So Much Family Fun, So Little Money

by Sharyn Alden

A lot has changed in the world of kid-friendly, affordable vacations. Today, there are boundless ways families can vacation together at reasonable rates.

The key is to take advantage of the travel industry's numerous perks like "kids eat and stay free" programs.

If you identify with the old way of vacationing with kids--you come back needing a vacation from the vacation--you're going to love the new world of family travel. Parents are doing more than dropping kids off in children's programs. They're finding reasonable ways to play together all over the globe.

A growing number of airlines, resorts, cruise lines, theme parks, entertainment centers, restaurants, and sports facilities have responded with discounts to attract families. Here are a few deals and tips to consider.

Travel off-season

Travel off-season and you may cut the cost of your trip in half. The best deals usually are at outdoor-oriented destinations like ski resorts during the months of November and April, and national parks in late fall or early spring.

You'll save more than 40% after Nov. 3 at California's Sequoia National Park (888-252-5757) and about 25% at Yellowstone National Park's Mammoth Hot Springs Hotel (307-344-7311) during certain off-season weeks of the year.

Airfare strategies

Don't forget about using frequent flyer miles for free family travel. Brad, a respondent to our What's Your Story feature, says, "I use my credit card to earn frequent flyer miles. I pay the card off in full each month to avoid interest, but I still earn miles. Those miles then pay to fly my family on vacations." This article includes feedback from other readers contributing to What's Your Story.

When you're not using frequent flyer miles, always ask for the lowest airfare. If you don't ask, you won't know what you may be missing.

Did you know most airlines offer half-price seats for children younger than two? You may be able to use an unsold (free) seat for your toddler if you book your flight during an off-peak time, when the flight is less apt to be full. Ask your travel agent or airline representative about flights unlikely to sell out.

Airfare/vacation packages

How do you find reasonably priced airfare/resort packages? Ask your travel agent and check airlines' Web sites. One example: The America West Vacations' "Kids Fly Free" promotion (800-356-6611) recently offered a free trip to Disneyland and other destinations for each child accompanied by a paying adult on the same trip. Kids fly, stay, and play for free.

Another recent offering aimed at families playing together is the Cayman Islands family getaway. Some vacation packages include discounts at local restaurants, area attractions, and water sports (800-4-CAYMAN ).

Mexico, along with Aeromexico airline, has been luring families with both plan-ahead and last-minute vacation deals. For last-minute fare savers, visit the Web site or call 800-AEROMEX. Visit www.mexico.com (800-44-mexico) for more information about family destinations.

Lodging deals

The best lodging deals are where kids (usually younger than 12) dine free, have connecting rooms with parents for free or half price, and can access all of a resort's children's programs at no charge.

If you want to see the world, consider Club Med. At some of the 100 villages in more than 40 countries, kids younger than 12 stay free.

Another great place for unwinding is the Tanque Verde Guest Ranch (800-234-3833). Nestled between the Coronado National Forest and the Saguaro National Park, the ranch, east of Tucson, Ariz., is in the midst of more than a million acres of picturesque ranchland. Lisa Neff, ranch communications director says, "The Tanque Verde is the largest ranch in Arizona, and the oldest cattle ranch in the state."

The Discovery Channel recently named it one of the top 10 family resorts in North America.

As you'd expect, the ranch oozes Old West charm. Take the original ranch house, now housing a massive dining room, for example. It played its part in the Old West as ranch hands fought off Apaches from "gun windows" in the living room.

Families will find plenty to do here. There are more than 200 horses--more than at any other Arizona guest ranch--swimming pools, tennis, a kids program, and nature center. All activities, including meals, are included in the daily rate.

Here's another family lodging idea: Don't overlook renting a house--the savings can add up. David, of Texas, says his family of five didn't want the usual two motel rooms. They got lucky on the Internet. In Orlando they found a new three-bedroom home with a swimming pool for $100 a night.

"Everyone had … space in this 1,700 square foot home compared to the 200-square-foot motel room we could have been imprisoned in for eight days."

Cruise tips

Before you book a cruise, find out what cruise ships cater to kids. Many offer a variety of perks. One is Discovery Cruise Line, which sails from Ft. Lauderdale, Fla., to Grand Bahama (800-866-8687). Each child younger than 12 sails for $49 round-trip (food and activities are free) when accompanied by one full-fare adult.

Compare costs of "extras" before booking a cruise. On some ships, soft drinks, baby-sitting, and fun clubs, packed with daily activities, are free. On other ships, there are charges for these services.

More ways to save: Book your family on a ship with cabins that can accommodate four people to a stateroom. Book early, because on most ships there aren't many cabins this large. You'll typically get discounts for the third and fourth passenger--a big savings vs. paying for two staterooms.

Live like the locals

There's no rule that says families have to stay at posh resorts and spend a lot of money to have fun. When Wendy, from Washington, took her family to Chicago, she says, "We learned the bus system, found the free trolleys and the Corner Bakery where all of us had breakfast for under $12. We also discovered the City Ticket program that allowed us to purchase admission tickets to everything we wanted to see." The family saved more than $50 per person.

Here's another way to save on area restaurants and attractions: Dawn, from Illinois, says she has found discount coupon books at visitors' centers located near state borders. "We picked up (free) coupon books for each state as we traveled (to Florida)." Here's one way they saved: "We got a great room, with free breakfast, for a cheaper rate than my hotel discount card."

Family learning vacations

Many families combine family travel with learning, history, and cultural awareness. One of these resources, geared toward families with school-age children, is Familyhostel Learning Vacations, (800-733-9753). Vacations aren't inexpensive, but the trade-off is the value-packed, once-in-a-lifetime experience for families to play and learn together.

Hosted by universities throughout the world, Familyhostel participants get to see some of the earth's most incredible sites, like the mountain cloud forests of Costa Rica, hosted by the Cemanahuac Educational Community. One of the U.S. trips, hosted by the University of Alaska and World Explorer Cruises, introduces families to Alaska's marine life.

Save on food

Meals can be one of the costliest spending areas during a family vacation. One key is to bring along food that doesn't need refrigeration. Or try to book a place with a kitchenette so you can prepare your own meals.

Using coolers also makes sense. Jennifer, of Hawaii, says her family of six loves to eat but it can be costly in Hawaii. "We fry chicken and make sandwiches for a picnic lunch. We pack our own sodas and put everything on ice ... it works out for a savings of over $200 for food alone."

Brittany, of Kentucky, says, "With two growing boys who are always hungry, it's easier for us on a long trip to stay in a room with a kitchenette. We can then buy groceries and prepare meals right there in the room."

Published February 17, 2003

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