, with the deepest discounts found in October, early December and January. If you have young preschool-aged children, this is your moment. It gets more difficult as the kids get older, but it can be done if it's not a regular thing. Even taking a long weekend and missing a few school days may be feasible. When a stay at Disney is discounted by 25 to 35%, taking some homework on the plane may be worth it. And almost as good as saving money is having national parks, campsites, and top sites in Europe and Asia for yourselves. (Okay, maybe not entirely, but far less crowded than in the heat of summer.)

FAQs

What is the ideal age to travel with kids?

The ideal age to travel with kids varies, but many find that school-age children (6-12 years) are the best age. At this stage, kids are more independent, adaptable, and can appreciate and remember the trip experiences. They are also easier to manage compared to toddlers and can participate in a wider range of activities.

Do airlines offer discounts to kids?

Yes, many airlines offer discounts for children, although the specifics can vary. Infants under two years old often fly for free or at a reduced rate if they sit on a parent's lap. Some airlines provide discounted fares for children aged 2-11, which can range from small percentage discounts to more significant savings. Additionally, certain airlines have family travel programs that offer special deals for families traveling together. Enrolling children in frequent flyer programs can also help accrue miles and points for future travel discounts.

How can I save on food when traveling with kids?

To save on food when traveling with kids, book accommodations with kitchens to prepare your own meals and pack snacks from home to avoid buying expensive ones on the go. Explore local markets and street food for affordable and authentic dining experiences. Choose places that offer free breakfast to start the day off right and consider having picnics in parks for cost-effective meals.