A Dozen Money Saving Travel Tips for Family Travel

June is a busy month for family travel.  The school year is ending, graduations and wedding are rife, and a lot of families choose to travel in June before those dog days of summers. 

Traveling with the family is different than traveling on a business trip.  It requires a different balancing of needs and preferences.  And there’s no expense account, so planning will be required to maximize the value on your vacation dollars.

Here are some tips to help you save money and time on your family travel:

1. Look for discounted admission coupons.  They’re everywhere!  Travel magazines, online, from your hotel, in travel guidebooks, in travel literature kiosks, and from AAA.  Saving a couple dollars here and there adds up!
2. Look for FREE or “pay what you want” admission days at museums.  There is usually at least one day a month that offers free admission.  Planning around a FREE day, can save a bundle.
3. Some museums and other exhibits have a “suggested donation” for an admission fee.  Many people don’t realize that “suggested” means it’s up to you to decide what to “donate” for your admission fee.  While I’m a big proponent of making a fair contribution, let your conscience be your guide about what you can afford to “donate.”
4. If you’re traveling with a brood, compare prices for renting a condo vs.  hotel prices, especially if you’re going to be in one place for a week or longer.  Many times the condo will prove to be the better value, giving you multiple bedrooms and kitchen facilities.
5. Stuck checking in with the office while the kids are off playing?  Be sure to factor in internet access charges into the cost of your hotel room.  I’ve seen this charge run from about $10 up to $25 per day, which quickly adds to the bottom line of a hotel bill.  Most mid-range chain hotels have lots of free amenities to offer.  It may not be your hotel of choice on a business trip, but it’s perfect for a family vacation.
6. Don’t rent a car unless you absolutely need to.  Many hotels charge a daily parking fee, sometimes nearing $25/day.  Don’t get stuck with a car rental and parking bill when all you need is transportation to and from the airport.  A shuttle for a family of four might seem expensive, but actually be a more economical option.
7. Make sure the kids know that the mini bar is not an option.  Buy snacks and beverages from a local market and keep them in the room for snack attacks.  Mini bars are a dark hotel that suck money out of your wallet.
8. Use public transportation.  Subways, buses, trains, etc., are all part of the travel experience.  Make it fun.  And avoid unnecessary transportation costs all together, and save time and frustration too, by grouping your activities by geographical area.
9. Mom and Dad need to keep in touch with the office, your son has to keep in touch with his girlfriend, and your daughter has to share every detail of the vacation with her BFF.  Cell phone minutes can easily surpass what your plan may allow.  Keep track of your phone time and avoid overage charges.  Even better, use your free internet access to use Skype and phone for free.
10. If you’ll be going to a resort or remote area, set up packing lists for everyone at home, so that necessities don’t get left behind.  Sunglasses, sun screen, toothpaste, deodorant, aspirin — you’ll pay a premium for these items at a hotel or airport. 
11. Ask for a refrigerator in your room.  Some hotels provide this free of charge, others have a small surcharge.  If you take medication that requires refrigeration, be sure to specify that when making your request.  Most hotels waive the charge then.
12. Be flexible.  While it’s nice to have a list of “must-do” things, don’t get so stuck to a list that you forget to enjoy the simple things.  A beautiful sunset or sunrise, a neighborhood festival, a street performance, a walk on the beach — these things are all free, but you’ll miss them if you’re stuck on checking things off a list.  Enjoy your time together.  Look, laugh, enjoy!  What a great life lesson for the family — sometimes the best things in life really are free.

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