How to Make Your Dollar Stretch Traveling with Kids

The economy has all of us, these days, trying to figure out ways to stretch our dollars, without sacrificing our fun.  For many people, the idea of travel right now seems way too expensive.  Not only are airfares high, but we also have to worry about all of the extra fees to check baggage and pay for other ancillary expenses.

While flying may be convenient, the cost has many families down.  However, if you know you are going to be traveling for the holidays and are searching for ways to make it economical as possible, worry no more, there are ways to make the most of your money and still get to where you want to go.

In order to avoid fees that can add up for checking baggage as well as having to check a travel crib, car seat or stroller, consider taking the bare essentials for your child.  We don’t mean that your child should go without, but consider renting a crib or a stroller once you get to your destination.  There are a variety of companies that will do this, right out of the airport, or deliver it to your hotel, to save you the hassle of having to check it at the airport.  Remember, your child will be just as comfortable in another stroller or another crib for a few days and will cut down on the luggage you have to take with you.

If you are going to a family member’s house for a visit and want to try to cut costs even farther, ask a relative who has children who have grown out of their car seat or stroller, if you can borrow it while you are in town.  More than likely, your relative will be happy to help you out, because they have been through it all before too.

Remember, you don’t have to travel with everything you own just because you have children.  After all, there was a time when you didn’t have children and didn’t stress if you forgot your toothbrush or your favorite shampoo at home.  Develop the mantra that you can survive without your “child specific” items and rent or borrow them when you travel.