budget travel tips

💰 How We Actually Afford to Travel with Kids (Real-Life Budget Tips That Work)

/ jennifersheeman / Leave a comment
Family standing in DUMBO Brooklyn with Manhattan Bridge in the background in New York City with kids
Exploring DUMBO with the Manhattan Bridge behind us—one of our favorite NYC moments as a family.
Affiliate Disclosure: This post may contain affiliate links. We may earn a small commission if you purchase through them—at no extra cost to you.

Traveling with kids isn’t always cheap—but it is possible to do it without constantly stressing about money.

We’re a family of five, and over time, we’ve figured out how to take meaningful trips without overspending. Not by cutting out the fun—but by being intentional about where we save and where we don’t.

If you’ve ever wondered how families actually afford to travel more than once a year… this is exactly what’s worked for us.

Kids with luggage at the airport starting a family trip to New York City
The start of every trip—bags packed, kids excited, and just enough chaos to make it memorable.

✈️ How We Plan Trips Without Overspending

We don’t book trips on a whim—we build them around value.

Here’s what that looks like:
✔ Traveling during shoulder seasons when possible
✔ Choosing destinations where we can walk to most things
✔ Prioritizing experiences over luxury upgrades

We’ve learned that a well-located hotel can save more money than a “cheap” one that requires constant driving, parking, and extra time.

🏨 Where We Save on Hotels

Hotels are one of the biggest expenses—but also one of the easiest places to be strategic.

What works for us:

  • Staying just outside major downtown areas when it makes sense
  • Booking early (but watching for price drops)
  • Choosing hotels with breakfast included
  • Looking for family-friendly layouts (space matters!)

Sometimes we spend a little more to stay somewhere central—and it ends up saving money overall.

Family-friendly hotel room in New York City with two beds, a pull-out couch, and space for kids
A simple, comfortable hotel setup—having the right space for our family made a big difference on this trip.

🎟️ How We Save on Attractions

This is one of our biggest money-saving strategies.

Instead of paying full price for everything, we look for bundled passes and pre-booked experiences.

We’ve used things like:

  • CityPASS
  • Go City

These can save a surprising amount—especially in cities like New York.

We also book activities ahead of time so we’re not paying inflated last-minute prices.

kids standing on glass floor at Summit One Vanderbilt overlooking New York City at night
One of those “wow” moments—Summit One Vanderbilt was unforgettable for all of us.

🚗 How We Save on Transportation

Transportation costs can add up fast—but a few decisions make a big difference.

✔ Walking whenever possible
✔ Using public transportation in big cities
✔ Avoiding rental cars unless truly needed
✔ Choosing centrally located hotels

In cities like NYC, the subway was not only affordable—it was one of the easiest parts of our trip.

Family with kids waiting on subway platform in New York City using public transportation
One of the easiest parts of our trip—the subway was simple, efficient, and surprisingly family-friendly.

🍽️ Where We Save (and Splurge) on Food

We don’t eat every meal out—but we also don’t skip the places we’re excited about.

Our balance:
✔ Breakfast included or quick grab-and-go
✔ Casual lunches
✔ One planned “fun” dinner

This keeps food from becoming overwhelming financially while still making it part of the experience.

Kids eating pizza during a family trip to New York City
Simple meals like this ended up being some of our favorites—quick, easy, and exactly what the kids wanted.

🧳 Travel Essentials That Actually Save Us Money

A few small things make a big difference:

✔ Lightweight ponchos
✔ Reusable water bottles
✔ Portable chargers
✔ Packing cubes or compression bags

These help us avoid overpriced purchases at tourist spots.

Family wearing rain ponchos and helmets during a rainy day while traveling with kids
Rain didn’t stop us—having the right gear (like ponchos) made all the difference.

❤️ Final Thoughts: It’s About Priorities, Not Perfection

We don’t travel perfectly—and we definitely don’t do it the cheapest way possible.

But we’ve found a rhythm that works for our family:

  • Spend where it matters
  • Save where it doesn’t
  • Focus on the moments, not the extras

That’s what allows us to keep traveling—and actually enjoy it.

✨ Plan Your Next Family Adventure

Ready to start planning your trip? These family travel guides make planning your next trip even easier.

Keep exploring:

← Back to Travel Tips