How to save money for a family vacation

It's not Frugal - Saving money with discounts is smart! The hardest part of planning a vacation is saving the money.
Saying "No" to all the fun and cool things, you, the kids and family wants. But when the entire family works together saving money and planning the vacation it won't seem so hard.

At our house mowing the lawn is a biweekly chore and we don't pay him. So before he does our 1/4 acre, our son mows the neighbors yard to earn money.

10 tips on how to save money at home!

2. Use store coupons and discounts. It really can save a lot. Always ask for discounts! All they can do is say "no".

3. Stop the gardener – let the kids earn vacation money mowing the lawn.

4. The entire family takes lunches – no school cafeteria or fast food.

5. Garage Sales!

6. Stop the cleaning service – Have the entire family spend a couple of hours cleaning together.

7. Cut out extra activities – If you or your children have more than 2 after school or work activities a week, cut one out. Save the money and gas.

8. Budget the gasoline – combine errands - limit teenage driving.

9. Try to fix something that’s broken – What have you got to lose? It’s already broken. Be careful, don’t tackle things you know nothing about. Safety first!

10. Turn off the lights, computers, TV’s etc when not in the room.

Example

A modest $5 a day per person for lunch, times 4 people for a month is $400.00.Supplies for good sandwiches, chips, desserts and drinks will be around $30.00 a week for 4 people. That’s a savings of $1,680.00 in 6 months.

So far you’ve saved $2,040.00!!If you take the time to explain to everyone what needs to be done and why, it will make things easier to understand and your savings goal for the vacation can be met.

Tip

Most of us are not good at saving money. Research the areas you wish to visit. When you have a little money, buy a gift card to a restaurant that you will eat at while on the trip or purchase a hotel or gas gift card. When you have a few bucks, tuck it in an envelope marked vacation. Every little bit helps and it really adds up in the end. Be very careful about gift cards with fees and expiration dates!

Travel tips that make family vacation affordable!