PARENTING TIPS
PREGNANCY
BABY CARE
TODDLERS
TEENS
HEALTH CARE
ACTIVITIES & CRAFTS
11. Book Accommodations with a Kitchen
Teenagers (most anyway) are literal eating machines, so the more you can cut costs on food, the better! Whether you’re renting a vacation home through Airbnb or you booked a hotel room, a kitchenette can save you a ton of money on dining out allowing you to cook some meals in the room/hotel. My husband and I always make breakfast for our kids in the hotel room/Airbnb and then spring for lunch when we’re out and about sightseeing. If we can, we pop in a few pizzas for dinner or whip up an easy dinner to save even more money.
12. Limit Restaurant Meals to Once a Day
Going out to eat with teenagers can be expensive. Another way to save money is to only have one meal a day at a restaurant – the rest of the meals can be made at your lodging. You can switch things up every day depending on your activity schedule. One day, have breakfast out; another day, splurge on a nice dinner out with the family.
13. Look for Restaurants Where Kids/Teens Eat Free OR that Have Family Specials
Some chains and local spots will offer free kids’ or teens’ meals with the purchase of an adult entree. Also, keep your eye out for restaurants that have family savings deals.
14. Have a Grocery Store Meal Night
No one says you have to splurge on an expensive restaurant dinner every night. Choose one night on your trip and have a grocery store meal night. Pick up ingredients for sandwiches, frozen dinners/pizza, ready-made salads, or rotisserie chicken for an easy and affordable meal. Make it fun by telling the kids they can “choose their own dinner” at the grocery store. (Within reason, of course!)
15. Have Your Teen Pack Snacks & Refillable Water Bottle
Avoid overpriced airport food or expensive stops at restaurants for snacks and drinks by filling a backpack with snacks and refillable water bottles. You’d be surprised how much you spend on these quick stops for a drink or a snack.
16. Avoid Hotel Mini Fridges & Snack Bars
If you’ve ever indulged in a few sodas and snacks compliments of a hotel mini fridge, then you know… they charge you an arm and leg! The trick is to avoid them at all costs. After you and your family get settled into your hotel room, make a quick trip to the local grocery store and stock up on your teen’s favorite snacks and drinks so they won’t be tempted to sneak a few items from the mini-fridge.
17. Split Meals or Order Appetizers
A lot of restaurants serve big portions, so consider sharing dishes or ordering items from the appetizer menu. Be sure to ask the server at restaurants if they have any specials that you can take advantage of.
BUDGET-FRIENDLY ACTIVITIES & ENTERTAINMENT:
18. Plan Your Activities in Advance
You might want to splurge on one or two big activities that your kids are dying to do – like a two-day trip to Disney, off-roading in a dune buggy, or deep-sea fishing, for instance. Whatever those activities are, plan them in advance and don’t get swept up in the vacation current and blow your budget out of the water by adding in tons of other activities. Let your kids know in advance that those are your “big spend” activities – everything else will be less expensive – but still fun!
19. Take Advantage of FREE Activities
Nearly every destination you visit has free family-friendly activities. Whether you hit the beach or a hiking trail, visit a free museum or a local festival, or check out the local shopping areas, you don’t have to spend big bucks to explore a destination.
20. Bring Your Own Entertainment
No matter where my husband and I take our kids on vacation, we always pack a little extra entertainment – a frisbee, a deck of cards, travel games, beach games (if we’re taking a road trip), etc. We even pack movies we all love. It’s a great way to keep us all entertained without spending money – especially on rainy days when we can’t hit the beach or take part in outdoor activities.
21. Skip Expensive Souvenirs
Sure, you might want to splurge for a cool t-shirt, but going too crazy on souvenirs can add up quickly. Instead, spend your money on activities that will make lasting memories – not end up in the back of your teen’s closet. If you do allow your teen to buy a few souvenirs, give them a set amount of spending money so they can prioritize their own purchases.
22. Choose Outdoor Adventures
Hiking, beach days, exploring parks, searching for waterfalls, a picnic by the pool – they’re all free (or cheap) and can be a lot of fun for teens. (Hint: Let them decide where they’d like to go so you get buy-in and a whole lot less eye rolls.)
23. Choose Budget-Friendly Thrills
Instead of high-priced attractions, look for cheaper alternatives – kayak rentals instead of jet skis, local amusement parks instead of Disney, or off-the-beaten-path adventures instead of big-name tours.
24. Check Out Local Event Calendars
Many destinations host free festivals, concerts, or even outdoor movie nights – especially during peak seasons like spring break and summer.
25. Choose Half-Day or Evening Tickets
Some attractions, like amusement parks or museums, offer cheaper admission for late-day visits.
