Family travel for me often means flying. Which, now that my third kid has reached the age of 2, means shelling out for two plane tickets. Even with budget flights, the final cost has plenty of, plenty of zeros behind it. and tax. & various surcharges. Until my future teenagers select to opt out, or they move closer to our extended families, it’s something they know we’ll must live with.Still, i have figured out some ways to cut tiny expenses that, when calculated for two people, adds up. Here are 11 ways to cut relatives travel costs — be certain to add your own in comments. (No, really, I require to know!)
Because seven of my babies are in school, spontaneous travel is restricted. Still, I’ve signed up with several last-minute travel sites (Bing Travel is one of the newest). plug in the airport(s) you are willing to depart from as well as a handful of cities you’re always interested in visiting. certain, it’s a lot of additional e mail you’ll be deleting every day. However, routes going for $19 each way? That makes even a short, short trip worthwhile.
1. AirFareWatchDog & other fare alert sites
This helps with No. 1. Do these last-minute fares coincide with the upcoming teacher inservice day? I’m not a fan of missing school for any elderly reason, but if the babies grades are cool & they’re not behind in school work, perhaps missing next Monday wouldn’t be the worst. if it meant spending a long weekend with Grandpa, right?
2. Keep the school calendar near your computer.
I know, this is kind of controversial. & it may not be an option much longer. But air travel is safe. If you’re comfortable with the risk, & together with your very 2-year-old in your lap, then go for it. Though be warned: you may must pay a fee for you lap baby, as well as on that fee.
3. Don’t buy the baby a seat.
Yes, come travel day you will regret this decision. But if non-stop flights cost $100 more than one requiring a layover in Denver? You’ll turn over $500 more and taxes.
4. Consider one or more stops.
5. If non-stop is a must, consider a layover on your return flight.
It’s the nickel-and-dime differences, keep in mind? Be fresh from a non-stop flight on the way there. Knock yourself out in case you must on the way back. keep in mind, you don’t must unpack or be “on” in your own space. you can fight & meltdown in the automobile on the drive home from the airport.
6. Pack light.
Unless you’re purchasing the kind of tickets that include 1 bag per passenger at no additional cost, consider taking only seven (or one!) suitcase for the whole relatives. seven respectable outfits for each person & then a whole bunch of tidy underclothes for all (plus jammies). No additional shoes. Buy diapers & wipes when you get there. If seven outfits isn’t , load everyone with a third outfit in their over on back packs. Some airlines charge $25 a bag. A relatives of 5 can save $100 bucks in case you take one suitcase.
7. Even if you’re going to see relatives, consider a travel package.
Getting airfare, hotel & automobile rental (if you must) in a bundle is huge savings. Ditch the babies with the grandparents some or all nights & think of your hotel as a second honeymoon (or at least a reprieve from making breakfast in the morning).
8. Take at least one laptop computer or smartphone.
Look for deals before & while you’re there — half-price museums on Tuesdays, for example. Or try & find the deals offered to locals. & if you’re eating out most meals, be certain to line up a few nights using this site: MyKidsEatFree.com. (Also, when planning your trip, check out the “My babies Go Free” category.)
9. If you’re hardcore, discover a deal on a hotel suite, where you’ll have a fridge & minimal cooking facilities. Some really frugal families pack a Crock-Pot & load it with Spaghetti-Os, but I’d pay the difference for a restaurant meal every time. I’m cheap. I’m not gross.
10. Try renting someone’s house.
Even in the high seasons, last-minute deals are possible. Stay flexible, of work. & keep looking. Start here but Google for others.
11. Trade places
in lieu of paying for a hotel room or suite, trade your house with anyone else — anywhere in the world. certain, this takes planning — few last-minute folks can pull this off. But it makes your housing fundamentally free. Start at HomeExchange.com & try Googling sites that match travelers. & don’t worry about where you live or how un-Paris apartment your ’70s suburban tract home is. You’re not the only relatives in the world looking to save money!
Bon voyage! (And leave me your tips in comments.)
Image: raiddonations.com
