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How To Save Money When Traveling With Kids

How To Save Money When Traveling With Kids

Last updated: October 26, 2026. This update qualifies selected lodging-discount and melatonin guidance; the family’s expense examples remain historical. Date information added October 28, 2026.

Historical trip note, originally published April 2, 2021: These examples reflect this family’s travel experience at that time; prices and savings are not current offers or guarantees. Airfare, child fares, lodging discounts, memberships and attraction policies vary.

Remember when you were about to have a baby and everyone was warning you about how expensive kids are?  I have mixed feelings about this statement, but I do think travel with kids adds up quickly budget-wise!

When this post was published in 2021, all five of our children were older than two, so airfare, larger cars and meals all affected our family-of-seven travel budget.

After more than two years of full-time travel with five children, we had collected ideas that helped our family manage costs. Whether a tip saves money depends on the route, dates and family.

Originally linked 7Wayfinders film: Best 7 Tips for Flying With Kids From the 7Wayfinders!

Compare Flight Times and Total Fares for Family Trips

Searching for flight deals and contemplating that red-eye to Paris?  Can you really do it with little ones?

That can work for some families, but it is not right for every child or flight.

Less popular flight times can cost less on some itineraries, but a red-eye is not a fit for every child or trip. Compare the total fare and travel costs, and plan around your family’s needs.

My tips? 

• At the time, we used melatonin before flights because we wanted our children to nap. That describes our past practice, not a recommendation. The American Academy of Pediatrics advises parents to decide about melatonin with their pediatrician, cautiously; ask your child’s clinician whether it is appropriate for your child.
• Prep them mentally for what’s happening that night (assuming they are old enough to reason with you) 
• We told our children they could use a tablet or watch a movie after they woke up. We did not give it to them before they had a chance to sleep, though some nights involved a little fighting. That was our family’s routine, not a promise that children will sleep on a flight; plan for different responses.

When my babies were little, I loved letting them snooze at their “milk tap” while breastfeeding on flights. Families feed infants in different ways; this is what worked for me then. For more of my tips about flying with babies, read tips for flying with babies here

Compare Dates Outside Peak Travel Seasons

When our family visited Breckenridge, Colorado, we chose April or October, which our family called mud season. On those trips, we found lodging, restaurants and activities less expensive, though some places closed. These are our past observations; check current prices and seasonal hours before planning.

Some dates outside school holidays may cost less, but that varies by destination. The original advice here suggested taking children out of school to travel at quieter times. That was a 2021 opinion, not a rule for every family; attendance requirements and family circumstances differ, so check with the school before making plans.

Check Child Age Rules and Costs Before Booking

Airlines and attractions set their own age and admission rules. Check the specific fare and ticket terms before booking; a child’s age alone does not make a trip cost-free.

I love traveling with our little ones. Children’s interests and needs vary, and a family can choose activities that work for the people traveling together.

Little ones cannot do all the activities, but the goal really is to be together.  If you want to do something fun as adults or couples, get a sitter!  Here are my tips for getting a travel babysitter.

Plan What to Pack Before You Travel

Before leaving, consider the cost of checked bags and the price of items you may buy at your destination. For a beach or theme-park trip, packing a few planned items may help avoid some purchases, but compare current baggage and local prices. The original article also suggested buying Disney shirts on Etsy before a trip; that price and style comparison came from the time it was written, so compare current prices, shipping and park options.

The 2021 article compared Costa Rica sunscreen prices at roughly 4–10 times U.S. prices. That is a historical comparison, not a current price estimate; prices vary by product, shop and date.

Look for No-Cost Activities and Family Pricing

No-cost options such as beaches or hikes can help lower an activity budget, where access is free and the activity fits the family. Fees, transport and access rules vary by location.

On our New Zealand travels, we found family-priced activities and saved money. Offers and eligibility differ by provider and date, so check the current terms before setting a budget. Check costs before getting the kids excited about an activity, so you can decide whether it fits the budget before arriving.

Check Museum Membership Reciprocity

A museum membership may include reciprocal benefits at other participating children’s museums, but do not assume admission is free. Check the participating museum and your membership’s current terms before visiting.

For the original reciprocal-membership advice, see original article. That article lists programs including Association of Science and Technology Centers, Association of Zoo and Aquariums, North American Reciprocal Museum Association, Association of Children’s Museums, Southeastern Reciprocal Membership Program, Reciprocal Organization of Associated Museums and American Horticulture Society. Benefits and eligible institutions vary; check the current network rules and museum before visiting.

Some reciprocal programs list international institutions, but participation and benefits vary. Confirm the current terms with the program and museum you plan to visit.

Plan Some Family Meals at Your Lodging

Feeding a family… our nemesis sometimes, right?  So much work goes into nourishing big and little bodies.  This endeavor can also take up a lot of cash!  I’ve found a few sneaky ways to save loads of money on feeding my family while traveling:

• When we stayed in Airbnb properties with a kitchen, we often prepared meals at home; during the period described here, our family ate out with the kids two or three times a week. Breakfast ideas from our original list included milk, cereal cups and spoons, oatmeal packets, protein bars and fruit, or scrambled eggs and pancakes when a kitchen was available. Availability and savings depend on the property and trip. See why we love Airbnb, and my tips on what to buy in an Airbnb.
• When we ate out, we checked children’s menus and prices and sometimes shared food. One regular plate of nachos could feed four of our kids on a particular meal; portions and restaurant rules vary.
• When our family was on the go or restaurants were closed, we sometimes used snacks as a simple dinner rather than spending one to three hours finding a restaurant and sitting down. Our original list included beef jerky, nuts, fruit, crackers and cheese. This describes our family’s travel routine; choose food that suits your children’s needs.

Compare Transportation Options and Itinerary Costs

For some trips, we compared one-way tickets on separate airlines with other itinerary options. Our family has booked three flights on three carriers during one trip, but separate tickets can add connection and baggage risks; compare the full itinerary before booking.

• When this article was first published during the COVID-19 period, flight changes had cost our family change fees. A travel influencer suggested Kiwi.com and told me it would handle changes; that was advice we received, not a guarantee or a verified outcome. Review the current booking terms and compare with booking directly through the airline.

During our time in Bangkok, public transportation was one option we used. The route and map below show a trip from our condo to a favorite mall. Transit fares, routes and ease vary by city and date; check current operator information when planning.

Example: a route from our Bangkok condo to a favorite mall.

Compare Long-Stay Prices and Terms

The original post described weekly and monthly Airbnb discounts of up to 30–50% seen at the time; this is not a current offer or a typical-savings promise. Airbnb says hosts can set weekly or monthly discounts, and monthly savings may apply to some stays of 28 nights or more. Compare the full price and terms for the dates and listing you are considering. For more on long stays, see tips for booking a longer Airbnb stay. Airbnb’s current weekly and monthly discount information.

Set a Souvenir Budget With the Kids

Another money pit on vacation comes from souvenirs.  Kids want, want, want and you want to retain the memories.  It’s a good idea to set a budget beforehand, either for allowance, chores, or your own money, on how much will be spent on souvenirs.  

We pay our kids a monthly allowance that is quite generous and tied to their chores.  We make them pay tithing to our church, 20% to savings, and learn how to budget the rest.  It takes all the hassle out of souvenir shopping.  They either have the money or they don’t.

Additional Reading

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