Taking your family on holiday can seem like a relaxing way to spend time together. Not budgeting for your holiday can turn your seemingly fun trip into a stressful time trying to figure out how much fun you can actually afford. Budgeting and saving for your family holiday can also help keep you from spending more money than you had planned. Keep in mind that when planning your holiday that when you book your trip is just as important as where and when you will be traveling, according to the Guardian website.
Step 1
Discuss where you want to take the family on holiday. Knowing where you are going will allow you to find the best possible deals to and from your destination.
Step 2
Speak with a travel agent and ask for an airline and accommodations quote for your specific destination. This information will give you a reference point when looking for cheaper travel.
Step 3
Access travel websites and do a search for airfare only. Make note of the prices for flights to and from your destination. Try many different dates and times to find the most economical flight.
Step 4
Search the travel websites for accommodations at your destination. Look for rates during the time that airlines where charging the least for flights.
Step 5
Add the cost of flights and accommodations for each date of travel. This number should be lower than the quote from the travel agent and can be compared to the cost of travel deals that offer flight and hotel costs combined.
Step 6
Determine how much money you are willing to spend on food. Many tourist destinations are more expensive than your hometown and will cost more to eat out.
Step 7
Locate menus of restaurants your family may enjoy at your destination. Add the cost of meals for the number of family members traveling. Be sure to add in tax, drinks and tip. Multiply this number by three and then by the number of days you plan on being on holiday.
Step 8
Compare the amount you are willing to spend with your calculated amount. If the money you are willing to spend is much less than your calculated, consider buying foods that can be easily prepared at your accommodations to serve for breakfast or lunch.
Step 9
Determine a souvenir and fun budget. Keep in mind that many destinations have free points of interest and events. If prices are subject to change for a point of interest or event your family is interested in, call the destination and discuss what prices may be while you are there. Budget for the highest prices.
Step 10
Add the cheapest flight and accommodation prices, your food budget, and your souvenir and fun budget together. Your answer is the amount of money needed to take your family on holiday.
Step 11
Book your flight and accommodations as soon as possible. Save the rest of your needed money in a separate savings account and keep track of how far you are from having your total. Once you reach your total, do not touch the money until you are ready to leave for holiday. This way you do not run the risk of being strapped for money while you should be relaxing.
References
- Guardian: Finding a Family Holiday on a Budget
- The Independent: Family Holidays on a Budget
- Darlene Conolly, Travel Agent Beeville, Tx
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