How to Save Money on Family Holidays: My Top Tips!
We all dream of taking our families on that perfect vacation — filled with fun, relaxation, and priceless memories. But with the rising cost of living, finding budget places to travel and making your money stretch further has become a necessity for many of us.
Here are my top tips to help you plan a savvy family getaway without sacrificing the magic of the experience!
Let the Destination Choose You
Instead of fixating on a specific destination, let prices guide your choice. Being flexible and open to exploring new places can unlock incredible destinations you might have overlooked.
Pro Tip: Use tools like Google Flights and leave the destination field blank to discover the cheapest holiday spots for your preferred travel dates. You might stumble upon the perfect family getaway for a fraction of the usual cost!
Skyscanner and the Qantas Points Calculator are also great tools!
This is how we ended up in Uluru recently!
Leverage Frequent Flyer Points
Frequent flyer points have been a game-changer for our family. Although I was skeptical at first, as a Barefoot Investor fan, signing up for a points-earning credit card has saved us thousands on flights.
For instance, we’ve scored return flights to the USA for just $400 per person and to Bali for $185 per person. On our USA trip alone, using points saved us over $7,500 — money we could use for accommodation and activities.
Pro Tip: Many people use points for upgrades, but we focus on redeeming points for economy flights to help us get to our destination in the first place. Plus, it’s easier to find "free seats", and you need far fewer points.
P.S these are the two cards I use to collect frequent flyer points - one for personal and one for business.
If you’ve done your research, can manage a credit card responsibly, and have decided to get one, I’d appreciate it if you used my above referral links so we both earn extra points!
Not into credit cards? No worries!
There are still plenty of deals to be had without points. We’ve scored flights to Tassie for $35 per person each way, and a friend recently flew to Ayers Rock for $19 by simply checking promotional emails from the airlines directly!
Fly on Off-Peak Days
Flying on less popular days can save you hundreds. For instance, this year we’re flying to Fiji on Easter Sunday — right after our egg hunt — during the school holidays for just $210 per person return (you only pay the taxes when using points).
No matter how you book (points or cash), travelling on days when most people would prefer to be at home, or already at their destination, is one of the simplest ways to cut flight costs!
Plantation Island Resort Fiji
Opt for Boutique Accommodation & Avoid Kids’ Clubs
When choosing accommodation, opt for boutique properties or family-run resorts over large hotel chains. These often provide better value and a more tailored experience. Remember, additional facilities like kids' clubs, gyms, and multiple restaurants usually come with a higher price tag!
Pro Tip: Booking directly with a hotel can often save you more than using third-party booking sites like Booking.com, which charge hotels hefty commissions. Hotels are often happy to work directly with you, so don’t be afraid to reach out and ask about special deals or upgrades!
Worst case: you'll likely score a much better room for the same price.
Leverage ShopBack:
This might seem contradictory to my earlier point about booking directly, but sometimes the cashback deals through platforms like ShopBack are just too good to pass up — especially during their 'happy hour' sales!
Pro Tip: Always compare the total cost after cashback with the direct booking price to ensure you’re truly getting the best deal.
What’s ShopBack?
ShopBack is a cashback platform that rewards you with a percentage of your purchase when you shop through their app or website at partnered retailers like Booking.com, Expedia, The Good Guys, or The Iconic
Simply click through ShopBack before heading to your desired shopping site, and the "cashback" will be credited to your account after your purchase. You can later withdraw this cashback as real money.
Since joining ShopBack, I’ve ‘cashed out’ $800 just by making online purchases I was already planning to make!
It’s free to join, and if you install the Google Chrome extension on your laptop, you don’t even have to remember to click through ShopBack first — it will prompt you automatically.
Sign up now via this link and get $5 bonus cash immediately!
Check Out Luxury Escapes
If you’re dreaming of staying at one of the bigger family-oriented resorts — especially in Bali, Thailand, or Fiji — the deals on Luxury Escapes offer incredible value and can save you a bundle - especially when you throw a cashback from ShopBack on top!
Save up to $50 on Luxury Escapes by using the code: INVITEKIRSTINL1E9R1? at checkout!
Of course, there are a few downsides to consider when using Luxury Escapes. Many deals include meals, which can sometimes make you feel "resort trapped" and limit your spontaneity to explore local dining options. Additionally, blackout dates often apply, so you might not be able to travel during peak times like school holidays.
That said, the savings can be HUGE, so it’s all about weighing up the pros and cons. We’ve booked plenty of fantastic deals through their site, and we’ve always been thrilled with the value!
Pro Tip: Luxury Escapes often feature all-inclusive deals, making them perfect for budgeting, hassle-free "plonk and drop" holidays, or group travel — no arguing about who’s paying for dinner!
If you’ve never used them before, you can get $50 off your first Luxury Escapes booking through this link! Its free to sign up.
Save up to $50 on Luxury Escapes by using the code: INVITEKIRSTINL1E9R1? at checkout!
Consider Non-Traditional Stays
Thinking outside the box for accommodation can also lead to significant savings:
👉🏽House Swapping: Swap homes with another family and enjoy living like a local. Try Trusted Housesitters or Madpaws.
👉🏽iMoova Campervan Relocations: Relocation campervans can often be hired for as little as $1 per day! Available in Australia, New Zealand, Europe, Canada, and the USA, iMoova combines transport and accommodation into one affordable adventure.
👉🏽Camplify: Think of it as Airbnb for caravans, offering another budget-friendly option for road trips.
👉🏽Modern Backpackers: Backpackers aren't just for broke singles anymore — many now offer family-friendly private rooms, with private ensuites, and more often than not, great amenities and unbeatable locations.
Last Christmas, we rented a caravan through Camplify for the week and free-camped, taking advantage of free camping in Victoria. Cost $800!
Eating Out
Dining out doesn’t have to drain your wallet. Here are some ways we cut costs while eating out.
👉🏽Opt Out of Buffet Breakfasts: While tempting, buffets rarely deliver value after the first couple of days. Instead, we make simple breakfasts like toast, cereal, or smoothies in our room and enjoy a local breakfast out à la carte style every few days.
👉🏽Research Restaurant Specials: Before traveling, I scout nearby restaurants for deals like two-for-one cocktails or $1 tacos. Platforms like TripAdvisor are invaluable for finding these gems.
👉🏽Eat Like a Local: Venture off the main tourist strips for incredible meals at unbeatable prices. During our last Bali trip, we saved $31 simply by dining one street back from the main area. Likewise, in America we scored the most drool-worthy tacos for $4.00 a pop.
👉🏽Stock Up the Mini-Bar: Avoid hotel snack prices by stocking up on your own drinks and nibbles.
👉🏽Pack Lunches: Particularly in places like the USA, Canada, and Europe, packing a picnic can be a fun and economical way to enjoy your day.
$1 tacos at Shotgun Social, Sanur, Bali!
Affordable Entertainment
You don’t need to spend a fortune on theme parks and tours to keep the family entertained. On a recent trip to the US, we balanced a week of theme parks with two weeks exploring national parks, which were either free or had minimal entry fees.
Simple activities like swimming in the pool, frisbee on the beach, beach cricket, or card games can also create memories just as special as expensive outings.
Exploring local markets or taking a cooking class (entertainment + a meal!) can also offer unique and affordable experiences for the whole family.
Exploring Horseshoe Bend, Arizona: Entry was $10 per car!
Pro Tip: Pay Locals to Guide You
Rather than booking expensive tours, consider hiring locals for a more authentic and affordable experience. Locals always know the best snorkeling spots and we found them to be far more knowledgeable and personable than traditional tour guides.
Plus, it feels great knowing that the money is going directly to the local families, rather than to a big company or tour operator!
Exploring Mexico with a local!
Other Money-Saving Hacks
- Car Hire: Platforms like Turo (like Airbnb for cars) has saved us hundreds on rentals both in Australia and overseas.
- Credit Card Insurance: Depending on our destination and planned activities, we often use the complimentary travel insurance that comes with our credit card. If you have a credit card, it’s worth checking whether it offers travel insurance and reviewing what the policy covers - sometimes, it’s all you need!
- Don’t Always Be Loyal – Shop Around! I’m a Qantas girl through and through, but if another airline offers a better deal or using points doesn’t make sense, I’m not afraid to jump ship - and you shouldn't be either.
Pro Tip:
If we aren't using our credit card travel insurance, or need more cover, we've found SCTI to be the best (and most affordable) option for family travel insurance.
Avoid School Holidays
While controversial, travelling just before or after school holidays can dramatically cut costs. If you’re worried about your kids missing school, remember: holidays can be highly educational!
Particularly if you pack a My Big Adventure Kids Travel Diary & Activity Book.
Not only do the books help keep kids entertained on the plane and off screens when dining out, but they also spark important conversations about cultural differences, the environment, and encourage curiosity about the world.
Each edition is co-created with teachers, so you can rest assured that your child’s teacher will appreciate the educational value!
There’s currently a Bali, Thailand, Fiji, New Zealand, and Japan edition — with different versions available for various age groups!
You can view sample pages or purchase the travel diaries here.
Kindest,
Kirstin - travel writer and founder of My Big Adventure Kids Travel Diaries!
