Most family-friendly vacation destinations have a limit of five people to a room. Large families with more than three kids are required to book two rooms. There are options. A big family can take a vacation without breaking the bank.
Anyone dealing with children must plan ahead. For a simple family-friendly vacation to visit the relatives,start planning two to three months in advance. For the big family vacation, plan a year or more in advance. Many resorts and cruise lines have deals for early bookings, allowing families to save big.
Family Vacation Time in the Low Season
Taking a family vacation during the "off" season could be the first way to save big. When everyone else returns to work or school, vacation cities and resort towns look for ways to fill empty hotels and vacation homes. Also, this would be a good time to take a cruise. While most people vacation during the summer, spring break or Christmas, a large family vacation may be cheaper if planned in early fall or right after Christmas. Families desiring to visit the top Florida vacation destination, Disney World, may want to know that Florida's off-season is considered between Oct-Nov and Jan-Feb of every year.
Vacation Accommodations for Large Families
Staying in a hotel can be the biggest expense for a large family. Since most chains limit how many people can stay in a room, this usually means that two or more rooms will be needed. Places like Comfort Inn or hotels ending in the word Suite, (Embassy Suites, Homewood Suites),are family-friendly and have hotel rooms for big families at reasonable rates.
Look at alternatives to staying in expensive hotels. Most large families go camping or own an RV. If the family is growing beyond two or more children, consider buying a large family tent, pop up camper or RV. Good deals on camping equipment can usually be found right after Christmas and after hunting season.
If camping does not fit the family, consider renting a vacation home. Many resort locations offer the rental of a nice vacation home for around a $100 to $150 a night. However, renting a vacation home usually requires a minimum of a five-night stay.
Theme Parks and Group Discounts
For most families with children, the family vacation destination is often a theme park like Six Flags, Sea World or Disney World. With a little planning, it is possible to enjoy a day at a theme park with a large family.
Look for special rates and discounts. Currently Sea World helps families reconnect with a special $5 child ticket. For every adult ticket purchased, one child can get in for $5.
State Parks and National Parks
For many families,the annual summer vacation destination is planned around the locations of state parks and national parks. Every state has several parks to choose from around the state. These parks offer camping and RV sites. A few offer the use of covered shelters and air conditioned cabins. This is a cheap alternative to an expensive hotel. Campground fees vary, but it would be rare to spend more than $80 a night even for the best accommodations. There are many fun family activities to do while staying at a state park. Most state parks offer swimming, fishing and hiking.
Family Vacation Options
For those that simply cannot get away for more than one day at a time, consider a day trip. Many large families opt for a day trip to a local amusement park. Look for places like Amazing Jake's in Plano, Texas. Every Tuesday, anyone over 48" tall can play video games, ride the rides, rock climb, drive go carts, play miniature golf, catch a movie and enjoy an all-you-can-eat pizza and pasta buffet for $17 a person. Children 3 and under are free. Also, check out the yearly calendar of the local zoo. Most zoos offer a free day once a year.
No matter what the family size or family budget may be, a family vacation or a few days of fun are possible.
Amy Wingfield - Amy, a freelance writer since 1999, has combined her passion for writing and for Christian music.There's always a story behind the ...
