Family time around here is pretty important to us. With busy schedules between my husband’s job in the military, me running my own business and our children’s social/activities schedules busier than our own, it’s important for us to break away every now and then for some downtime together.
Although we budget for yearly family vacations, we try to go on few smaller trips each year. It’s something we love to do together. We see new places, visit some of our favorites and just to get away! But with anything, it cost money. But it doesn’t have to break the bank. You do not have to spend a lot of money to have a memorable family getaway. Simplicity at it’s best and I promise the little ones will remember these moments and isn’t that what it’s all about?
Here are 5 ways you can go on a family getaway on a budget:
- Find a place you want to visit and sign up for their newsletters. Most resorts, hotels, etc. all have newsletters and in most newsletters there is always an offer in there for a discounted night or weekend. Take advantage of it! I have friends who do this for places like Great Wolf Lodge all the time! Or if you are a first responder, military or teacher, many places offer some awesome discounts (including GWL!). No matter where you book, always ask about their specials or what kind of discounts they offer, it never hurts to ask!
- Camping!! Probably the most budget friendly of all getaways. Camping is super cheap and you can buy tents on Amazon now for $70ish! Bonus points, you can camp out in the backyard and the kids will feel like they are away. You don’t have to go too far to camp depending on where you live. I live in Virginia Beach and live 25 minutes from First Landing. Camping on the beach?! Yes please! Or you can explore far from home, options are endless. If you aren’t a tent person, lots of campgrounds have cheap cabins you can rent. We just did this at Yogi Bear’s Jellystone Park in Luray (pics below) and we had the BEST time! Total side note: I do highly recommend this place for a cheap, easy family getaway!
- Airbnb – You can save a lot of money by using Airbnb. If you are unfamiliar with Airbnb, you can rent a room for a night or a villa for a week from people all over the world. Choose a city you want to go and browse their site and places available. I do recommend using someone who has good feedback, as with any place you visit.
- Join frequent traveler programs. I legit have accounts with anywhere I visit or stay at if they offer it. We became Marriott Rewards members a couple years ago and make a point to stay at a Marriott if accessible when we travel, in return we get free nights, discounted rooms, etc. just like airlines who do miles programs (I suggest them too!) Most hotels offer programs like this as well. Who doesn’t love free stuff?
- Visit friends and family in other places. YESSS, this probably should of been my number one but not everyone has family and friends in other places. Although, I am sure most do. This is a two-for-one. You get to visit a different state or city, have a getaway with your family AND get to visit with your loved ones. This is my favorite and we do this quite often. Even though you are visiting, you are still away and getting that QT in with the ones you love.
Getting away with your family doesn’t have to break the bank. Try using some of these tips when looking for a budget friendly getaway. I’d love to hear how some of you save on family vacations!
And I am sharing some pics from our most recent getaway over spring break up in Luray. My sister and her boyfriend met us too and we had many, many laughs and good times…on the cheap. Happy traveling, friends!
