How to Plan a Memorable Family Vacation on a Budget

Planning a family vacation is a bit like performing in a circus. You'll probably find yourself juggling a million different opinions at once and feel that sticking to your budget is like fighting to regain your balance during some impossible high-wire stunt.

Hey, you might even find yourself in a tent.

But don't let that dissuade you from planning the family vacation of your dreams! There are plenty of ways to take a trip without having to dip into the kids' piggy banks. From saving money on food and accommodation to booking early and locking down the best travel deals — when it comes to frugal family fun, we've got you covered.

Keep reading to discover 20 great tips and tricks for planning a budget-friendly vacation the family will never forget!

• Set a realistic budget
• Book your trip early
• Get your kids in on the vacation planning
• Include downtime in the itinerary
• Shop around for deals
• Consider all-inclusive vacations
• Fly before the kids turn two
• Explore your own backyard
• Opt for off-season adventures
• Maximize your loyalty points
• Cover your family with travel insurance
• Make a packing list
• BYO snacks!
• Use public transit, where possible
• Swap major cities for the road less travelled
• Work exchange rates to your advantage
• Book accommodation with a kitchen
• House swap with friends and family
• Trade your hotel room for a tent
• Turn buying souvenirs into a learning experience

Okay, so this first tip might sound obvious, but it's pretty hard to stick to a vacation budget if you haven't actually set one. It's like heading off on a road trip without a map or going camping without a compass — exciting and spontaneous until it really isn't.

On top of helping you save money, setting a realistic and honest budget sets you up for a stress-free vacation. When you know exactly how much money you've spent and, more importantly, how much you can afford to spend, it's easier to relax and enjoy the experiences you're paying for without constantly checking your bank balance.

To avoid any unwelcome financial surprises down the line, make sure you factor the following categories into your vacation budget:

• Transport (flights, trains, cruises, rental cars, transfers, public transit, etc.)
• Accommodation
• Passport renewals and visa costs (if required)
• Travel insurance
• Food
• Attractions and activities
• Souvenirs and gifts
• Tips (if required)

It's also a good idea to expect the unexpected and include a small buffer in the budget for any unforeseen expenses that might pop up while you're away.

The early bird bags the bargain! In general, last-minute bookings rarely equal a cheap family vacation. In fact, you'll likely find the complete opposite to be true. Since most families are somewhat restricted to travelling during school breaks, one of the easiest things you can do to save money is to book early.

The best vacation deals and the cheapest flights are often sold months before the travel dates, so it pays to plan ahead when booking on a budget.

Ever organized a super fun family activity or booked local attractions only to find that certain members of your travel party (we won't mention any names) aren't really into it? Avoid disgruntled teens, tweens and toddlers by including your kids in the planning process.

Now, we're not saying that everything your kids suggest will be practical and within budget, but it's a great way to get them involved in the vacation right from the beginning.

It'll also help you prioritize your budget and make sure you're spending money on attractions, activities and destinations that the whole family are most excited about.

We know it can be tempting to max out every minute of every day — especially if you're heading overseas. However, when travelling with the family, particularly small children, downtime is an absolute must.

To be honest, it's a must for the grown-ups too.

So, rather than spending money on your third or fourth activity of the day only to find everyone too exhausted to enjoy it, schedule in a few hours of downtime at the hotel after lunch or a lie-in one morning.

This will give everyone a chance to relax so they're ready to roll for whatever you've got planned next!

When it comes to booking a cheap family vacation, it helps to know what you're looking for and to shop around a bit before buying. By doing this you'll become familiar with the current prices and will be able to spot a bargain from a mile away!

In saying that, if you're planning a trip with youngsters, it's probably safe to assume you don't have oodles of free time on your hands. Let us do some of the heavy lifting for you and get the cheapest flights, hottest deals and expert tips and tricks delivered straight to your inbox by signing up to our newsletter or downloading the Flight Centre app.

Thanks to their comprehensive nature and upfront pricing, all-inclusive vacations are perfect for the budget-conscious family.

Inclusions can cover everything from flights, accommodation and transfers to dining, activities and kids’ clubs, leaving very little for you to worry about (or pay for) besides the vacation package itself.

Flying with budget airlines isn't the only way to score impressive flight deals! Did you know that most airlines allow infants (typically kids under two) to fly for free as long as they can sit on your lap and don't require their own seat?

Yep, you heard that right! Travelling before the terrible twos set in will score you cheap flights by skipping the cost of a whole extra ticket.

You don't have to bid farewell to your family vacation dreams just because an international adventure isn't within your budget (for now!).

Why not take a road trip through the Canadian Rockies or soak up the fun at Niagara Falls? You can keep your vacation as local as you like, sticking to undiscovered areas of your home province or going a little further afield to tick off some of Canada's iconic bucket list destinations.

Either way, booking a domestic vacation will help you save on flights and passport costs while getting to know your own backyard a little better at the same time.

If you can travel during the off-season and avoid your destination's school breaks (remember, they won't necessarily line up with the term times back home) you'll find yourself scoring major savings.

With fewer people around, it's also a much more relaxing way to explore a new place, particularly if you've got younger kids. Major cities will still be relatively crowded all year round, but by planning family vacations outside of peak times you'll enjoy shorter lines and more affordable prices.

There are few things in life as satisfying as the moment you realize you've just stamped your way to a free coffee or finally have the points to score a few bucks off the weekly shop. When it comes to vacations, maximizing your loyalty points can save you some serious cash.

There are lots of different reward programs out there to help save you money on everything from flights and hotel nights to tours and vacation packages. Consider researching and signing up for airline frequent flyer programs and credit card rewards to earn points on money you're already spending. Then put these points to work when booking your next vacation!

Pro tip: The quickest way to accumulate airline points is, no surprise, by flying. They're not called frequent flyer points for nothing! If you belong to an eligible program (either with your airline or one of their partners) make sure you or your travel consultant add your membership number when booking flights to avoid missing out on valuable points.

Though it may seem counterintuitive to fork out hard-earned cash for something you hope you'll never use, we always recommend buying travel insurance whenever you start making vacation plans.

If the unexpected happens while you're away, having insurance could save you thousands of dollars in medical bills, lost items or disrupted travel plans. So, while it might feel like an extra cost you could put to better use elsewhere, in our opinion it just isn't worth the risk.

Travelling as a family is bound to come with a bit of baggage. Like, actual physical baggage. Making a packing list before you zip up those suitcases is a good way to avoid frantic trips to the nearest department store once you arrive at your destination.

Because let's face it, there are better ways to spend your money than on a family set of new bathing suits, towels, shoes, socks, hats or sweaters that you already have at home but forgot to bring.

Whether you use them as an energy boost, a quick distraction or as part of intense negotiation tactics, there's no denying the importance of snacks within a parent's vacation survival kit.

Pack your own food and snacks for days out (especially if you're exploring more pricey tourist hotspots) to save time AND money. It's a total win-win!

There's no better way to immerse yourself in a new city than by using public transit — and it'll also save you money! Plus let's face it, a trip on a local bus is sure to be much more interesting for the kids than a boring old Uber ride.

Do some research on how the local transit works in the cities you're visiting to make the most of it while you're there. For example, depending on how many trips you're making, the Paris Visite travel pass might be better value than buying a bunch of single tickets and while the London Underground is something everyone visiting the city should experience, the iconic double-decker buses are a significantly cheaper (and more scenic!) alternative.

Hop-on Hop-off buses may also be a good option for those sightseeing in big cities.

Swapping major tourist hotspots for a vacation destination off the beaten track is perfect for those planning their family getaway on a budget.

With some of the world's most-visited cities currently struggling with overtourism, there's never been a better time to explore roads less travelled and more affordable as a family. 

One of the easiest ways to cut costs on a family vacation is to look for accommodation options with a kitchen.

Don't worry, we're definitely not suggesting you live on rice and beans for the entire vacation! But being able to eat in some nights or enjoy a quick breakfast before heading out for the day can help save a small fortune on food.

Try swapping costly restaurant dining for fresh local food or quick supermarket meals to cook up in your room. Besides, the street food and local market options in many destinations around the world (like Southeast Asia, for example) are sure to rival some of the best restaurants in town, so you can still enjoy a delicious vacation while also sticking to your budget.

If you happen to have friends or family living in a different province or country, try house swapping to save big bucks on accommodation. You'll both get to enjoy the change of scenery on a budget, along with the peace of mind that someone you know and trust is looking after your home while you're away.

Another way to save money while organizing fun-filled family vacations is to plan a nature escape, swapping bougie hotel rooms for rustic campgrounds.

Staying on campsites or in caravan parks is an excellent way to spend less on accommodation while exploring beautiful beaches, expansive national parks and picture-perfect landscapes. Plus, there's nothing quite like sharing a tent when it comes to family bonding experiences...

If you do your research, you might even be able to find free camping options in some destinations — but make sure to always check and follow the local laws and restrictions.

This last tip is for any parent who has ever found themselves worn down by their kids and tricked into buying overpriced souvenirs on only for them to disappear into a cupboard at home, never to be seen again.

Turn buying souvenirs into a learning experience by giving your kids a set budget of their own at the start of the trip or by helping them save their pocket money leading up to the vacation. They'll enjoy feeling independent and will hopefully put some careful thought into what they decide to buy and bring home with them.

Itching to get away? Talk to a travel consultant and start planning your next family vacation today!