Really frugal ways to save money on a family trip?

[Anonymous]

Lots of places in the US have free or extremely cheap attractions that would save you the cost of museums, sights, etc. For example, in my major US city the public pools are free to all (not like in DC, where they're only free to residents). We also have splash pads at most parks, lots of street festivals, and many places where you can see an outdoor movie for free. Information about these kinds of things can be found through yelp, or through blogs (usually "family friendly cheap attractions in XYZ" type blogs). Other cheap options: hikes, farmer's markets, cathedrals/churches, self-guided walking tours through the heart of downtown or some cool neighborhood.

I wouldn't *not see* the Met, or something, and go to some rando public pool instead, but certain free/cheap attractions -- and definitely festivals -- can really give you a flavor of the place outside of the tourist bubble.

We always stay in airbnbs and self-cater breakfast. We have a toddler, and rarely buy him his own food if we're at restaurants -- he just eats some of what we have.

One of the cheapest and most ubiquitous lunch options is a 12 inch Subway sandwich, split in two. Definitely cheaper than buying the constituent components, unless you're in your town for a longer period of time. They're not gourmet, but if you're eating three meals a day it's unlikely you care about ALL of them, so IMO subway is often the best option for cheap calories. Nearly every small town in America has a Subway.

Depending on where you are, there are usually roadside stands selling produce or -- in some cases -- fish. No better deal.

Don't eat anything in airports -- BYO food. The markup in most airports is ridiculous.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:We're flying to another state, then renting a car for a road trip.

I'm looking for some tips to save money. For instance, I heard that you can bring a packet of oatmeal on a flight and ask for hot water and a coffee cup to make it. You can go to grocery stores and make sandwiches for lunch instead of eating out.

So stuff like that - super cheap - anything to do with flights, being on the road, staying in cheap places, etc. We're already way over budget just on the flights

Don't do hot water on planes-- not sanitary. There was just an article I was reading about flight attendants never drinking coffee or tea as it's not bottled and comes from the airplane tap...

As for frugal tips, how do you save money at home? I often will stay at a residence in which is slightly bigger for my family but offers food/breakfast and a kitchen to cook.

Former FA and no, no, no, we NEVER drink the water! So gross.

Are you referring to HOT water for coffee/tee or water in general?

NP, but I think it's bottled if you get it as part of the drink service.

I don't try to drink coffee on the plane as it is, but if I'm on an overnight flight I will continue to do so.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Download GasBuddy or a similar app so you can find the cheapest gas while you are on the road.

Also Spothero if you're visiting a major US city. Save a lot of money on parking.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:We're flying to another state, then renting a car for a road trip.

I'm looking for some tips to save money. For instance, I heard that you can bring a packet of oatmeal on a flight and ask for hot water and a coffee cup to make it. You can go to grocery stores and make sandwiches for lunch instead of eating out.

So stuff like that - super cheap - anything to do with flights, being on the road, staying in cheap places, etc. We're already way over budget just on the flights

Since you'll be driving upon arrival, stop at rest stops at whatever state you're in and pick up the brochures with all the hotel deals. DH and I always do this when driving and you can save a lot of money by using those coupons! Just be sure to check with the hotels, though, because they usually have a limited number of rooms available at the coupon rate so on occasion we haven't been able to stay at our first choice (but we have always found one, even in smaller towns, and even in high season).

We find Best Westerns, the Choice Hotels (Comfort Inn, etc.), and Days Inns to be good deals and they always have free breakfast - some we've stayed in even offer things like soup and crackers at dinnertime. TripAdvisor is your friend here. Also depending on where you are the Drury Inn hotel chain has a huge breakfast and dinner buffet both included with the price of your room which, while not the best quality, can definitely save you some money and it's also stuff kids like at dinner like chicken fingers.

[Anonymous]

The reality is you can't afford this trip. You will be 100% miserable because of poor planning. And so will your family.

[Anonymous]

Eat at happy hour times if you want to eat dinner in a restaurant. They often have really good deals, and you can still eat out but just for less.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The reality is you can't afford this trip. You will be 100% miserable because of poor planning. And so will your family.

Just because she wants to save money doesn't mean she can't afford it. People don't get rich by wasting money, but by making frugal decisions.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:Someone mentioned packing soda for cruises? Soda on cruises is free. Why would you pack that?

No it's not. I've taken 15+ cruises in my life. Water, tea and juice are free. Soda is not.

Soda person here. Carnival allows you to bring 12 cans per person of non-alcoholic beverages when you embark. Otherwise you buy them individually, at $2-3/can, or in a package of some sort. DH and I like to drink seltzer. We can get 48 cans of flavored seltzer for no more than $20 at a store before we board. Seems like an easy way to save $$$. That money we use to buy spa cabins and specialty meals. Different strokes and all that.

[Anonymous]

OP here. Thanks for the great tips so far, and please keep them coming. Tips like the happy hour idea are awesome!

About the frugality of this trip: some people prioritize fancy vacations with lots of meals out as part of their budget. We don't - we like doing trips cheaply and spending our money on other things. To each their own, as long as we're all having a good time in our own way!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:The reality is you can't afford this trip. You will be 100% miserable because of poor planning. And so will your family.

Why? Because they can't eat at restaurants for each meal?