85 Ways To Save Money While Traveling With Your Family

A whopping 27% of people cite lack of money as the number one reason they don’t travel according to a recent survey by NerdWallet. It’s no surprise, considering recent price increases in travel related industries.

We don’t want finances keep you from your next trip, so we’ve compiled a list of 85 ways you can save money while traveling with your family.

1. Set a travel budget and stick to it.

Without a budget, every fun idea presented to you seems good. A budget helps you prioritize what’s most important and gives you the incentive to maintain discipline throughout your trip.

2. Book flights in advance to take advantage of early bird discounts.

They say that the early bird gets, the worm, but in this case, you’ll snag the best deals on flights as well. Generally speaking, domestic flights will be at their best prices anywhere between 1-3 months in advance, while international flights vary more widely, anywhere between 2-8 months before departure. Either way, don’t wait until the last minute when booking your flight, especially if you’re looking for multiple tickets for your family.

3. Consider traveling during the non-peak season to save on accommodations and activities.

We love traveling in shoulder seasons. This is the season between your high (peak) and low (off) season. While you may not experience the very best weather, you’ll generally find that many excursions and experiences are still available, whereas, in the off-season, many attractions may be closed.

4. Use a travel rewards credit card to earn points and miles.

Find credit cards that will earn you points and miles based upon where you’ll be spending money. Because we were traveling for a long duration, it made sense for us to use cards that gave us triple points for booking stays.

5. Stay in a vacation rental instead of a hotel.

While this won’t always make sense for everyone, we’ve found that for large families it is almost always cheaper to stay in a vacation rental from Airbnb or VRBO.

6. Pack light to avoid extra baggage fees.

When traveling to Europe, we only took carry-ons to avoid baggage fees. Because we weren’t renting a car and were traveling to several countries, this also meant we wouldn’t have to lug around giant suitcases.

7. Look for free activities or attractions, such as parks or museums.

With a bit of research beforehand, you can find some great local attractions that are absolutely free. The Paris Modern Art Museum (Musée d’Art Moderne de la Ville de Paris) & British Museum were just two of the many free museums that we were able to visit on our trip. Libraries can also be a great place to check for free passes to local attractions, as many offer free admission to National or State Parks. With a bit of research, you’ll find reviews that will help illuminate what you might not find on your destination’s website.

8. Plan meals in advance and cook some meals at home to save money.

If you’re traveling internationally, you may not be as accustomed to what they will have on hand, but you can still have some rough ideas going in. We shopped at Costco & Sam’s Club stateside (and in Mexico) to save buy in bulk and save some money. Eating in allowed us to do more excursions, like whale watching and seeing Broadway plays.

9. Use public transportation instead of taking taxis or rental cars.

While Uber & Lyft are convenient and sometimes even necessary depending one your location, buses, subways and rails will often get the trick done for a far lesser price. You’ll also avoid parking fees in more densely populated cities like New York.

10. Find deals on activities and attractions by searching online.

Once you put together of a list of attractions, look for promo codes and inquire about student discounts. We hit zoos, museums and monuments for free while traveling domestically and internationally. Try to book experiences ahead of time and you’re likely to save a significant amount of money. Many attractions offer free admission one day of the month, so take some time to do a bit of research. It may be a bit more crowded, but the savings may allow you to experience other great sites.

11. Stay in a hostel or guesthouse to save on accommodations.

While we didn’t stay at any hostels, we did stay in some great houses where other people were on the property. Our stay in Sayulita, Nayarit, Mexico came with a pool and the person on site helped take care of any issues we had. Do a little research beforehand and read reviews, but this is a great way to save some extra money.

12. Use a travel app to find the best deals on flights and accommodations.

We live in a digital world with so many great apps, but it can be hard to know which ones to use. Skyscanner and a simple Google Flights are great for flights, while Airbnb, VRBO & Booking.com have been our main go-tos for accommodations.

13. Buy snacks and drinks at local markets instead of tourist shops.

We tend to embrace being a tourist in many places, but we’ve grown wise to the reality that there are usually tourist mark ups in most places around the world, even in the US. Street vendors can be extremely convenient. We found a couple great local markets in Sayulita that were just outside the city center and it saved us a good deal of money over the course of our month long stay.

14. Use a travel rewards program to earn discounts and perks.

Credit cards often offer incentives for signing up and many provide added travel benefits, such as insurance, discounts to preferred vendors. The Chase Sapphire Card gives us money towards Lyft, a monthly DoorDash credit & even let’s take advantage of several airport lounges throughout the world with Priority Pass.

15. Take advantage of free breakfasts and happy hour specials at hotels.

While we tend to stay in vacation rentals, there are times we stay at hotels, and we always look for ones that serve a free breakfast. It may not sound like a ton, but we have seven people in the family, and even at $5 each, that’s $35 in our pockets every single day!

16. Share meals to save money on dining out.

This one has gotten a bit more challenging as our kids have grown older, especially with three teenage boys! However, sometimes it’s cheaper to order a larger amount and split it, rather than order two small/medium size dishes. Also, if you have leftovers, just stick them in the fridge and warm them up the next day for a bonus meal!

17. Use free walking tours or self-guided tours to explore your destination.

We loved exploring and hiking in Costa Rica. Some parks cost a few bucks, but it was very inexpensive. We could have hired a guide, but most of the time we just explored ourselves and had a blast. If you have kids, another great way to leverage free entertainment is to put together a scavenger hunt with some unique items/areas of the city. You can spend a few hours exploring and have some fun!

18. Look for group deals on activities and attractions.

Many places will offer discounts for larger groups. Our whale watching excursion was much cheaper by booking as a group rather than per person. There are other activities that offer discounts for children with the price of an adult as well.

19. Use a budgeting app to keep track of expenses and stay within your budget.

If you want to stay on budget, you’ll need to keep an eye on it. Expensify is popular budget app that let’s you upload receipts, but if you really want to go simple, make an Excel spreadsheet or use Google Sheets to track where you’re at. The latter options aren’t fancy, but their free and easy to use on mobile & desktop.

20. Take advantage of free hotel amenities.

Many hotels offer great amenities, such as swimming pools and gyms. Most hotels will have pictures online, but make sure to verify when they’re accessible before you leave. If you belong to a chain gym, you may even be able to take advantage of one nearby if you plan ahead.

21. Book activities and attractions in advance to take advantage of online discounts.

We recently booked a trip to Disneyland Paris, but because we waited, the ticket prices went up significantly. Booking ahead of time will not only save you money, but it will also ensure you have access to the best selection.

22. Book activities and attractions last minute to take advantage of discounts.

I know we just said to book early, but here us out on this one. If you’re flexible, you can often find great prices on tickets to shows and sporting events through resellers online. The possible downside is that tickets may not become available (have a backup plan in that event) and selection will be limited. Generally speaking, we found it best to wait until 1-4 hours before to buy – we even caught an NBA game for less than $10/ticket by going mid-way through the first quarter.

23. Look for family discounts on activities and attractions.

Buying in bulk can save you money on some money on entertainment. Remember, these will likely be in the found in non-peak seasons when places are looking for more business. 

24. Use a rideshare service instead of renting a car.

Public transportation is often cheaper, but it’s not always a solution. Rideshare services are a great option when traveling for relatively short distances. If you’re new to services like Lyft or Uber, you may be eligible to take advantage of some sign up bonuses as well. If you do need a rental, check out Turo as a great alternative to traditional rentals.

25. Buy souvenirs at local markets instead of tourist shops.

Personally, I try to find items that are bit more authentic than the trinkets that you’ll find in a lot of tourist destinations. Our younger daughters tend to gravitate towards cheap trinkets that break, but we encourage them to wait instead of buying the first thing they see. Oftentimes, cities will hold weekend markets with some great local finds. By hitting less touristy locations, you’ll find better quality and preserve your memories through these keepsakes.

26. Choose affordable destinations for your family vacation.

This may be the most practical tip on the whole list, but it needs to be said. If you’re heart is really set on doing something more expensive, find creative ways to enjoy the rest of your stay for less. Find a free hike, stay in and play board games or just go for a walk around the city to help offset the cost of your bucket list item.

27. Use a travel agent to find the best deals on flights and accommodations.

Yes, you can do research yourself, but it will take a good deal of time for larger trips. While a travel agent will often cost money, they can also help you find huge savings. Often, travel agents specialize in certain types of trips or locations, or may even have connections to a local that you’ll never find on the internet. They also provide a peace of mind and give you someone to reach out to in the event you need some help.

28. Use a rewards program to earn points or miles for future travel.

Just as we said we have a credit card that gives us triple points for travel purchases, you’ll also find some rewards programs when using specific airlines. If you can consistently use them or a listed partner airline, you’ll likely be able to accrue enough points for future tickets.

29. Look for free parking options.

You’ll need to do a bit of online investigation for your particular location, but common sense dictates that weekdays during work hours will likely be busy if you’re looking for street parking. Be aware that some cities may only have free parking available during certain hours of the day.

30. Stay at a hotel with a kitchenette or kitchen to cook some meals at home.

This was one of the main reasons we chose to stay at vacation rentals, but many hotels do offer rooms with a kitchen for a bit more. Simply calculate whether upgrading your room to cook in more will offset the cost of a smaller room that forces you to eat out more. If the savings make sense, you’ll have a nicer room and some good home cooked meals.

31. Use a travel deal website to find the best deals on flights and accommodations.

We went back and forth on this one, but there are times that travel websites offer packages for prices that you can’t find if you put the deal together yourselves. At very least, we recommend using travel websites to give you an idea of the costs you’ll be incurring. If you bundle everything, sometimes it makes sense to use a travel website, but keep in mind that it can become more difficult to make changes down the road, as you didn’t book directly with the airline, car rental or hotel.

32. Consider staying at a home exchange to save on accommodations.

If you live in a destination city, this might be a great option for you. Make sure to consider the pros and cons, but if you’re up for adventure, this can be a great way to travel on the cheap!

33. Use a travel discount card to save money on activities and attractions.

While many credit cards give you points, there are specific travel discount cards that provide travel specific benefits. Teachers and students can benefit from these, but many are simply region dependent and available to anyone for an affordable fee. Figure out which cards meet your needs and find thousands of discounts around the world!

34. Avoid peak travel periods to save on flights & car rentals.

Similar to the higher cost of accommodations and activities in peak seasons, airfare & rentals often skyrockets during these times. It’s simple supply and demand. When demand outweighs supply, prices go up. By waiting to travel during the shoulder or off season, you’ll find greater availability and discounted prices. 

35. Take advantage of free transportation, such as shuttle buses or trams.

Many cities offer free transportation during certain times or for specific events. Here’s a great site to see some of the cities with fare free transportation. This isn’t an exhaustive list, but it’s a great place to start.

36. Rent bikes instead of cars to save money on transportation.

This is a great way to save money and get some exercise! Bikes can a fun, and often more practical way to move around many cities where driving is more challenging. In addition to bikes, golf carts in many places, like Mexico, are a popular mode of transportation in the city.

37. Bring your own snacks and empty water bottles to the airport to avoid overpriced options.

If you have kids, it’s nearly impossible to sit at an airport for any amount of time without them getting hungry. We usually take them to the store a day or two before we leave and let them pick out their favorite snacks. Not only is it cheaper, but we don’t have to worry about them not finding something they like. In addition, bring an water bottle through security and fill it up on the other side.

38. Use a cashback rewards credit card to earn money back on travel expenses.

If you don’t want to figure out how to use your points towards hotels, flights or other benefits, there are some great credit cards that simply let you cash out your points. You might squeeze a few less dollars out this way, but you also don’t have to spend any time figuring out what your points can purchase.

39. Look for hotel deals that offer free nights or other perks.

Some hotels offer free nights with extended stays or if you sign up for promotional programs (often with specific credit cards). Keep an eye out for these hotel deals months ahead of your booking for the best chance to scoop up a deal.

40. Book longer stays at your vacation rental, like Airbnb & VRBO.

One of the ways we’ve saved so much on our stays is by booking for longer periods. Week long stays will often get you a small discount, but big discounts are found in the 28-32 day range. Not everyone offers discounts, but for those that do, it’s can be significant. We’ve literally saved 50% off our stay in places like New Jersey, Miami & Barcelona. Not only do you get a way nicer place, but you don’t have to break the bank.

41. Use a city pass or attraction pass to save money on multiple activities.

Many large cities will offer passes to several popular destinations. For instance, New York offers. CityPASS let’s you bundle attractions in over a dozen cities, including NYC, Toronto, Dallas & LA. Keep in mind that most of these require you to see several places in a short period of time, but if you can utilize them, then it makes a lot of sense and brings significant savings.

42. Stay at a hotel outside of the city center to save on accommodations.

If you have access to transportation, or your own, then this can bring you some of the biggest savings in planning your vacation. If you’re outside a tourist epicenter, you’ll likely experience a truer sense of the community as well. Keep in mind that if you don’t have access to transportation, it may not always make sense to book outside the city.

43. Use a grocery delivery service to save money on meals.

Many stores offer free delivery for new customers or low price delivery if you’re not able to go there yourself. That small fee is easily offset by the savings you find from not eating out every meal.

44. Find affordable local options for meals.

This won’t work everywhere, but we were eating $1 tacos in Sayulita & Rosarito, Mexico, and they were amazing! We found some places online and another from just walking around, so do a bit of research, and some exploring!

45. Choose a destination with a favorable exchange rate.

While you can’t control exchange rates, you can look for places that make your exchange more favorable. If you can be flexible with your vacation options, come up with a short list and see if exchange rates play into your favor. It’s also advisable to get some money before you leave, as your local bank will usually have a better rate of return than an airport or a local ATM.

46. Look for last-minute deals on flights and accommodations.

A lot of what we’ve talked about is based around planning, but sometimes the best savings come when flexibility and spontaneity meet. Start by seeing if you can scoop a deal on some flights and then move to looking for accommodations. Airlines don’t like empty seats, while hotels & landlords like to avoid vacancy. Even if they can’t get what they want, at least they’re getting something, and you’re the beneficiary!

47. Use a cashback app to earn money back on travel expenses.

Nowadays, there are a whole host of cashback apps. Most of them are fairly simple to use, and many even have plugins for your desktop as well. Consider cashback programs like Honey & Ibotta.

48. Take advantage of free events and festivals in your destination.

We enjoyed the Flag Day parade in Sayulita. We actually found it on a Facebook group for people in the people. We found recommendations and plenty of city information there, along with the ability to ask any questions we had. We love asking locals for recommendations, but this is another great tool to utilize. 

49. Use a credit card with no foreign transaction fees.

Many credit cards offer no foreign transaction fees, which can be a huge savings, plus it allows you to continue to accumulate points during your travel. However, keep in mind that some local markets may not take cards, or may have a small fee or minimum requirement, so it’s always a good idea to have some cash on hand as well.

50. Buy tickets for attractions and activities online to avoid long lines.

Not only will you avoid long lines, but you’ll increase the likelihood of finding tickets. Keep in mind that selection narrows the longer you wait at many attractions, especially at popular overseas destinations.

51. Use a hotel loyalty program to earn free stays or discounts.

Not all hotel loyalty programs are created equally. Depending on the length or frequency of your stays, you’ll want to look for programs that best suit you. It’s also important to note that realize that not all points are created equal, so you want to find ones that give you the most value. Radisson and Hyatt tend to maximize your points, while Hilton tends to give you a few less, but availability and your specific needs ultimately dictate what works best for you and your family.

52. Look for discounts on car rentals through travel deal websites.

We’ve shared how bundling your car rental with your travel and hotel can save you money, but if you only need the car, don’t discount using a travel deal website. As crazy as it sounds, you’ll often find better deals through them instead of going directly through the car rental company.

53. Use a discount code or coupon when booking flights or accommodations.

Airlines are known to run some spectacular flight discounts, especially from certain hubs. Sign up for alerts from popular airlines to scoop up deals as they come available. Be aware that these deals usually valid for a limited time in the relatively near future, so you likely won’t be able to plan a trip eight months out. 

54. Use a grocery store loyalty card to save on food and supplies.

The beauty of store loyalty cards is that most all of them are found in the app store. Most stores run weekly ads, and oftentimes you can only redeem the savings with a membership. We’ve downloaded a couple dozen in our travels. If you’re worried about getting bombarded with emails, they’re easy to unsubscribe from, or you can just create an email address that you use for travel info so you don’t clutter your main email(s). 

55. Consider camping to save on accommodations.

In the future, we’d love to travel to more national parks. Camping is a phenomenal way to take a fun, but relatively cheap trip. Make sure to plan ahead if going during peak season, as sites fill up fast. Check out our full list of items you’ll want to bring when camping, along with some great suggestions of tents, fishing rods and other recreational items.

56. Consider RVing to save on accommodations.

If you’re like me, busting out a tent or camping under the stars may not be your thing, then renting an RV might be a great option. While it will cost more than traditional camping, RV’s have become much more affordable to rent as more options have come available.

57. Use a credit card that offers cashback on travel purchases.

While you’re more likely to maximize credit card by using your points toward purchases, you may not want to hassle with having to find where or what you qualify for. The good news is that there are some great credit cards that allow you to maximize your cashback. You can see the pull list of cards here.

58. Avoid tourist areas to save on food and activities.

Generally speaking, tourist areas are going to have a 15-25% markup in most areas around the world. Many of our stays were just outside of the main tourist areas.  While it meant doing a little extra travel, we were able to save big in several other areas. We talk more about the pros and cons of choosing accommodations inside or outside the city here. 

59. Book flights during the middle of the week to save money.

This one has been debated by some, but the overall consensus is that you will find the cheapest flights by booking Tuesday-Thursday (many people believe Tuesday is best, followed by Wednesday). Of course, there are exceptions to this, but the logic makes sense, as many families heading out on vacation and most business trips will take place on the weekends and days surrounding them.

60. Use a vacation rental website & apps to find affordable accommodations.

The beauty of technology is that it allows us to find options faster. With this in mind, you’ll want to set up parameters for your search so it’s easily accessible when you return. When we were booking Airbnb’s, I would check the app a couple times a day to see what the best deals were. After a while, of looking through an area, you get a pretty good sense of what to expect. If you’re willing to take a gamble, look for brand new listings, as they often have lower prices up front to garner renters and build their profile power. 

61. Look for local deals on Groupon or LivingSocial.

We were able to purchase a Sam’s Club membership for essentially no money with a deal from Groupon. They also have tons of great local events, activities and restaurant discounts. If you know you’re going a while in advance, keep an eye out to snag a great deal, just make sure it doesn’t expire before your trip.

62. Use a hotel booking website that offers price matching.

Believe it or not, many individual hotels and booking websites offer price matching. It’s not a perfect science, but you can find some great deals with a bit of research. Also, keep in mind that just because you paid for your hotel (or airfare for that matter), doesn’t mean you aren’t eligible for lower rates if the price goes down in the future. Simply contact the hotel or website you booked through to explain the lower price and they’ll often refund you the difference!

63. Stay in a budget hotel or motel to save money.

This one will greatly depend on what you’re wanting to do and where you’ll be spending your time. If your place will be little more than a place to sleep or watch a bit of TV, then finding a budget hotel or motel can be a great way to save some money. It’s also no shame if this is all you can afford, as sometimes getting away is a gift in itself!

64. Look for free entertainment options, such as local music or theater performances.

Sometimes you don’t need to spend a lot of extra money to find entertainment. We found some great local performers while sitting at restaurants and walking through Central Park. A lot of restaurants have nights where they feature local artists, which is a great way to enjoy an evening out!

65. Take advantage of free hotel shuttles to save on transportation.

When flying back from Costa Rica, we made sure to stay at a hotel with free shuttle service, making our lives much easier. Of course, we do encourage you to give a tip to your driver, but it will come at a fraction of the cost of a rideshare, and still give you the convenience of being picked up.

66. Use a travel insurance policy to protect your investment.

While travel insurance isn’t always a requirement (though it is in certain parts of the world depending where you are coming from), it is a good idea to protect your valuables.

67. Use a mobile app to find the cheapest gas prices while traveling.

We trekked nearly 40,000 miles in just over six months, so you can imagine the amount of fuel we went through. There are some great apps that will help you find the best deals, which is especially helpful in areas you’re not familiar with. One bonus secret for us was to find a Costco or Sam’s Club, because they often had the lowest fuel prices in town.

68. Look for all-inclusive packages to save on meals and activities.

While all-inclusive packages may seem like they cost more, you’ll often find savings by having all your meals and activities taken care of. If you have younger kids, all-inclusive stays can be a godsend, as you won’t have to worry about finding constant activities and allow you to have a relaxing vacation. However, if you’re wanting to be a bit more adventurous, you can add excursions to most packages for an additional fee.

69. Choose a destination with free or low-cost outdoor activities, such as hiking or swimming.

We’ve visited 7 beach areas in the past couple years and have plans to visit several more. While this is mostly because we love the beach, it’s also because it’s super easy to have a nice relaxing day on the cheap. Hiking in Costa Rica and Mexico were spectacular and a walk around a park is also a great way to burn off some of the kids energy.

70. Use a hotel booking website that offers flexible dates and cancellations.

Unexpected events happen in life, and it’s only compounded when you’re on the hook for thousands of dollars because you didn’t get insurance or find a site that allows for changes or cancellations.

71. Use a credit card that offers travel insurance and trip cancellation coverage.

One of the reasons we love our Chase Sapphire Preferred card is that it provides up to $20,000 for our family if a covered loss prevents us from traveling.

72. Use a discount code or coupon when renting a car.

A quick Google search often turns up promo codes for car rentals, or you can install desktop extensions like Honey and CouponCabin Sidekick to check for deals for you. InvisibleHand is another great tool to help you find the best prices on flights, hotels and rental cars.

73. Choose a destination with free or low-cost cultural attractions, such as museums or art galleries.

We absolutely loved spending time in Washington DC, but one of the best parts was that the activities were mostly free (technically, they’re paid by our tax dollars). National Parks are usually between $20-$35 for a vehicle pass. They also have five free days throughout the year, or buy a National Park Pass that’s good to all national parks for a year for only $80!

74. Stay in a vacation rental with a kitchen to cook meals and save on dining out.

We mentioned finding a hotel with a kitchenette, but imagine the meals you could enjoy with a whole kitchen. Honestly, this was one of the main reasons we elected to stay in vacation rentals. The ability to get groceries and cook meals not only saved us huge money for our family of 7, but much of the time it meant that we ate much healthier as well. We love to eat out and try new places, but food is one of the easiest ways to break the bank.

75. Look for local deals on restaurant apps such as Yelp or TripAdvisor.

Depending on where you’ll be staying, online reviews can be a huge help in finding deals. You might find half price tacos on Tuesdays, happy hour deals on drinks and appetizers or weekday specials. 

76. Use a hotel booking website that offers rewards for bookings.

If you’re not going to book directly through a hotel to get rewards, then try to be consistent in finding a site that will reward you for booking stays where you go. These will often be your larger sites like Booking.com, Expedia, & Hotels.com. While there are some people who vehemently argue that going directly through airlines, hotels or rental car companies is the best route, there have been many times where we’ve found the best deals using these third-party sites. Of course, cancellation and booking issues can arise, so consider purchasing insurance if you’re at all worried.

77. Use a hotel booking website that offers a price guarantee.

One of the biggest reasons people end up paying more for flights, stays and rental is because they wait too long to book, hoping the price will go down. With price guarantees, you’ll be refunded the difference if any future deals come available. This isn’t applicable at all times or for all reservations, but make sure to check to see if any of your trip is eligible.

78. Look for hotel deals or vacation rentals that offer free parking.

When considering your accommodations, whether a vacation rental or hotel, look for free parking if you have a vehicle.  Not all homes or hotels have free parking, especially in urban or downtown areas. We specifically turned down some locations in New York & New Jersey because we didn’t want the headache of find a place to park our 12-passenger vehicle. 

79. Stay in a vacation rental with a washer and dryer to save on laundry costs.

With seven people, you can imagine that we go through a decent amount of laundry, which is why we always made sure to look for stays with a washer and dryer. Be aware that if you’re traveling internationally, this can be a bit more challenging, specifically finding places with dryers, which means you’ll be hanging out clothes to dry more often.

80. Use a credit card that offers travel benefits, such as priority boarding or free checked bags.

Our Chase Sapphire Preferred card offers money toward TSA Precheck for domestic travel or Global Entry if you’re travelling internationally. This is a great way to cut down your security clearance time at the airport, and make your life a bit easier, especially if you’re traveling with kids.

81. Choose a destination with free or low-cost family-friendly attractions, such as amusement parks or zoos.

We hit up the Bronx Zoo for free by applying for free tickets for their free Wednesday deal and took a stroll through Central Park, including the Belvedere Castle. In Mexico we enjoyed a circus for just a few bucks. Museums are great, but sometimes our kids want to do other things, so it’s helpful to intersperse some of these fun activities. There are so many cool free and low-cost places to hit up in cities all over the world!

82. Choose a destination with free or low-cost sports and recreation opportunities, such as golf or skiing.

Catch a minor league baseball game or a local soccer game for a fraction of the price of the pros. If skiing’s not your thing, then grab a tube like we did when we were staying outside of Portland, OR, play a pick-up basketball game at a park or grab a frisbee or football to toss around the beach.

83. Get alerts for your flights and accommodations.

It’s hard to stay up on every deal, which makes automating alerts the perfect reminder. Google lets you search for and set up flights and sites like Kayak let you set up custom searches with alerts as well.

84. Pack snacks and meals when you go out

For years we wanted to take our kids to Disneyland, but we knew the cost of eating all our meals at the park for all nine of us would quickly blow up our budget, so we decided to pack a lunch for each day we were at the park. My husband even brought a backpack filled with our kids favorite snacks.

85. Use military, teacher or AARP discounts

Many rental places and attractions offer discounts to the military, teachers or first responders. While other places do have senior discounts, you’re still able to take advantage of any AARP discounts, as any adult can become a member for just a few bucks!

What did we miss?

We’d love to hear from you! Drop a comment with your favorite money saving tips and let us know if you take advantage of anything on our list.