3 tips for travelling with kids on a budget

Family vacations can be great for bonding but a little hard on the wallet. Here are a few tips to make travelling with kids on a budget simpler than ever.

Travelling during high season tends to be much more expensive than going when most people aren't typically heading out on vacation. Travelling to your desired destination in the off-season usually means you can get reduced rates on airfares, hotels, sightseeing packages, rental cars and more. It also means you won't have to battle crowds or wait in long lines to visit attractions (a bonus for antsy kids!). If you and your kids can take time off during the winter (excluding holiday periods) or autumn, you're likely to get a better deal.

Big cities and tourist destinations are always much more expensive than less frequently visited areas. You can save big and have a great time by going to a less popular destination. Hotels just outside of big cities will often be half the price of staying in the city — not to mention the money you'll save on dining out in small-town or suburban restaurants. You'll also have more space to stretch out and explore, and you can easily take day trips into the big city when the mood strikes.

If you're willing to think outside the box, home swaps may be right for you. That means that another family can stay in your house while you're travelling, and you can stay in theirs. You can often find houses in great spots both locally and internationally and save on a week-long expense of renting a hotel room. The added bonus is that you'll also have a kitchen to save on feeding the family that way.

Travelling with kids can be tons of fun, but the costs can quickly add up if you're not careful. Follow these tips to help you keep expenses to a minimum and your entire family can still have a great time on your vacation.