Traveling is the perfect way to bond with your loved ones and try some new things, but when you have young children, it can be expensive and stressful. Even if you choose not to travel out of state, you might end up paying a lot for food, lodging, and activities. Fortunately, there are several ways you can save money on your next trip and cut down on the stress as well. Planning is half the battle, so start preparing as early as possible. This will allow you to find some great deals on transportation, accommodations, and even events so you can budget realistically. 

Plan Your Road Trip Well

If you want to hit the road with your family, the first step is to think about how far you’re going and whether you want to put that many miles on your vehicle. You might fare better if you rent a car instead of using your own; not only can you get great rates at a rental agency like Enterprise, you can always find great deals to throw in on top of them. Look for a vehicle that gets good gas mileage, and take advantage of Enterprise Rent a Car coupons and promo codes to save even more. This is a wonderful way to avoid putting extra wear-and-tear on your car.

Pack for the Dog

Many families wouldn’t dream of taking a vacation without their pet, but if you’re going to bring your pup, you’ll need to pack essentials for him, too. Making sure he’s safe, happy, and comfortable for the duration of the trip will help him — and you — stay stress-free, so bring his bedding, a favorite toy, food and snacks, and a portable water bowl. Don’t forget waste bags and a durable and easy-to-use scooper so you can clean up after him no matter where you are. 

Bring Your Own Food

Most parents already know that leaving the house without some form of snack is a bad idea; you never know where the day is going to take you, and young children tend to get pretty cranky if they go too long without eating. You’ll wind up spending more than you want to if you have to stop and buy food, so pack some healthy foods that can be kept in a resealable bag, and plan for several stops so everyone can get out and eat, stretch their legs, and relax. If you’ll be staying in a hotel, look for a room that has a kitchenette or at least a small refrigerator so you can keep some things on hand, and utilize the free continental breakfast that most hotels offer.

Look Online for Discounts

If you can plan for the activities you and your family will be participating in ahead of time, you should be able to save some money via discounts and coupons. Many zoos, aquariums, and museums have days throughout the year where kids get in for free or at a discounted rate, while other spots are free year-round, so you might plan your trip around those deals. On the flip side, some places only provide strollers for a fee, or you might find yourself paying more at an attraction than originally planned because of separate ticket sales, so it’s a good idea to hit up their website before the trip to read over the rules.

Traveling with children can be a fun, memory-making experience for everyone involved, but it’s always better to plan ahead. Keep in mind that taking a trip with little ones requires a lot of patience and that you may need to have a backup plan throughout in order to reduce stress.

Written By: Leslie Campos - Wellparents.com