The Secret to Splurging Smartly on Family Vacations

Contributed post.

​If you’re experienced in solo travel and then attempt to plan a vacation with a family, it’s quite the eye-opening experience.

Multiplying costs by factors 2, 3, or more. Having to add on special accommodations for the littles. Budgeting for the unexpected that is sure to arise. The charges add up quickly.

While it is definitely more expensive to travel with a family, the bottom line can be softened considerably with careful planning. Keep reading as we explore some of the best ways to splurge smartly on family vacations, using a hypothetical visit to a popular destination like Scottsdale for illustrative purposes. 

Fly or Drive?

​Getting there means different things to different families. 

For some, it’s getting there as quickly as possible, limiting spend in the process. For others, it’s about the journey just as much as the destination, creating memories along the way.

Purchasing airline tickets for a family can cause some sticker shock upfront. However, the actual cost may not be terribly more expensive than driving. Less time off work. No need to stop for food and overnight stays. 

An important consideration is the local transportation scene. If there are free and low-cost methods to zip your family around town, it can save a bundle over having to pay parking and/or Uber fares. 


Adventures That Align with Your Family’s Preferences

All families are unique, and you need to ensure that the vacation feels right for you.

Some families love nothing more than time in an all-inclusive hotel. Others may have their eyes set on spending days at a theme park. In this case, paying for VIP passes is where you should splurge.

If your family is into adventures and enjoying nature, camping adventures are ideal. Finding a quality RV park that has plenty to offer will lay the foundation for a great vacation. Hiring a suitable vehicle for the trip would level up the luxury too.

There is no right or wrong answer. However, a vacation should align with your family’s preferences. Doing things you like with the people you love is priceless.
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​Don’t Go Cheap on Accommodations​

(Photo Courtesy of HÓZHÓ Ranch on Alameda)​

There is no more important piece of the vacation puzzle than accommodations. The choice of lodgings can truly make or break the stay. There is also more price variability on accommodations than any other item on the budget. Bargain basement hotels to all-inclusive resorts and everything in between. 

A word to the wide: don’t try and go cheap with lodgings. Staying in gross, uncomfortable accommodations is not worth it. Ever. Especially when traveling with a family.

An ideal stay for a family perfectly balances the lines between “home away from home” and upscale wonder. This is why more and more families are choosing luxury estate rentals over retail hotels as their host for family vacations. The best luxury vacation rental Scottsdale has to offer will include vast dimensions, ample guest rooms, resort-style backyards, and endless interior amenities. This guarantees that each member of your family has their own slice of privacy to be rested, rejuvenated, and entertained throughout the course of the stay. 

In addition, while not the cheapest lodging option upfront, booking a luxury rental can lead to subsequent cost efficiencies. When there is plenty to do on the premises, you are less likely to have to spend on activities out and about. 

Travel to Destinations with Rich Cultural History

Some of the most iconic family destinations are conveniently situated in the middle of nowhere. This guarantees that there is nothing to do or see except spend money at their theme park. 

Savvy family travelers choose to visit Scottsdale and other types of culturally rich destinations that offer plenty of free activities. Whether it’s a morning hike through the stunning desert landscape or an art walk through the downtown museums and craft shops, the best family destinations don’t need to charge admission to make the visit worthwhile. 

Be Strategic with Eating Out and Dining In

​Meals are another area where families will likely try to save on the vacation budget. By packing a cooler full of lunch meat and snacks, you will save on the cost of restaurant bills, right?

Yes and no. 

While there is no denying that, in theory, the old “shop and save” method to vacation dining should save a decent amount of money, it ultimately fails for a couple of reasons.

First, few families have the discipline to actually stick to this approach. It can be difficult to keep telling your kids “no, we have sandwiches back in the room” every time you pass a scrumptious restaurant. This often results in a double whammy for the budget. Restaurant charges on top of a cooler full of uneaten picnic food.

Furthermore, dining out is part of the vacation experience in and of itself. A trip to the Southwest wouldn’t be the same without visiting some of the best restaurants in Scottsdale, so it is important to make the local cuisine part of the experience.

Save Time for Down Time

​Maybe the most overlooked component of a family vacation is saving time for down time. Too many times, your eyes can get bigger than your energy levels when planning the itinerary. You build the agenda down to the minute and buy tickets for every cool event months in advance.

After the first day, it’s not just your kids whining. Everyone is burnt out. All of that planning is for nought, and your tickets go to waste.

Therefore, remember that spending time with your people is just as much a part of the vacation experience as doing all the things. Aim for one big itinerary item each day. But be sure to leave plenty of down time to just kick back, relax, and go wherever the vacation may take you. 

Enjoy a Luxury Family Vacation without Breaking the Bank

Although there is no denying traveling with your loved ones can be expensive, there are plenty of ways to spend on the right items while avoiding any superfluous charges. From choosing the right transportation to keeping the itinerary modest, consider any of the ideas listed above to splurge smartly on your next family vacation. For more of the latest trends in family travel, explore the content at US Japan Fam for ideas and inspiration!

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Author Bio:
I'm Greg Harris, a retired writer now living the good life in Jacksonville, Florida. I launched my career and raised my family in Arizona, a place that still holds a special place in my heart. Over the years, I wrote about lifestyle, travel, and the everyday details that give life its texture and meaning. These days, I split my time between fishing, golfing, and soaking up the slower rhythm of retirement. While I'm no longer writing full-time, I still enjoy sharing stories and reflections whenever the mood strikes.