How to Travel with Kids at a Lower Cost

Traveling with my son when I was a lone parent was simple (and inexpensive). He breastfed or ate crackers all the time, we shared a bed and a seat on a plane. I couldn’t pay for an overnight babysitter. travel as a family can be a lot harder and more expensive now that I’m married with a partner, who has a second child. It doesn’t need to be.

Just a few tricks of the trade have saved me a lot of dollars when it comes to traveling–yes, even internationally–with little children in tow, and these tips can save you major money too. Here are 5 ways to make traveling with children more affordable.

It’s important to book and travel at the right time.

Timing is crucial when it comes to travel. Plan ahead! The wait is worth it… but not when it comes to booking hotels and flights . Prices can soar if you are in a rush and plan last-minute.

When you travel, as well as when you book is important. Single mom CrissyWhalin says that “traveling at off-peak times–especially if it’s your first time overseas–is usually more cost-effective and more enjoyable for all involved.” Avoid booking a July/August holiday in Europe when it is extremely hot and crowded. It’s a sure-fire recipe for disaster.”

Budget airlines are the best option.

Budget airlines are a great option for parents who want to travel. Don’t be afraid of budget airlines! We had an easy trip to Iceland with our family of four on Play Airlines. They offer round-trip tickets from Boston to Reykjavik starting at just $269 dollars. Even the snacks were great.

Another flying-with-kids-for-cheap tip? Travel writer Tanay H. Howard says that “most people are aware that children under 2 fly for free on most airlines…don’t sleep on the child fares! Many airlines offer discounted tickets to children between the ages of 2 and 11. Call customer service to confirm the fares, as they may not appear online. The child fare can be up to 35% less.

Carry-on only.

I really mean it. Carry-on luggage is cheaper than checked baggage, which usually incurs additional fees. You won’t feel the need to purchase too much souvenirs in order to fit them into your bag. Whalin agrees that packing light reduces stress and expenses. You can reuse your sweaters if we were able to travel with only two carry-ons for four people through 17-degree Iceland.

It is important to remember that a few small souvenirs are not the same as zero souvenirs. Monty Hudson, The Spring Break Family suggests that if you want to buy souvenirs for your kids, you should give them a budget of cash and let them use it however they like. It keeps your budget in check, teaches financial education, and kids love to spend their money on their own.

Find alternative restaurants and deals for kids.

Some museums will give free admission to children under a specific age. In Reyjkavik, we visited the VERA Matholl Grosku at least five times. Hudson agrees: “I have heard that people don’t eat foods on vacation they can get at home. “I disagree,” she says. There’s no harm in eating a little McDonald’s while on vacation. It is usually cheaper than the other options, and it sometimes offers regional dishes that you cannot get anywhere else.”

It’s okay if the cheap food and child-friendly options influence your choice of destination. Maybe you’ll save that trip for older kids (and those who are more flexible eaters). Whalin concurs, urging families to travel on a tight budget to pick “places where you are confident that your child will have food available at all times and that you can navigate as a parent.”

Rent an apartment.

You can save money by doing your laundry . Hudson and I both agree on this travel tip: “A vacation rental is better than a hotel.” This is a great way to provide everyone with space and still keep costs down. This is true especially for blended families with step children who may not want to share a bed or room. Bonus: They usually have a full kitchen which saves you money on food.”

If you are a die-hard hotel lover, make the most of all included amenities. Many hotels provide a daily breakfast, happy hour or fitness center. Some even offer tours and a spa. There were many expensive spas in Reykjavik. But Thingholt Hotel has an affordable spa that is open to hotel guests. It also offers daily “family hour” for kids. What better way to finish a wonderful and budget friendly trip, than some well-deserved relaxation for all generations?