This post may contain affiliate links. This means if you click on the link and purchase the item, I will receive an affiliate commission at no extra cost to you. All opinions remain my own.
Whether it’s a visit to one of the best beaches in the world or just a family trip to the closest coast, you should have a budget for your family vacation. You need to price out your vacation in order to avoid unnecessary spending. The following are the major components of a family vacation that you need to price out before embarking on kid-friendly trips to beaches or any other tourist-friendly vacation spots.
#1: Transportation
It’s not a vacation if you don’t transport. Driving is generally the least expensive mode of transportation, especially with children in tow. If you’ve decided your destination is going to be reached by driving, be sure to get your tires and oil checked before take-off. Gas prices range from town to town so visit a gas price website that helps determine how much gas per gallon in the towns that fall into your quest.
If you’re flying to your destination, booking early is one of the best possible ways to price out your transport fares. There are potential last-minute travel specials including flight deals but keep in mind they come with some tricky restrictions. If you have a child under the age of 2, flying is going to be your best friend as they fly free with most airlines. Today, we have to count, measure and weigh our baggage. Check with your airline on how much extra they charge for additional baggage.
If you are flying, be sure to check to see if Uber or Lyft is offered at your destination. Research the rideshare reputation in that area just to be on the safe side.
#2: Accommodation
Your budget on accommodation will depend on your preference, hence the price you will pay will vary from modest to extravagant. Consider the availability of the basics when pricing out accommodations for your family vacation; this includes safety, cleanliness, and whether it’s all-inclusive. Do not cheat on safety- ever. Read reviews from several sources online. If there are more negative reviews than positive, let go of that location as an option.
If you have scored yourself an amazing deal on a hotel or resort, do not let that fool you entirely. Be mindful of any parking, valet and other hidden costs that can creep up your bill. For example, you may find a splendid deal on a four-star hotel but as soon as you pull up, you have no choice but to valet and guess how much the valet costs? $40 a day! Those little tricks can cost you money that you would otherwise want to spend on other fun things.
If an all-inclusive resort or hotel is not in your budget, you can always resort to a charming bed & breakfast or Airbnb. Keep in mind that most bed and breakfast locations are not as kid-friendly as resorts and you are dealing with a mini business and things can get stuffy that way.
#3: Dining
After accommodation and flight, meals are the third most important component of a family vacation. costs of meals will generally depend on your travel destination, but a mix of local and modern restaurants is one of the best ways to price your vacation meals.
Some resorts charge $10 for a bagel and cream cheese. It’s important to find a resort that provides delicious cuisine. There is nothing worse than paying money for the food that’s really not that good and there are dozens of resorts that do this.
If you have your heart set on a destination but you know the food is not all that great, locate a local grocery store and pick up a few items there.
Shopping is one component of a family vacation that should depend solely on your budget. This means you need to have a budget and must be aware of the currency exchange rates of the country, and change yours to local currencies in order not to spend beyond your budget. Make sure you pay cash before paying by credit or debit card if you are conscious of your budget on shopping.