Making Memories: How to Plan an Affordable Family Vacation for 7
Making Memories: How to Plan an Affordable Family Vacation for 7 - Hidden Gems for Memorable Family Vacations
When planning a family vacation, it's easy to default to the predictable destinations like Disney World or a beach resort. But to create truly memorable experiences, you need to think outside the box. The world is full of hidden gem destinations that are perfect for families looking to get off the beaten path.
One such destination is Banff, Canada. This quaint mountain town in Alberta is surrounded by gorgeous scenery and offers plenty of family-friendly activities. Ride the Banff Gondola up Sulphur Mountain for panoramic views of the Canadian Rockies. Go canoeing or tubing down the Bow River. Take a gondola ride to the top of Whistlers Mountain for epic views (and epic donuts!). Get up close and personal with local wildlife like elk, deer, and bears at the Banff National Park. The best part? Banff offers all this natural splendor at a fraction of the cost of other mountain towns.
For families who love road tripping, the Pacific Northwest is full of hidden gems. Drive down the Oregon Coast stopping to hike coastal trails and admire Haystack Rock. Explore the remote Olympic Peninsula in Washington, home to rugged beaches, rainforests, and hot springs. Or head inland to Eastern Oregon for wide open vistas, stunning canyons, and world-class fishing. Throw in stops at hip food truck pods in Portland and indie coffee shops in Seattle for a quintessential PNW experience.
The Southwest United States also abounds with under the radar destinations for families. In New Mexico, raft the Rio Grande, hike around Bandolier National Monument, and explore Santa Fe's vibrant art scene. Or head to Southern Utah to hike The Narrows in Zion National Park, mountain bike Gooseberry Mesa, and take an ATV through the desert landscape surrounding Moab. These locales deliver big adventure at a fraction of the cost of the Grand Canyon or Yellowstone.
What else is in this post?
- Making Memories: How to Plan an Affordable Family Vacation for 7 - Hidden Gems for Memorable Family Vacations
- Making Memories: How to Plan an Affordable Family Vacation for 7 - Tips for Finding Affordable Flights for a Family of Seven
- Making Memories: How to Plan an Affordable Family Vacation for 7 - Accommodation on a Budget: Finding Family-Friendly Hotels without Breaking the Bank
- Making Memories: How to Plan an Affordable Family Vacation for 7 - Exploring Local Cuisine: Affordable Dining Options for the Whole Family
- Making Memories: How to Plan an Affordable Family Vacation for 7 - Family-Friendly Activities: Fun and Affordable Things to Do on Your Vacation
- Making Memories: How to Plan an Affordable Family Vacation for 7 - Making the Most of Miles and Points: Travel Hacks for Saving on Flights and Hotels
- Making Memories: How to Plan an Affordable Family Vacation for 7 - Planning Ahead: How to Score Discounts on Attractions and Entertainment
- Making Memories: How to Plan an Affordable Family Vacation for 7 - Navigating Transportation: Affordable and Convenient Ways to Get Around
Making Memories: How to Plan an Affordable Family Vacation for 7 - Tips for Finding Affordable Flights for a Family of Seven
Finding affordable flights for a large family can seem like an impossible task. However, with the right strategies, you can travel as a party of seven without breaking the bank. Here are some tips seasoned family travelers swear by:
Making Memories: How to Plan an Affordable Family Vacation for 7 - Accommodation on a Budget: Finding Family-Friendly Hotels without Breaking the Bank
Finding suitable family-friendly hotels that can sleep seven people without costing a small fortune is no easy task. However, savvy parents have developed several strategies for keeping lodging costs low.
First, consider opting for vacation rentals over traditional hotels when traveling with a gaggle of kids in tow. Options like Airbnb, VRBO and HomeAway offer everything from multi-bedroom homes to condos with full kitchens - ideal for families who want extra space and the flexibility to prepare some meals in. Look for properties located within towns or residential neighborhoods rather than resort areas for maximum savings.
When traditional hotels are preferable, focus your search on larger chains known for roomy suites and kid-friendly amenities. Extended Stay America and MainStay Suites top the list with kitchens, separate sleeping areas and pull-out sofas all designed with multi-generational groups in mind. Check individual locations for amenities like indoor pools, fitness rooms and continental breakfasts - perks that boost family value.
For high season trips, book multiple adjoining rooms instead of one large suite which usually carries a higher per-night price. This allows tag-teaming of parents between rooms and gives kids their own space too. Request cribs, rollaways or couch space from the front desk to sleep additional family members without extra bed fees.
Join hotel rewards programs for each member of your family travel party. Even if just signing up with a primary email and adding five additional participants, you'll start earning points much faster towards rewards like free nights. Stay variations of the same brand while road tripping to leverage promotions for members.
Making Memories: How to Plan an Affordable Family Vacation for 7 - Exploring Local Cuisine: Affordable Dining Options for the Whole Family
Discovering regional cuisine is an integral part of any family vacation. Not only does trying new foods foster cultural understanding and appreciation, it's also one of the most budget-friendly ways to experience a destination. After all, there's no need to dine at luxury eateries every night to make memories. Families can indulge their taste buds and keep costs low by seeking out local favorites.
Word-of-mouth is often the best method for tracking down affordable family-friendly dining in any locale. Ask hotel staff, checkout local Facebook groups or turn to travel forums online. Places like Reddit are treasure troves of intel from locals about their go-to casual spots. In coastal Maine, many recommend grabbing fried clams and chowder at Becky's Diner for picture-perfect New England vibes without the pricey tab. In New Orleans, Central Grocery tops lists for making your own Muffuletta sandwiches packed with olives, deli meats and cheese for a true local experience.
Independent food blogs also dish on budget culinary gems nationwide. While major cities naturally boast many inexpensive ethnic dining options, smaller towns have value eats too if you know where to look. On a cross-country road trip, our family lucked into Down Home Diner in Baxter, Minnesota thanks to recommendations online. We feasted on hearty comfort food like hotdish and cinnamon rolls for penny-pinching prices in a charming vintage setting. Best of all, connecting with community eateries helps beyond savings - it offers an inside look at regional heritage.
Making Memories: How to Plan an Affordable Family Vacation for 7 - Family-Friendly Activities: Fun and Affordable Things to Do on Your Vacation
Exploring a new destination as a family is all about sharing experiences together. Yet with a party of seven, admission costs can quickly skyrocket at popular attractions. Savvy parents use creative strategies to keep kids engaged while avoiding sky-high entry fees. Focusing on free activities or negotiating group discounts helps families maximize fun without breaking the vacation budget.
Outdoor adventures prove a budget-friendly way to soak up local culture. Hiking trails and nature walks let kids burn off energy while parents teach them about native plants and wildlife. Historic areas like Gettysburg or Appomattox Court House offer ranger-led tours and interactive exhibits free of charge. Or check event calendars for free festivals and concerts happening during your visit. We caught an amazing blues show in Chicago’s Millennium Park and made priceless memories.
Many towns also have great free museums, particularly art galleries and children's museums designed for young visitors. For major ticketed museums, always ask about family discounts at the front gate. Children's rates offer significant savings, and some venues offer reduced admission for multi-child families. We saved over $60 visiting the magnificent Field Museum in Chicago using their family rate for a party of five.
Hands-on learning experiences fascinate kids while imparting new skills. Look into free or low cost workshops at specialty stores related to your child’s interests. A aspiring chef? Take a cooking class together. Into science? Attend a robotics demo. Excited about nature? Go on a free wetlands tour. Customized experiences like fishing charters or jeep tours may cost more but create bonding moments worth the spend.
For younger kids, playgrounds offer hours of entertainment. Pack snacks and make an outing to try out jungle gyms and structures unique to each new city you visit. Let the kids' imaginations run wild while staying active. Or introduce them to a new sport with a free lesson. Mini-golf and public tennis courts are other affordable ways to play together as a family.
Making Memories: How to Plan an Affordable Family Vacation for 7 - Making the Most of Miles and Points: Travel Hacks for Saving on Flights and Hotels
Families looking to stretch their travel dollars know the power of frequent flyer miles and rewards points. Properly utilizing programs like American Airlines AAdvantage or IHG Rewards opens up a world of affordable getaways that may otherwise seem out of reach. With some savvy accumulating and redeeming strategies, even miles and points novices can travel for significantly less greenback cost.
Household points pooling provides a major boost to travel funding. Adding family members as participants on credit cards and having them put recurring bills on those cards stacks points fast. Joint travel redemptions make the most of various loyalty profiles too. Remember, points have no expiry so keep amassing even after your big trip for future use. Time airline status matches right to gain perks for big family trips like preferred seating at booking.
Planning award travel takes effort but pays off for families. Low season destinations coveted by snowbirds see points rates drop on loyalty program websites and partner award charts. March Break in Florida or Caribbean islands during summer see best value consistently. Flexibility extends opportunities with multiple outbound and return dates. Look for sweet spots where dynamic pricing puts premium cabins within reach.
Making Memories: How to Plan an Affordable Family Vacation for 7 - Planning Ahead: How to Score Discounts on Attractions and Entertainment
Savvy family travelers know that securing discounts on popular attractions and entertainment is pivotal to keeping vacation costs low, especially for a party of seven. Advance planning and insider knowledge help uncover deals and value-adds that make memorable experiences more affordable.
Looking into city passes proves one of the easiest ways to save, bundling top sites and activities into a single discounted purchase. Parents rave about the Go Oahu Card for island adventures, while those hitting multiple spots in California recommend CityPASS. Such passes offer single-day admission to multiple locations, letting you hand-pick favorites like aquariums and zoos. Family-focused city passes also throw in bonuses like merry-go-rounds or skybridge climbs for no additional charge.
Booking timed tickets ahead online can score significant savings versus buying onsite. Walt Disney World's Park Hopper lets you reserve and jump between parks, while NYC's CityPASS books the Empire State Building’s premium experience with a sky-high view. Just be sure to factor in kids’ stamina and attention spans rather than over-scheduling days. For major theme parks, always check authorized ticket discounters for deals. UndercoverTourist.com shaves dollars off places like Universal Studios and Legoland.
Joining venue memberships nets year-round perks for repeat visits. Science museum memberships gift reciprocal admission elsewhere and typically offer IMAX or planetarium movies. Zoo society memberships mean a year of return trips to catch new baby animals. Some children’s museums offer monthly family free nights or pop-up workshops included with membership.
Never assume your crew is too big for deals. Call ahead to ask about group rates for families over 4, even if not posted. My six took a dolphin watch cruise at near 50% off by simply inquiring. For theater shows, score cheap seats in the family section of balcony levels. Ask hotels and visitor centers about complimentary tickets offered only locally.
Making Memories: How to Plan an Affordable Family Vacation for 7 - Navigating Transportation: Affordable and Convenient Ways to Get Around
Getting around affordably is key to keeping family vacations budget-friendly, especially with a pack of seven. Savvy parents utilize all kinds of transportation tricks to avoid paying a fortune in rental cars, ride shares and transit. With a little pre-trip planning, you can keep everyone moving for less greenback cost.
One of the simplest strategies for families road tripping between destinations is packing an extra stroller or wagon. Let the littler kiddos take turns catching rides when their legs get tired. Not only does this eliminate whining over long walks, it often means you can skip paying for a rental stroller at each stop. Just be sure to choose multi-terrain options that fold compactly for occasional trunk transport.
When a rental car is a must, search third party booking sites like Expedia for family packages bundling a minivan and hotel stay. Compared to direct rental rates, these combos can chop 30% or more off total transportation costs. If you prefer an SUV, search individual rental company websites for their largest 7-8 passenger vehicles and never assume a van is the cheapest option.
Public transportation, whether trains, subways or buses, offers an affordable and convenient alternative to driving in many urban destinations. Though hauling a herd of children and their accompaniments seems daunting, the savings over ride shares and navigating traffic make mastering transit a worthy family travel skill. Head to your hotel concierge for arrival tips, like which subway entrance to use when navigating with strollers.
Take advantage of discounted transit passes for tourists and families riding multiple days. Chicago's Ventra Card and New York's MetroCard offer unlimited rides at reduced rates, while packaged options like San Francisco's CityPASS include cable cars and bay ferries. Extra fares for kids under 12 also help your dollars stretch further.
When weighing sightseeing tour buses, choose open-top double-deckers over coaches to avoid paying full fare for babies in arms. Regional bus line passes can also unlock transportation savings for families who plan to visit multiple surrounding areas. Brands like Oahu's TheBus or California's Big Blue Bus offer day passes covering all routes at single ride prices.
Where distances are walkable, make transportation part of the sightseeing. NYC sidewalks and San Antonio's River Walk lend themselves to strolling and conversation. Let kids set the pace, allowing for frequent stops to refuel with snacks or play at pocket parks. Pack an Ergo baby carrier for when little legs get weary. Sometimes the journey itself becomes part of the adventure.