How to Save on Family Travel in 2025

Family vacations create lifelong memories, but they also come with serious price tags. Flights, hotels, meals, and activities add up quickly, especially when you’re paying for multiple people. In fact, even a “budget” family trip can easily run into the thousands.

The good news? With the right strategies — and the right tools — you can trim those costs dramatically. This guide will show you how to save on family travel in 2025, from booking flights and hotels smarter to using Smart Save Club for exclusive discounts and cash back.

Taking one or two people on a trip is manageable, but with a family of four or five, costs multiply fast:

• Flights: Average U.S. domestic airfare is around $350 per person. For a family of four, that’s $1,400 before you’ve even left the airport.

• Hotels: Mid-range hotels often run $150–$250 per night. Over a week, that’s another $1,000+.

• Dining: Eating out three times a day for four people can cost $100+ daily. Multiply that by a week, and you’re at $700 or more.

• Activities: Theme park tickets, guided tours, or museum admissions can add hundreds more.

That’s why families need more than “generic tips.” You need actionable ways to save — and ideally, a single place where you can find discounts without spending hours hunting.

Flights are often the biggest line item in your travel budget. Here’s how to cut those costs:

• Be flexible with dates: Flying midweek (Tuesday or Wednesday) can save 15–25% compared to weekends.

• Consider budget airlines: Low-cost carriers often run seasonal deals, especially for families booking multiple seats.

• Look at nearby airports: A short drive to a different airport can cut ticket costs dramatically.

• Save Club Membership: Members unlock exclusive airfare discounts not available on public booking sites.

• Save Club Free App: Earn cash back on flights no matter where you’re headed.

Pro Tip: Stack a member-only discount with cash back from the free app — that’s a savings double win.

Hotels can eat up a large share of your travel budget — but they don’t have to.

• Travel off-peak: Avoiding holidays and peak summer months can cut rates by 30% or more.

• Book family suites or extended stays: These often come with kitchenettes, which help save on meals too.

• Use loyalty programs: Points and perks can stretch your budget.

• Save Club Membership: Unlock lower hotel rates available only to members.

• Save Club Free App: Earn cash back on every hotel booking, even at major chains.

Pro Tip: Even one night of member savings + cash back can cover more than the cost of a monthly membership.

Food is one of the sneakiest travel expenses — and families feel it most. Here’s how to keep costs down without skimping on fun meals:

• Pack breakfast staples: Yogurt, fruit, granola bars, or oatmeal can cover the first meal of the day affordably.

• Mix groceries with eating out: A grocery store run can replace one restaurant meal per day.

• Choose kid-friendly restaurants wisely: Many offer free kids’ meals or family platters.

• Save Club Membership: Access exclusive restaurant deals at partner dining spots.

• Save Club Free App: Earn cash back every time you dine out, from local favorites to chain restaurants.

Pro Tip: Use the membership for dining discounts, then layer on the app’s cash back to lower the bill even further.

Not every family outing has to come with a high-ticket price. Adding free or low-cost attractions keeps the trip affordable while still fun.

• Parks and green spaces: Most major cities offer incredible playgrounds, splash pads, and public gardens.

• Free museum days: Many museums worldwide offer monthly or weekly no-cost entry.

• Festivals and events: Street parades, open-air concerts, and cultural festivals are often free.

• Related guide: Check out our post on Free Things to Do with Kids in Major Cities for city-specific ideas.

And remember: saving on activities frees up cash for bigger splurges, like one special theme park day or a bucket-list attraction.

Here’s where Smart Save Club ties it all together. Instead of juggling multiple apps and searching endlessly for deals, families can use two powerful ways to save:

• Save Club Membership: Unlock exclusive deals on flights, hotels, and restaurants. Members access lower rates and family-friendly discounts that aren’t available to the public.

• Save Club Free App: Earn cash back on everyday travel and dining purchases. Whether you’re booking a hotel, grabbing dinner, or paying for flights, you get money back in your account.

• Stack Savings: Combine membership discounts with cash-back rewards for maximum value on every trip.

It’s flexible — you choose whether to stick with the free app, upgrade to membership for even deeper savings, or use both together for the best results.

How much can families realistically save on travel?
With Smart Save Club, families can save hundreds on flights and hotels through exclusive member deals, plus earn ongoing cash back on meals and bookings with the free app.

Is Smart Save Club free to use?
Yes — the cash-back app is completely free. Families who want deeper discounts can choose the paid monthly membership for access to premium travel and dining deals.

Does Smart Save Club work internationally?
Yes — both the membership and the free cash-back app work for U.S. and international trips, from hotels in Europe to restaurants in Asia.

Family travel doesn’t have to drain your budget. With Smart Save Club’s free cash-back app and optional paid membership for deeper discounts, you can make every trip more affordable. That means saving before you leave, while you travel, and even after you return.

Sign up today — start with the free cash-back app, or upgrade to membership for maximum savings on your next family trip.