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Planning cheap family vacations is often something that we need to do because travel and entertainment is just so expensive. Caring for a family is very expensive, and when you want to take your family on vacation costs can get out of control. But, family vacations don’t need to break the bank. With some careful planning and some flexibility you can save hundreds or even thousands of dollars on your family vacations. Cheap doesn’t mean that you have to give up the things that you want, it simply means that you have to get creative to get the things you want without spending every dime you have (or don’t have).

Cheap family vacations can be just as great as something that you pay a lot of money for if you plan ahead of time. Most of the time, planning ahead can save you hundreds of dollars. Most people are aware that when you purchase your airline tickets several weeks or months in advance it’s typically much cheaper then when you buy in the days leading up to your departure. So, when you are planning your family vacations, purchase your airline tickets as far in advance as possible. Your savings here can go into buying fun things, eating out, or other forms of entertainment while on vacation.

Another great way to save money on airline tickets and car rentals is to book them online. Several of the online travel web sites offer substantial savings to customers who book all of these things at one time. Even if the savings is only ten percent, ten percent adds up when you consider the amount of money you’ll be spending when you buy plane tickets for your entire family, rent a car, and pay lodging expenses. That ten percent can go to fun things, or go into the planning of future family vacations.

Vacation rentals are a great way to save money on family vacations. Vacation rentals are bigger than hotel rooms, giving your family more space. Since most come with full kitchens you can cook some meals and save on restaurant expenses. Another way to save is to book a vacation rental direct from the owner, instead of through a management company, who essentially is a middleman.

Another great way to take cheap family vacations is to stay in an area right outside the popular area you wish to visit. Hotel rates and rental fees are usually outrageous in very popular areas, but if you travel even a mile away the rates are often much lower. Rates skyrocket during the seasonal months; you’d be surprised by how much. When you are first considering family vacations, call ahead to your destinations and inquire what their off season prices are, you’ll likely suffer sticker shock when you hear how much the prices are inflated when the tourists come around. You can save so much that it’s worth waiting just a week or two to literally save hundreds or even thousands of dollars during your family vacations. It doesn’t matter how big your family is, the price difference between the seasonal and off season prices may be enough to keep the richest man home until prices drop!

Family vacations can easily be great experiences for every member of the family, especially when money isn’t a constant worry on the trip. Planning ahead and taking the steps to save money where you can, will help alleviate the financial pressures so that the whole family will have a good time, including mom and dad. Cheap family vacations are not synonymous with poor quality because nothing has to be given up, no compromises made. If you plan it right, you can stay in nice places, enjoy the things you want to enjoy, you can just do it for less!

By planning in advance, look into Disney World vacation deals in order to seek out the best deal that fits within your budget. You can enjoy significant savings on your Disney vacation without sacrificing any of your family’s enjoyment.
Below are some tips that you may follow when you are doing research on Disney World vacation deals:
1. Look out for discounted Disney World tickets, budget accommodations and Disney vacation packages before embarking on your Disney vacation.
2. Schedule your Disney World trip during the off-season if possible or at the time when Disney has what it calls Value Rates. You will enjoy significantly lower airfares and hotel/resort rates.
3. If you are a Disney resort guest and on budget travel, take advantage of Disney buses, ferries and the monorail system when visiting theme and water parks as well as Downtown Disney.
4. Avoid buying Disney merchandise within the Disney World theme parks. Some of the area factory outlet stores such as Orlando Premium Outlets are selling the same items found at Disney World at significantly lower prices.
5. Do more research to find some of the free things that you can do during your Disney vacation. For instance, Disney Broadwalk is a place where you can enjoy free walking with your family or if your family is up to a more physical workout, your family can hike through the Disney Wilderness Preserve. In addition, Downtown Disney gives any family the opportunity to stroll along the shopping mall.
6. For a fancy feast without breaking the bank, take the family to one of the all-you-can-eat buffets that lie just outside Disney World such as Bill Wong’s Famous Buffet, Sweet Tomatoes, Boston Lobster Feast, Golden Corral, Ponderosa, Sizzler, Captain Nemo’s Seafood Feast or Angel’s Lobster, Crab & Prime Rib Buffet.
7. If you are staying at an off-site Disney property, there are numerous budget motels and hotels that you can consider. Many of these motels and hotels provide complimentary transportation to Disney World theme parks.
8. Look out for discount coupons to Disney area attractions, restaurants and specialty shops in free publications such as I Love Orlando magazine.
9. Before you book a hotel or motel, check if there is full breakfast every morning. This saves your family more time and money.
10. Check out comprehensive online guides for information on Disney World discount tickets, accommodations and Disney vacation packages.
11. For larger family reunions it may be a better alternative financially to look into renting a vacation home. This also allows for the whole family to stay together and meet without incurring traveling time.
12. If you are visiting theme parks with young children, remember to bring along a backpack with some snacks or juice boxes as dining in the restaurants can be costly.
13. Instead of spending big bucks at a Disney character breakfast, take your kids to the Town Square for autograph and photo opportunities with Disney characters.
14. Pick the appropriate Disney World ticket deal based on your family’s length of stay. Make sure you are able to use all the benefits in the time you visit Disney. Many people waste their money by upgrading to tickets with features they will never use, wasting hundreds of unused dollars. You will still want to schedule time for rest and relaxation during your trip.
15. Make lunch your big meal of the day when dining in Disney property as prices are considerably lower than for dinner.
16. Carry your own water bottle into the Disney theme park and you can fill it up at any of the abundant water fountains throughout the day. This helps to cut down costs on drinks.
17. Many off-site hotels and motels have restaurants which offer Kids-Eat-Free deals (one child eats free per paying adult). This is a good deal for those on budget travel.
18. If you are a guest of Disney resorts, take advantage of Disney’s Magical Express, which provides complimentary shuttle service to and from the Orlando International Airport.
19. Avoid Disney vacation during holiday weekends and Spring Break when prices are higher.
By following these money-saving tips and doing research on Disney World vacation deals, you will find that you have an economical and enjoyable Disney vacation at the same time.