Travelers across the country are itching to escape the hustle and bustle of their daily lives and reconnect on a spring break trip with the family this March and April. But no matter which destination parents choose or how much time they devote to the vacation-planning process, traveling with the kids can get expensive quickly and turn even the most relaxing getaway into a stressful event. And while many travelers spend time researching the best rates on flights and accommodations, they don’t spend time mapping out a spending plan for daily expenses.
“The little things tend to add up fast,” says Brian Kelly, founder and CEO of the points-and-miles site The Points Guy. “Whether it’s researching in advance how you’re going to get from the airport to your hotel or where you want to eat nightly, it’s vital to plan ahead.”
[See: 12 Frugal Ways to Save on Vacation.]
While creating a budget is a key part of managing vacation costs, families often forget about their financial goals when they’re having fun and end up spending more than they had planned for, says Holly Johnson, frugal travel expert at ClubThrifty.com and U.S. News contributor. “It’s far too easy to splurge for all the little extras that make a vacation special,” she adds.
Saving money when traveling doesn’t mean you have to sacrifice quality experiences. A little extra prep work goes a long way in keeping your budget in check. Plan ahead by reviewing these spring break budget busters, along with expert-backed tips and tricks for avoiding them.
1. Food. People often forget to add up how much it will cost to feed a family for a week or longer. Considering that food costs account for more than 25 percent of total travel expenses, according to a survey by RewardExpert.com, overspending on restaurant meals daily can quickly derail a travel budget. “Food is often a lot more expensive than people realize, especially when [you] fall into vacation mode and wind up dining out for every meal,” Johnson says.
Saving money on food doesn’t mean you have to skip on dining out altogether. Instead, Johnson recommends enjoying one meal at a restaurant and offsetting that expense by preparing other meals at your hotel or vacation rental. You can also find plenty of dining deals by looking for restaurants that offer happy hour specials or early bird promotions, along with free kids meals. Also consider looking for a hotel that includes free breakfast.
Colleen Lanin, founder and editor in chief of TravelMamas.com, a family travel blog, also suggests staying mindful of your spending on smaller items, such as bottled water, coffee and snacks, which can easily tack on a few hundred dollars to a weeklong vacation. Curb costs by stocking up inexpensive snacks, such as granola bars, crackers, fruit cups and trail mix, at a local grocery store.
2. Alcohol. Alcohol is another often-overlooked travel expense. “This is especially true if you’re going to drink at restaurants, bars or on your cruise ship,” Johnson says. Avoid the high markups on cocktails, wine and beer found at pool bars and restaurants by enjoying a drink in your hotel room or condo rental. Otherwise, speak with the concierge at your hotel to find out if there are any happy hour specials nearby.
3. Entertainment. It’s natural to want to see and do as much as you can to make the most of your trip, but booking an excursion every day can quickly drain your travel budget. Luckily, there are plenty of ways to save money without skimping on fun. First, book the activities that are most important to you and your family. Then, look for free activities, such as visiting the beach, exploring the downtown city area or going on a hike. If you want to learn more about a city’s history or architecture, print free guides at CityWalkingGuide.com or download a walking tour through apps like Rick Steves Audio Europe Travel and GPS My City.
You can also snag discounts on attractions, adventure activities and spa bookings through location-based deal sites such as Groupon or Living Social, Lanin says. Some attractions may offer discounts for purchasing passes online in advance, while others offer discounted or free admission during certain days of the week, so do a quick internet search to figure out when and where to go for the best deals.
[See: 12 Habits of Phenomenally Frugal Families.]
4. Airport transfers. Travelers often focus on scoring the cheapest airfare and forget about how they’ll get to and from the airport. But if you don’t plan ahead, you could find yourself stuck with limited options that cost more in time and money, Kelly says. “Sometimes there are trains or buses that offer the best value, but other times an Uber or taxi might save you the most money and time,” he says. “Figure out what best suits your needs and go with it.”
If you’re planning to drive yourself to the airport when heading out of town, research long-term parking options at AirportParkingReservations.com, an online marketplace for finding affordable airport parking options. Most parking lots are open 24 hours a day and offer regular shuttle service. Look for a parking lot with a high user rating to ensure you’re leaving your car in trusted hands.
5. Mobile data. Travelers rely on their phones daily, from accessing directions to requesting Uber or Lyft rides to posting pictures on social media accounts to researching activities. Those who don’t pay attention to their data usage may get caught paying pricey extra fees. Dodge additional costs by turning off pop-up notifications and turning on the Wi-Fi locator to find free hot spots wherever you are. It’s also a wise idea to track data usage using apps like Onavo Count and 3G Watchdog to know when you’re close to reaching your usage limit. And if you’re traveling outside the country, find out if your carrier offers coverage where you’re going.
6. Foreign transaction fees. If you’re traveling abroad over spring break, it’s important to review your credit card provider’s terms and conditions to sidestep steep foreign transaction fees, which are typically between 2 and 3 percent for every purchase. For those who travel internationally often, look for a no foreign transaction fee card ahead of your trip. Otherwise, limit card purchases and opt to use local currency.
[See: 8 Big Budgeting Blunders — and How to Fix Them.]
7. Souvenirs. Picking up a memento from your vacation may seem inexpensive, but many travelers end up exceeding their budgets by purchasing several souvenirs. Considering that knickknacks lose their luster quickly, it’s important to be mindful of how much you spend on travel souvenirs. Instead, capture memories from your trip by printing pictures or make a digital album using apps like Keepsayk or Shutterfly Photo Story. Otherwise, give your children a souvenir allowance and buy them a gift card loaded with a set amount, Lanin says. “Once the money is gone, it’s gone. This will not only save parents on money spent but also it teaches children a valuable lesson about budgeting,” she says.
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7 Spring Break Budget Busters originally appeared on usnews.com
