Thinking about your next unforgettable family vacation? You're not alone! In 2024, 53% of people planned to travel with their families, but of those who chose to stay home, 60% blamed high travel costs.
Luckily, with a few budget-friendly best practices, you can make priceless memories for you and the fam without burning a hole in your wallet.
Plan a family vacation on a budget using our favorite cost-saving tips (and learn how to save even more with RaiseRight):
Family travel on a budget can still take you to some of the best destinations in the world. According to U.S. News, the best affordable family vacation spot is Yellowstone National Park, home to the Old Faithful geyser, swimmable hot springs, miles of hiking trails, and a boatload of bison. A car pass only costs $35 for a week of nature-filled fun.
For extra cost-busting, be sure to also consider:
Not a hiking family? Check out places like the Outer Banks’ free beaches or Washington D.C.’s no-cost historical attractions instead!
On a road trip, you and your family can discover hidden-gem attractions, delicious meals, and more just off the interstate. Plus, it's a great way to spend uninterrupted time together singing along to playlists, playing car games, or swapping stories.
Road trips are also an easy way to save on travel and accommodations. And when you reach your destination, avoid pricey hotels by sleeping under the stars at an affordable campsite.
Not into the RV lifestyle? You can still get around without overspending.
Renting a car gives you and your family the flexibility to make stops along the way. Or, take a bus, ferry, or train—often more affordable and sometimes more scenic (and you won't have to drive).
If you live in or near sunny L.A., you can take a weekend trip to Santa Barbara using Amtrak. Four round-trip tickets from Los Angeles to Santa Barbara cost $108. When you use a RaiseRight eGift card with 4.5% earnings, you'll save and earn $5 on your family's train tickets.
Or, rent a car from Turo for the weekend. Use a RaiseRight eGift card with 5% earnings—you'll earn $10 on an approximate $200 total.Hotel prices vary widely between the hotel's direct website, travel apps, and third-party booking sites like Expedia or Travelocity.
Beyond the base rate, look for what's included in the price, such as free parking, complimentary breakfast or dining credits, or refundable vs. non-refundable flexibility. Perks like free parking and meals can amount to significant savings, especially for family trips.
Member services, such as AAA, AARP, USAA, and Costco, have much to offer to the cost-conscious traveler.
Take Costco: Besides their discounted bulk items and $1.50 hot dogs, they have exclusive deals on family travel, including packages for domestic and international resorts, cruises, and more. Executive members can even earn rewards when booking travel through Costco.
Whether it’s theme parks, tours, classes, boat rides, or live events, check online for coupon codes—or see if the activity is available through a third-party site that also offers RaiseRight earnings, such as Groupon.
RaiseRight also offers gift cards for:
Cruises offer all-inclusive rates with fewer "unexpected" expenses. Lodging, meals, entertainment, and even kids’ activities are bundled into one, making it easier to stick to your budget without going overboard (pun intended).
While extras like excursions, specialty dining, or drink packages can increase your total, cruises still offer great value for families looking to simplify planning. Traveling by ship also lets you explore multiple destinations without paying separately for flights, hotels, or transfers.
Unless an airline runs a promotion, scoring a great deal on flights can be tough. A clever workaround is to watch for discounts on airline gift cards and apply them toward a future trip.
Retailers like Target, Costco, Sam’s Club, or Amazon occasionally offer deals or bundled savings on airline gift cards, especially around the holidays.
You can also save and earn 4% or more when you buy Southwest or Delta gift cards through RaiseRight.
Forgetting essentials and grabbing them at the last minute (or worse, at the airport) can mean paying double or even triple the regular price.
To avoid the scramble, create a packing list about a week before your trip. This gives you time to review your itinerary, check the weather forecast, and shop for what you need without rushing.
When it’s time to stock up, you can stretch your budget further by shopping through RaiseRight.
Dining out on vacation doesn’t have to break the bank—you just need to know where to look. Research ahead of time using Yelp or Google Maps, and filter by "$" or "$$" to find budget-friendly spots. And don’t hesitate to ask locals (hotel staff, rideshare drivers, or shop owners) for their favorites.
Planning a family vacation on a budget is easy when you use RaiseRight. With so many ways to earn, you can weave RaiseRight into every part of your trip—from booking transportation and accommodations to paying for meals and travel essentials.
And the savings don’t stop once the vacation ends. RaiseRight works on everyday spending too, like gas, groceries, and household goods.
Want to see the impact on your family? Try our free earning potential calculator and discover how much you could save and earn in just one year.