Families from Singapore are traveling more frequently than ever, with many going on more than one overseas trip a year. But all those travel costs can really add up.
Here are some tips for planning a family vacation on a budget.
Choose a regional destination that is cheap relative to Singapore
It is obvious that going on a trip to Thailand would cost a lot less than going on one of the same duration to Japan.
There are plenty of destinations in the region that are short flights away and very cheap when compared to costs in Singapore. Choosing to travel to cheaper destinations means your entire family can enjoy the holiday without worrying about costs.
Some fantastic travel destinations that the entire family will enjoy include Phuket in Thailand, Penang in Malaysia and Bali in Indonesia.
Check websites of attractions for family promotions
When you’re traveling with children, there’s a high chance you will be visiting theme parks, zoos and so on, in addition to historical and cultural sites.
Instead of turning up at an attraction and trying to buy tickets on the spot, always check the websites of these attractions ahead of time. Many attractions offer cheap tickets for families, and some also offer online discounts for booking in advance online.
Get accommodation with cooking amenities
Locals at your destination probably do not eat out every day, and the same should be true for your family. To save on food-related costs, home-sharing websites like Airbnb are a great option for families.
With three or more people in your group, you’ll be able to share an entire apartment and make use of cooking facilities to prepare some meals on your own. This also means you’ll be able to get back to your accommodation earlier in the evening, which is a lifesaver if you are traveling with young children who need to be in bed by a certain hour.
Stock up on emergency snacks and drinks
When thirst or hunger strikes in an unfamiliar land, it is all too easy to wander into the first tourist trap and pay exorbitant prices for substandard food and drinks. What’s worse, when traveling as a family, costs get multiplied due to the size of your group.
It is thus best to stock up on emergency snacks and drinks at a local supermarket. These can appease a tired or hungry family member until you are able to find a more affordable place to eat.
Minimize souvenir purchases
Souvenirs are an unnecessary cost and usually end up forgotten once the excitement of the trip has worn off. If you want your friends and family back home to know you are thinking of them, buy a few postcards instead and send them through a local post office.
To minimize the danger of your family members wanting to cart home piles of souvenirs, remind them that the best souvenirs are fond memories of the trip and photos. Equip the youngest members of your family with a cheap digital camera, and they’ll be too busy trying to get the best shots to think about wandering into souvenir shops.
Do research on transport options ahead of time
When traveling alone, public transport is usually the cheapest option. However, when traveling as a family of at least three, it is not necessarily cheaper than using taxis, ride-hailing services or other modes of transport such as tuk-tuks in Thailand.
That’s why it can pay off to check what transport prices are like ahead of time. Also, check transport options from the airport to your accommodation so you know what works out to be cheapest for a group of your size.
Buy Travel Insurance
Stay safe as you travel with a good travel insurance policy from HL Assurance. If you travel often, consider annual travel insurance that protects you for a whole year.
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