Are you planning a family vacation but worried about high costs? Don’t worry; there are smart ways to save up to 30% of your travel expenses without compromising the fun. In this article, we’ll share budget travel tips so you can enjoy a great vacation with your family without draining your wallet. From installment-based flight bookings to choosing the right travel seasons, follow these innovative ideas to make your next holiday truly economical!
Plan early and benefit from flexible payment options
Advance planning is the key to a successful and economical trip. Start by creating an estimated budget for your journey and specify how much you can spend on each item (flight tickets, accommodation, daily expenses…). Then book as early as possible, since flight tickets and hotel reservations are usually cheaper when booked months in advance. For example, it’s recommended to book domestic flights 1–3 months ahead and international flights 2–8 months before the date to ensure the best price.
The good news is that you don’t have to pay the full amount immediately. The almatar platform offers the option to book flights in installments, meaning you can book now and pay later in easy monthly payments via the Tabby platform. This payment flexibility helps you secure early bookings to benefit from discounted prices without depleting your funds immediately.
Additionally, don’t forget to benefit from alerts and apps that compare flight prices. Some apps send notifications when a specific destination drops in price, helping you grab the best deals at the right time. In short: plan early, be flexible with payments, and you’ll save a big part of your family travel budget.
Choose budget-friendly destinations
You don’t have to travel to the most expensive tourist cities to have a great vacation. The secret lies in selecting budget-friendly destinations that offer amazing experiences at a lower cost. For example, instead of costly European destinations like Paris or London, consider countries with beautiful nature and affordable prices like Georgia, Albania, or Morocco. These countries are rich in culture and tourist activities yet are cheaper than the well-known destinations, making them ideal for Saudi families seeking a new adventure without breaking the bank.
If you’re set on visiting a famous city, consider staying in the suburbs instead of the tourist center, which can significantly reduce accommodation costs.
Also, don’t overlook the option of domestic tourism: Saudi Arabia itself is full of great family-friendly destinations. You can explore places like Abha in the summer to enjoy cool weather and scenic nature, or AlUla for a dose of history and culture, all at a lower cost than international travel. Remember, a smart destination means a rich experience for less, it’s like finding a hidden budget travel guide treasure away from tourist crowds.
Travel off-season to avoid peak prices
If your vacation dates are flexible, one of the best budget travel tips is to choose the right time to travel. Avoid traveling during peak seasons as much as possible. Prices usually spike in summer, on official holidays, and in festive seasons due to high demand. On the other hand, traveling off-season offers two golden advantages: lower prices and a quieter, more peaceful experience.
For example, you can visit European destinations in spring or autumn instead of the hot and crowded summer; many airlines and hotels significantly lower their prices during these periods. Some trips and tours may even cost 30–50% less during off-season times. Imagine your hotel rate dropping 30% compared to high season; that’s a tangible saving that allows you to spend more on other fun activities!
Furthermore, tourist spots are less crowded, so your family will enjoy more without long waiting lines. If you can’t change school holiday dates, at least try to avoid peak weekdays; traveling midweek instead of the weekend can also make a pricing difference.
By choosing your travel timing wisely, you’ll enjoy a fun family holiday at a reasonable cost with even better memories, all while exploring a new Hong Kong tourist spot or similar hidden gems around the world.
Affordable lodging and alternative options
Accommodation costs can take up a big chunk of your travel budget if you’re not careful. Luckily, you can reduce these costs by thinking outside the box and choosing family-friendly alternatives. Instead of booking multiple rooms in a luxury hotel, look for serviced apartments or vacation homes for rent. The added bonus here is having a kitchenette, which lets you prepare some meals yourself and save on restaurant expenses.
If you still prefer hotels, look for mid-range ones that offer special family deals like free kids’ rooms or complimentary breakfast. Some hotels include free breakfast or daily happy hours in the room rate, saving you one meal cost per day. Also, check for loyalty programs or hotel discount cards. almatar offers the Jawwak loyalty program, allowing you to earn more the more you book.
Another useful feature from almatar is hotel installment payment, just like flights, so you can pay for accommodation in installments instead of a large sum at once. This is an excellent travel on budget tactic.
Live like a local for less
One secret to successful travel on budget is living like a local in your destination. Not only does this make your trip feel more authentic, but it also saves you a lot on leisure expenses.
Start with transportation: instead of relying on expensive taxis or renting a private car throughout your trip, try using public transport such as subways and buses. Public transit is not only much cheaper, but it also gives your family the chance to see the city through a local lens. Many large tourist cities offer transport cards or city passes that allow unlimited public transit use and discounts on major attractions. Make sure to ask about them upon arrival.
As for food: avoid fancy tourist restaurants that might drain your budget. Instead, find small local eateries where locals dine, you’ll be surprised how affordable and tasty the food is, and it reflects the authentic local cuisine.
If you’re staying in a place with a kitchen, visit local markets to buy fresh fruits, vegetables, and local ingredients, then prepare some light meals for your family. Cooking a simple breakfast at your place before heading out can save you daily expenses and give you a strong start to the day.
Finally, don’t miss free or low-cost activities: strolling in parks and public gardens, visiting free beaches, or joining free cultural events if available. All these experiences add value to your trip without adding cost. This way, you’ll return from vacation with rich memories and a real taste of the city, all while keeping your spending under control.
Pack smart and avoid extra baggage fees
Have you ever paid an excess baggage fee at the airport? It’s a costly surprise that can be avoided with a little smart packing.
First, try to travel as light as possible; the fewer bags you have, the more you save. Write a checklist of essential items only and stick to it. You probably won’t need your entire wardrobe during a one-week trip! If your family is large, consider distributing items evenly across bags to avoid exceeding the weight limit per bag.
Second, make use of prepaid extra baggage options if you know you’ll need more. Here comes the benefit of the almatar free baggage service, which allows you to pre-purchase additional baggage for all or specific family members before the trip. Why is this important? Because pre-booking baggage allowance is usually cheaper than paying high fees at the airport counter.
In some cases, booking online in advance can be 20% cheaper than buying at the airport. So don’t delay this decision to the last minute. Also, make sure you’re familiar with your airline’s carry-on policy; some allow a free cabin bag of a specific size; use it wisely for valuable or heavy items.
Don’t overlook travel insurance
In the middle of all the flight and hotel bookings and leisure costs, some travelers forget a crucial item: travel insurance. Don’t let the excitement cause you to skip this important aspect. Getting comprehensive travel insurance (especially medical) is your safety net for your family trip.
Travel insurance is essential for any journey; it covers emergency medical expenses during travel, reimburses part of your trip costs if canceled, and helps handle most problems travelers might face. In other words, if—God forbid—someone in your family falls ill or gets injured during the trip, travel insurance will cover the emergency medical costs up to the policy’s limit.
Imagine the medical bills you might face in a foreign country if someone gets hospitalized without coverage; those costs could overwhelm your finances or even force you to cancel the entire trip. On the other hand, a simple travel insurance policy with a modest premium can be your financial shield from such worst-case scenarios.
In addition to medical expenses, comprehensive coverage often includes lost luggage, flight cancellations, and delays, giving you peace of mind throughout your vacation.
Before traveling, compare different travel insurance plans and choose the one that suits your family’s needs and your destination. In short, never travel without insurance, even if you think you won’t need it. Only during emergencies will you realize it was the smartest decision that saved you a lot.
Conclusion: Enjoy more and spend less
Remember, a budget travel guide doesn’t mean sacrificing fun or experience. By applying these wise travel practices and planning each aspect of your trip ahead of time, you’ll be able to enjoy a fantastic family vacation without spending a fortune. Save here and there, and you may even have enough left over to extend your trip by a couple of days or kickstart the fund for your next one!
Most importantly, focusing on spending quality time with your family and exploring new places is the core of any successful vacation. Money is just the tool to make those experiences possible, and with a little care, you can manage it wisely.