The usual family vacation includes airfare and a hotel. You may have a budget for add-ons, or you may be hoping that the kids will enjoy playing on the beach or somewhere new. But make sure that you use vacation brochures to learn about local upgrades to make your vacation even better. Here are five great add-ons that can turn a good vacation into a great one:
1 – A Rental Car
Renting a car is the most vital upgrade, a real no-braniner in fact. Having a car at your disposal opens up the scope of activities, and it will be invaluable in case of an emergency or even for a last-minute store run. You won’t have to deal with getting your family from place to place with unfamiliar public transportation, and you’ll save exorbitant taxi fares. The best part is that rental cars can be bundled with a flight and hotel through many travel deal web sites, and these bundles are often just as cheap as going without a car.
2 – Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is also an important upgrade. You can get insurance that covers anything from bad weather to illness; traveling with children can bring a lot of unexpected emergencies, and you definitely want to make sure that you have the funds for a hospital trip or even that you can be reimbursed for a trip that never got off the ground. Travel insurance can be as little as five percent of your trip’s cost.
3 – Accommodations
Opting for a suite instead of rooms is something that many families don’t consider. But if you compare the cost of two or three separate hotel rooms, you’ll find that a suite isn’t vastly more expensive. Plus, you’ll usually have perks like a kitchenette and a larger communal space. If you call to make your reservations, you can see if any suites are available. When you arrive, ask for an upgrade. Sometimes, that’s all it takes.
4 – Vacation Brochures
Not all families are content to sit on a beach and relax. Plan ahead for outings by studying local vacation brochures. You can often find free attractions and museums or educational tours and hikes for a nominal fee. If you do something new and exciting as a family, you’ll find that you’ve bonded more than if you had just stayed sedentary.
5 – Time Alone
Last, make sure you budget a day for yourself or for you and your spouse. Vacations need to be relaxing, after all. Research if your hotel or resort has day care or a “kids-only” area. Often, large resorts have a playplace for children that is accessible for a small fee. If that’s not an option, see if the area has tours or activities just for kids. If you plan ahead, you can drop the kids off early and not waste a minute of your day. Your vacation doesn’t have to be basic. Most of these add-ons are great deals, and you’ll find that the little extra you spent will make your vacation stand out. Just make sure to plan ahead, and you’ll really save money on a great vacation.
About the author: Adam is a vacation nut with a thirst for new adventures in eateries, sceneries, and entertainment.
Credits: Photo courtesy of Thiago Martins.