4 Ways to Make Family Holidays More Budget-Friendly

Travel Tips | RV Lifestyle

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Need a vacation but wondering how you can afford it? Here are our tips for saving money on family holidays.

Going on vacation is important for families. Children need a break from school, and adults need to get away from work and their everyday lives and get some rest.

Of course, this is often easier said than done, especially since many families may struggle to afford family holidays. Luckily, you can do a few things to make family holidays more budget-friendly, and we’re here to share some of them. So, if you have a large family and are looking for tips on saving money when you go on holiday, you’ve come to the right place!

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Travel in an RV

RVs aren’t cheap, so buying one will be a big expense. However, you will save a lot of money in the long run. You won’t need to pay for plane tickets, accommodations, or meals on a family holiday because your RV will have transport, beds, and a kitchen. Plus, it’s super convenient to pack up and go on holiday whenever possible.

If you’re unsure whether this is the best fit for your family, you can always try renting one before committing to buying one. By arranging an RV rental, you’ll have a chance to hit the road on vacation and get a feel for what it’s like to live in a tiny space but with more amenities than you find when camping.

An RV is a big investment upfront but can save you money in the long run.

If you do decide to take an RV trip, consider these RV trips for families.

Go Camping for Your Family Holidays

RVs are incredibly convenient and can be luxurious, but as mentioned, they are also quite costly.

If you and your family don’t mind roughing it a bit, another affordable option is to camp. Of course, a minivan is a suitable alternative if you want something between camping and an RV. Just be sure that you know how to take care of it properly. For example, you may need to look into how to reset ABS lights on a caravan.

A great tip for saving money on family holidays is to take a cooler filled with treats and the essentials for a picnic lunch. It’s a great way to save money, and kids love eating outside. We also recommend that you pack plenty of healthy protein snacks for kids.

You can pack up the minivan and head out for a camping trip. Photo by ASphotowed via iStock by Getty Images

Consider a Time-Share Option for Family Holidays

Timeshares, vacation clubs, or similar options can also be great ways to save money. Usually, you can either pay a set amount each month and then receive accommodations at a resort for a certain period each year, or you can join a loyalty program and earn points to spend on your next holiday.

You will need to evaluate which option is best for you. For families, a great one to consider is the Disney Vacation Club. If you are already a DVC member and want to check out new options, you can explore how to sell Disney Vacation Club memberships and upgrade your options.

Are you a Hilton Grand Vacation Club member and are wondering how many points you need to book a Hilton timeshare resort? We recommend using this detailed points chart for HGVC resort to help plan your next timeshare vacation.

Split Your Family Holidays with More People

If you can’t afford a vacation with your family alone, you can always go with other families to split the costs of gas, accommodations, and food.

You can split the costs with another family, grandparents, or a group of friends. Photo by monkeybusinessimages via iStock by Getty Images

For example, you and your partner may know another couple with kids, and if everyone gets along well, the holiday will be more affordable and fun. You can also invite other family members along with you. There are benefits to spending more time with family, so this is something to consider.

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Heading Out on Family Holidays

Now that you have a few ideas about how to find a way to take that long-awaited vacation, do you have any idea where you might want to wander? Check out Wander for some of our favorite family travel suggestions. We also have more travel tips to help you plan your family holidays.

Written by EJ Ray

EJ Ray is a traveler at heart. It is part of her soul and she loves to share her travels through her words. She has traveled the world, seeking great food, wine, and experiences. EJ was born in the Eastern US but has lived across the country and in Europe and Mexico. She also took to the road for a while, exploring from her RV. EJ always seeks the next great sip, bite, and adventure.