Kelly's Top 10: 5 websites for traveling with kids and 5 budget travel tips

Top 5 websites for kid friendly travel

1. This one claims the top spot because it has destination ideas, travel tips, deals and even a section on theme parks all in one site; http://bestkidfriendlytravel.com/
2. A great resource for worldwide travel; http://www.travelforkids.com/
3. Some helpful top 10 lists of kid friendly destinations; http://hotels.about.com/od/kidfriendlyhotels/Kid_Friendly_Hotels_for_Family_Vacations.htm
4. Check out their list of best travel books; http://www.kid-friendly-family-vacations.com/#axzz1cHM57k96
5. This one has a good selection of nicer hotels; http://www.ciaobambino.com/

Top 5 tips for budget travel

 

1. Save and track your frequent flier miles. I have flown for free many times using miles not just within the USA but to places like Costa Rica. I keep a spreadsheet with all of the necessary information including the expiration dates of the miles. I update it regularly and take advantage of all opportunities to earn miles such as online purchases, surveys and you can even earn miles for paying bills such as your utilities. Check at each airlines website to see all the different ways to earn miles. They can add up quickly this way.
2. Stay in an apartment versus a hotel. We did this in Rome and it saved us a lot of money and we had our own little apartment with a gorgeous view of the Vatican. I liked the privacy but there aren't amenities like housekeeping and room-service that you would get at a hotel.
3. Research, Research, Research!! All accommodation possibilities, all possible transportation options, etc., before purchasing one. For example in Costa Rica, when I looked at option to get from the Pacific Coast back to the airport in San Jose, it turns out flying was only $20 more than the bus and renting a car was the most expensive option. This isn't what I would have assumed so it pays to do some research.
4. Travel during the shoulder seasons. Most places have a high and a low season, the prices are lower for air, hotels etc. during the low season but on the flip side the weather is usually isn't as nice and a lot of places close down during the low season. The shoulder season (often Sept.-Oct. and April-May) gives the best of both worlds, lower prices but great weather and activities and bonus you beat the crowds!!
5. Research hotels online but then call them directly to see if you can get a better price.