Traveling as a family is a fantastic way to see the world, and no matter what type of family vacation you want to take, there are lots of ways to save. With a little planning ahead and sticking to your budget, you can have a great family vacation without breaking the bank.
A camping trip, for example, is a fantastic way to spend your family vacation. You can see the world and spend time in the great outdoors. Camping can also be a very affordable way to travel, especially for families.
Money-Saving Camping Tips
A camping trip can sometimes require a bit more preparation than other types of excursions, but it does not have to be difficult or expensive to get ready. Camping is one of the most affordable ways to vacation, and with these tips and vacation savings hacks, you can save even more and be ready for adventure.
1. Plan Your Meals Ahead of Time
Food can be a huge portion of any travel budget, but with a little advance planning, you can save big on all your meals during your trip. One of the best money-saving benefits of camping over staying in a hotel is that you can cook many of your own meals yourself. If you are staying in a cabin, you may have access to a kitchen or kitchenette for meal prep. Campsites also often have grills and open fire pits for you to use.
As far as what to cook, you can always go with the campfire classics, like hot dogs or burgers, but did you know there is a wide variety of interesting recipes you can make at your campsite? Cooking a new recipe while camping can be a fun and enjoyable experience.
Try to plan out your meals and get your groceries lined up before you leave. If you wait until you are on your trip, you will be more likely to cave in to restaurant foods, impulse purchases and convenience store pricing. Shop around locally to get the best prices on your groceries before you go. This makes it much easier to stick to your budget while enjoying amazing meals on your trip.
2. Borrow Camping Gear
If you are new to camping, you may find that you need a lot of extra gear you do not have. You do not have to spend a fortune upfront to get everything you need, though. If you have friends or neighbors who love to camp, ask to borrow a few items. You can also often find used gear for far less cost in thrift stores and at garage sales.
Also, keep in mind that you do not always need to have fancy, specialized equipment for camping. For instance, blankets work if you do not have sleeping bags, and you can bring pots, pans and dishes from home instead of buying special camping dishes.
3. Pack Effectively
Making sure you have all of your vacation essentials packed and ready to go can help you avoid any last-minute trips to the store to buy whatever is missing. Whether you are planning on staying in a cabin, RV or tent, plan accordingly for whatever gear and supplies you will need. Use what you have already at home, or shop for deals on what you need beforehand. This can save you some money and make your trip go more smoothly, too.
A comprehensive packing list can help you determine everything your trip requires. You can always call ahead to your campground as well to clarify any details about what is provided for your choice of lodging.
4. Find Free and Low-Cost Activities
Your family vacation does not necessarily need expensive amusement parks and attractions to be fun. There are plenty of free and low-cost activities to find, no matter where in the country you are vacationing. Many local parks are free, and there are many other things you can do at a lower cost. Your campground may even have some free and affordable family activities to enjoy, so be sure to see what is available. If there are specific attractions you do want to visit, check ahead of time for deals on admission tickets to save a little.
5. Camp Close to Home
Sometimes the most budget-friendly family vacation is a staycation. You can save big on gas and other travel expenses by choosing a campground or other lodging option near where you live. Stay and enjoy the great outdoors in an area you are already familiar with while still getting “away” from home. You can use this opportunity to explore some of the local parks and attractions in your own area that you may not have visited before.
6. Travel During the Off-Season
Depending on where you live or where you are traveling to, there may be certain times of the year that are busier for campsites and other types of lodging, as well as for parks and attractions. These busier times are not only a bigger hassle for dealing with crowds and trying to secure reservations, but you may notice inflated prices during these times too. You may be able to save money on family vacations planned during less busy times. Find out when the off-season is for your desired destination and travel during these times, if possible.
7. Utilize Loyalty Programs
These days, just about every company has some sort of rewards program, and you can use these to your benefit for affordable family vacations. Check out some of your favorite restaurants, gas stations, shops and other locations to see if they have a loyalty or rewards program.
Additionally, many types of hotels and campgrounds also have loyalty programs, so the more often you travel, the more rewards you can earn. Consider using a credit card that offers rewards as well for all your travel expenses. Often, you can find a card that gives cash back, air miles, gas rewards or other gift cards you can save up and use for your next trip.
Camp at Kampgrounds of America for Your Family Vacation
If you want fun and affordable family vacations, look no further than Kampgrounds of America. With more than 500 locations across the continent, there is a KOA near wherever you want to go.
With the KOA Rewards program, you will earn special perks like discounts, rewards points and a free night of camping when you stay during our KOA Rewards Weekend. You will find a wide variety of camping and lodging styles, along with many amazing amenities at KOA Campgrounds. Choose KOA for an absolutely unforgettable experience!
About the Author: Kampgrounds of America
Kampgrounds of America is the largest system of open-to-the-public campgrounds in the world, with over 500 locations across the United States and Canada. Founded in Billings, MT in 1962, KOA’s family of campground brands – KOA Journey, KOA Holiday and KOA Resort – today serve more than a million camping families each year. KOA is dedicated to “connecting people to the outdoors and each other” by providing people with a variety of camping experiences and the information they need to make the most of their camping trip. Read more of their camping and travel resources by visiting KOA.com/blog.
