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Article:
Making Your Family Vacation Affordable
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- If you
have too many kids to fit comfortably into one hotel room, consider
renting a vacation home, condo, or suite. Also, some hotels (such as
Hyatt Regency) offer discounts on the second Kids' room.
- Lodging
with kitchen facilities can save substantially on dining costs. Of course,
you'll want to weigh the cost advantage against convenience (what mom
wants to spend her entire vacation in the kitchen?) For example, you
can plan on eating all breakfasts in the hotel, and lunches on days
you're hanging around the resort.
- Factoring
in all expenses, cruises can be economical for families. Cruises are
almost all-inclusive (you'll have incidental expenses). To save money
on a cruise, plan your own shore excursions (a taxi ride for everyone,
for example). Forego sodas and alcoholic beverages in favor of water,
tea, and coffee (juices are complimentary during breakfast). Just, don't
skimp on tipping.
- At a theme
park, don't arrive hungry. If you plan on having a sit-down meal, opt
for lunch instead of dinner (the prices are almost always cheaper).
Arrive early, but fed. Eat a late lunch at the park. Have a late dinner
after leaving the park. You can always pack granola bars in your purse
for mid-afternoon munchies.
- Rental
cars are generally cheaper than hotel transfers for families. Ask your
travel agent for package price comparisons (this rule applies for a
la carte travel as well).
- Travel
off season for the best discounts. Ask your travel agent for discount
recommendations. If you are flexible, you may find incredible rates
too tempting to pass up.
- Cheaper
isn't always better. You'll relax by staying in a nice, four star resort.
You'll be fried after a week in a flea-bit roadside motel.
- European
Rail Passes are frequently offered discounted for families (second traveler
discounts or kid fares), and can be an exciting way to travel.
- Try a
family-sized weekend getaway if you need a break but your budget is
tight. I bet there's a National Park a drive's distance just waiting
for your discovery.
We
are located in in the Dallas Fort Worth metroplex, serving clients globally.
Expert Family Travel, 5813 Turner Street, The Colony, Texas 75056
800-957-8600 (US) or 972-625-6200
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