Budgeting a Family Vacation

A family vacation is on your agenda for this summer. Maybe you have determined that your family will need to be more cost-conscious because of the poor economy. This is an understandable approach, but why not make the recession work in your favor? Look for discounts and package deals specific to your vacation destination. A well-managed budget will ensure you and your family will have a lot of fun, and get the most value from your trip.

• Destination Somewhere. Wherever you decide to take your family on vacation, you are bound to find some cash-saving deals either through online websites or a travel agent connected to your destination. Search for discounts relating to hotels, resorts, airlines, rental cars, cruise lines, and attractions, on an a la carte or combo-package basis.
• Saving as a Plan. For those who like to plan far in advance, you can plan to set aside some money each month that will be used exclusively for vacation expenses. If you are looking at saving for 6 to 8 months, the vacation fund could be end up with an attractive sum come trip time.
• Hotels, Resorts, and Villas. Take a look at the lodging options available at your destination. Compare the savings offered through package deals at hotels and resorts, but also consider looking at villas or home rentals which may be more economical and spacious for larger families.
• Airfare Watch. If you will need to fly to your vacation spot, take advantage of the various web-based airfare watchers that can help you locate the best fare. Include primary airline websites in your search because sometimes they will offer the lowest fare. Often, airlines will post their lower fares or special fares available for a limited time period on Tuesday evenings. Also, you can keep fares lower by considering Wednesday or Thursday departures, and flights departing during non-peak hours.
• Renting a Vehicle to Get Around. Compare rates for all car rental agencies at your destination. Some will offer upgrade specials or discounts. Also, it is usually much cheaper to get a weekly rate rather than a daily rate. While most rental companies include unlimited mileage in your contract, some do not, so make sure the one you choose includes it. It is usually recommended to book your rental car prior to arrival. Include in your budget an allotment for gas based on an estimation of how much driving you believe you be doing.
• Food for Thought. Planning for food expenses may be one of your largest budget items. Many hotels and resorts offer meal plans at special rates, as well as 'Kids eat Free' programs for children under a specific age. If theme parks are on your itinerary as daytime excursions, consider packing a carry-all bag with water, sandwiches, and snacks to keep money from flying out of your pocket. When your vacation destination does not involve amusement parks, think about packing a picnic lunch each day and enjoy it in a local park. Make a stop at the Visitors' Center because quite often they provide discount coupon books that are good for local dining.
• All the Fun Stuff. Whether you will be visiting theme parks, museums, zoos, or other fun spots, check their individual websites. You can typically save money by booking tickets in advance, instead of paying full-price at the entrance. It is possible they may even have web-only specials that may include special exhibits or shows. You family can also save on souvenirs by looking at tourist shops in town, as opposed to buying higher-priced items at the venues' gift shops.
• Budget for Extras. Let us face it, there are times you just cannot account for everything to include in your vacation budget. That is okay, if you include a miscellaneous category in your budget, and set aside an amount for unplanned expenses. So, when the unexpected expense occurs, it will not hurt your wallet as much if you had not taken the time to plan ahead.