It is hard to believe but winter break is right around the corner. It will sneak up quicker than you expect! If you’re starting to plan a family escape, chances are you’re a little stressed at the thought of expenses. The cost of just reaching your destination can be enough to call it quits! It’s possible to have a wonderful winter vacation without stressing about expenses. Here are some ideas and tips to help you budget while still enjoying a wonderful vacation.
Where to Go
The first question to ask is where to go. You may already have a destination in mind, don’t give up on that choice but also consider other destinations as well. Many people think of warm tropical destinations this time of year but there is so much beauty to a wintery wonderland like Iceland as well. To save money travel packages can often include airfare and entertainment. If you opt for a package be sure to price out each of the components individually to see if you truly are getting a better deal. Sometimes booking direct through the attractions or tours can help you save as well.
Guided tours are more affordable than you would imagine and save so much time. You will surely see all of the hidden gems while visiting using the Iceland travel guide. Maybe one day you can explore something a little adventurous, or out of the norm for you and another day can be quiter and more slow paced. Since the kids have time off over the winter, why not make it a family getaway? When you begin to plan an itinerary, include sight-seeing but also spending quality time together. Don’t go out to eat every night, plan for a few nights in or taking a picnic along with you. Nice thing about the cooler temps is you do not need to worry bout anything spoiling.
Getting There and around
Ideally, hopping on an airplane, reaching your destination and picking up a rental car is the perfect way for families to travel. But when you have several people this can be very cost prohibitive. Check flight information early and look online for any discounts possible with a rental and your airlines. When you plan ahead you can find the vary day to day and you will also find the cheapest car rentals in Iceland. Often reward cards and auto-plans will give discounts to their loyal customers as well allowing you to save even more.
Once there be sure to look into local transportation and shuttles to explore all of your options. Most guided tours will pick you up and drop you off at your accommodation. So no need to have anything reserved for those days unless it fits in your budget. Since you are surrounded by so much amazing scenery getting out for a walk is always nice too.
Time to Eat
The biggest hidden cost of vacationing? Food. It’s deceptively easy to spend a hundred dollars a day or more on food. Don’t rely on eating out in restaurants three-meals a day to feed your family. Stop at grocery stores for snacks and drinks. Plan picnics (even in the winter). Ask if a kitchen or kitchenette is available as they are a great way to save money by preparing your own meals.
It is possible to take a very fun, and enjoyable winter vacation to Iceland without going into debt. Get your family involved and start looking for creative ways to enjoy time away for the lowest price possible! The more you plan ahead the more you will save.
Have you ever been to Iceland before?
Iceland is on my bucket list. I am bookmarking this for future reference.
Iceland is one of those places I never want to go to. I am always cold, so I will head south for my vacations 🙂
Iceland is one of my favorite countries in the world. These are great tips!
I think Iceland would be a fantastic way to spend some time during the winter. All that snow has a real beauty to it that I love.
Iceland! Wow what an adventure and yes, very cold. I think going to Iceland would be fun but I’m sure I will never get to go.
Iceland really isn’t nearly as cold as you might think, overall their winters are much more mild than ours in Canada. I’ve got many relatives there.
Stopping at the grocery store for snacks and at least 1 meal while on vacation can save so much money! What a great tip!
This would be a fun vacation. Iceland would be a great place to see snow for the first time.
I’d love to be able to spend a few weeks there. This is great advice. Seeing the landscapes would be amazing.
These are some great ideas, I would love to visit Iceland it looks an amazing place. x
My son just flew over Iceland on his way back from Portugal ( via Amsterdam) and commented on how much he would love to travel there for a vacation. I will have to share this with him.
We have learned that eating out should be limited to only restaurants known for their cuisine in that area.
I’ve never been to Iceland, and I’m not sure I would want to. Florida girl here LOL I don’t know if I could tolerate the cold! Sure is gorgeous, though!
Iceland is so beautiful but probably not a place I’d ever visit. I find winter in Canada too cold anymore I’m not sure how I’d handle Iceland, but what a trip that would be!
I would love to go to Iceland. I think it would be fun.
Costs do add up when there’s a number of people traveling. I haven’t traveled in about a year and I miss it .
We don’t usually go on a winter vacation. Iceland is certainly a beautiful choice!
I love the idea of going somewhere snowy for a vacation. I feel like the beach is overrated at times.
I haven’t taken a vacation in so long. I love interesting places like that
A family vacation can be too expensive if you don’t plan well & my husband has a good habit of planning the budget upfront. Iceland is one of the favorite destination we would love to visit sometime soon.
I would like to visit Iceland someday. However, I would have to go during summer.
That is a country I would love to visit. We use to homeschool so we learned a lot about it last year.
I have always wanted to go see Iceland. Maybe one day I will.
What a beautiful looking spot but I doubt I will go as I hate the cold!! lol
I am dying to go to Iceland! It is on the top of my list. I really want to soak in the natural hot pools. They look so beautiful!