It’s that time of the year again! School is out and families are planning their summer holidays. If you’re like most people, you’re probably trying to figure out how to budget for your trip.

Below, Your Debt Expert has outlined their top tips for how to best budget for your next summer holiday with the family. From specialist finance advice to the latest Debt Management Plans (Find Out More), Your Debt Expert help thousands beat debt each year.

Here are 10 tips on how to save money on your family’s summer holiday.

Plan ahead

If you’re looking to save money on your next family vacation, the best thing you can do is plan ahead. By booking your flight and hotel well in advance, you can often take advantage of early-bird discounts and save a significant amount of money. Additionally, it’s important to have a budget in mind before you start shopping for travel deals. This will help you stay within your means and avoid overspending on your trip.

Travel During the off-season

One of the easiest ways to save money on travel is to simply travel during the off-season. Airfare and accommodations are typically much cheaper when demand is low, so you can stretch your budget further by avoiding peak travel times. This is especially true for popular family destinations like Disney World and other theme parks. If you’re willing to travel during the shoulder season or even winter, you can often find great deals on hotels and airfare.

Consider alternate accommodations

Hotels can be one of the biggest expenses when planning a family vacation, but there are plenty of other options available that can save you money. Vacation rentals, for example, are often more spacious and cost-effective than traditional hotel rooms. If you’re open to staying with family or friends, that can also be a great way to reduce your accommodation expenses.

If you are a larger group or have a few families together, a villa can often cost the same or less than a hotel.  For example, Villa La Hacienda in Sitges (close to Port Aventura and Barcelona), can accommodate up to 16 guests.  It has a massive garden, relaxation areas, a large pool, and plenty for the children to do.  Three families sharing this stunning villa is much cheaper than going to a hotel.  You get the added benefit of privacy, your own private pool, a kitchen to eat whenever you want and luxury accommodation.

Take advantage of free activities

When you’re on vacation, it’s easy to get caught up in the idea of spending money on activities and attractions. However, there are often plenty of free or low-cost things to do in any given destination. Do some research ahead of time to find out what kind of free activities are available, and plan your itinerary accordingly. This will help you avoid overspending on your trip.

Bring your own food

Eating out can be one of the biggest expenses when travelling with a family. To save money, consider packing your own food from home. This is especially true if you’re travelling by car. You can bring along non-perishable items, packed lunches, and even easy-to-prepare meals that will save you money on food costs.

Search for discounts

There are often discounts available for family travel if you know where to look. Some credit card companies offer travel rewards programs that can save you money on airfare and accommodations. Additionally, many attractions offer discounts for children or large groups. Be sure to ask about any available discounts before you purchase tickets.

Use public transportation

If you’re travelling to a large city, consider using public transportation instead of renting a car. This can save you a significant amount of money, especially if you’re planning to do a lot of sightseeing. Many cities also offer discount cards that give you access to multiple attractions for one low price. This can be a great way to save money if you’re planning to visit multiple attractions.

Avoid tourist traps

There are often tourist traps in popular vacation destinations that can end up costing you a lot of money. To avoid these, do some research ahead of time and plan your itinerary accordingly. Ask locals for recommendations on where to go and what to see. This will help you avoid overpriced attractions and find the best things to do in any given destination.

Stick to a schedule

It can be tempting to spend all day exploring when you’re on vacation, but this can often lead to overspending. To avoid this, plan your days ahead of time and try to stick to a schedule. This will help you budget your time and money more effectively.

Have a backup plan

No matter how well you plan, there’s always a chance that something could go wrong on your vacation. To avoid being stranded without any money, be sure to bring along a backup credit card and some extra cash. This will help you deal with any unexpected expenses that might come up.

Following these tips can help you plan a family vacation on a budget. By being prepared and doing your research, you can save money and enjoy a great trip without breaking the bank.