Whether you’re dreaming of treating your family to a trip to Disneyland or would love to explore Europe with your kids in tow, simply continue reading to discover 5 foolproof ways to save money for your next family trip.

How to save money for a family trip: 5 Handy tips and tricks

Limit eating out to once a week

Eating out as a family of four can be incredibly expensive. So if you’re saving for your next fun-filled family vacation, it’s well worth limiting eating out as a family, to a once a week treat. In a few short months, you should have several hundred dollars to add to your vacation fund.

If you’re concerned that your family will complain about eating in, why not get creative and hold a weekly pizza night, where each member of your family can create their own mini pizza. Alternatively, why not treat your family to an inexpensive family picnic, instead of visiting a cafe or restaurant.

Opt for free forms of entertainment instead of wasting money on short-lived experiences

Instead of taking your kids to your local movie theater or the zoo in the weekend, consider taking your kids to a free museum or to enjoy the great outdoors at a local beach or park. It’s also well worth checking your town or cities events page to see what free fairs, carnivals, and events are on offer. As you may be surprised at the volume of free community events which are on offer.

If you frequently spend money on music, movies, magazines or books, you may be interested in hiring items from your local library, in order to cut down on your spending.

Cut back on party expenses where you can

Do you have a party coming up soon? Planning a party is already stressful enough and requires a lot work. You have to consider entertainment, what food will be served, cake or desserts, and drinks. That doesn’t even include the physical work of setting up and cleaning up once the party is over. To help reduce the cost of the party as much as possible you could serve appetizers instead of expensive meals and make your own desserts instead of purchasing something that is already made. Additionally, if you are going to send out invitations for the party you can take advantage of the internet and send out online invitations instead of having to buy invitations, hand write out each one, plus pay for stamps. Using the internet for your invitations makes party prepping way less stressful!

Earn extra money babysitting for your friends and family members

If you have friends, neighbors or family members who are well overdue for a romantic date night, you may want to offer your services as a babysitter. Better yet, your kids will do most of the work, by entertaining and playing with the children you babysit, whilst you handle cooking dinner and organize fun kid-friendly activities. If you tell your kids, that you’re saving extra money for your next family vacation, you should find that they are willing to pitch in and help.

Encourage tweens and teens to help save for your next trip

If you let your tweens and teens pick your next vacation destination, they may be willing to complete part-time jobs such as mowing your neighbors’ lawns or walking your neighbors’ dogs, in order to raise extra funds for your next family trip.

Cancel expensive memberships to clubs that you never visit

If you’re a member of a gym, golf club or tennis club, which you never visit, it’s well worth canceling your memberships. As most memberships to sports clubs will set you back at least $1,000 per year. Which could pay for several nights of comfortable accommodation in a sun-soaked beach destination.

So if you’re determined to book a family vacation in the near future, it’s well worth following the 5 tips and tricks listed above. As they are sure to save you thousands of dollars, within a few short months.