Going on vacation in the summer is great and all, but it’s often overpriced, overcrowded and you can’t always get the time off work when you need it. Therefore, planning a vacation later in the year allows you to think a little outside the box and give your family the holiday of a lifetime. For example, there should be higher availability for cheap hotels, and you’ll probably have greater flexibility if you’re looking to book flights. Of course, depending on the age of your kids, you may still have to work around a school break, but you should still find the task a little easier when compared to summertime. An app called Hopper can help you find cheap deals on fall vacations, particularly if you’re willing to be flexible on location and flight departure time. 

Going on holiday can be expensive, regardless of what time of year you go, so it’s essential to plan accordingly. Setting up a vacation budget, both beforehand and during your trip, can help here. By cutting back on the things, you don’t need in everyday life, such as that extra steaming subscription or regular fancy meal out. One way of saving money without putting in too much effort is by looking out for cashback deals. Usually, these offers on goods and services you typically purchase anyway can bump up your budget, even if it’s just a few dollars extra per week. Finally, if you’re traveling abroad, make sure you shop around for the best exchange rates on local currency. It all adds up.  

Understandably, there are lots of moving parts to organize when planning a family vacation. If you have young children, you need to ensure that they’ll be safe and happy wherever you’re visiting. With older children, will they have enough to keep them entertained, and what other commitments do they have going on back home which may derail your plans? Using a family organizer can help here, like Cozi. It’ll let you know what everyone’s plans are, so you don’t go booking a vacation when your eldest son has exams or your spouse has an important presentation to deliver at work. When on vacation, a schedule can help plan where your family is – perhaps you and your partner are on the beach, the young children are at daycare, and the older kids are enjoying water sports. It helps keep a safe and happy family.