Like many people, you want to know how to plan a cheap family vacation. You have been wanting to plan a vacation for some time, but you just haven't been able to save enough money. You have been trying to come up with something fun and cost effective, which is not an easy thing to do. Gas prices are high and they seem to go up during peak travel times. If you cannot afford gas, then air fares are definitely out of the question. You keep hitting brick walls every time you try to brainstorm with your family regarding destinations that are easily affordable.

The good news is that there are cost effective family vacations out there; you just need to know how to find them. There are plenty of resources available to assist you in finding information on how to plan a cheap family vacation.http://www.family-friendly-fun.com/travel/vacation-planning.htm http://www.familyvacationsurvivalguide.com/articles/plan_ahead/2008/08/budgeting_for_a_family_vacation.php

Picking a destination can be one of the most difficult parts of planning a family vacation, especially if you are on a strict budget. Brainstorm with your spouse for options that you know you can afford. Once you have several ideas, you can bring your children into the process.http://www.vacationidea.com/articles/family_vacation_planning_tips.html http://www.travelsense.org/tips/familyvacation.cfm

Some ideas to consider that are not likely to be too costly include:

1. Staying fairly close to home. If you think you may drive, try limiting the travel time to one day so that you are not spending money on a motel for an extra night on the road.http://lifehacker.com/5322432/top-10-tips-to-streamline-your-vacation-planning
2. Considering camping as opposed to staying in a motel. Camping fees are usually a fraction of motel costs. A one time investment for your own equipment will save money in the long run. Recreational vehicles can be rented; compare the cost to what you may pay in motel bills.http://www.frugalsimplicity.com/2010/02/06/5-tips-for-planning-an-affordable-family-vacation/
3. If you have a large family, plan a destination where you can rent a hotel suite or do a house exchange. This may be cheaper than renting more than one hotel room.http://www.1001-vacation-ideas.com/cheap-family-vacations.html

You can make travel arrangements by telephone or online, but most airlines have better deals if you book it via the internet.http://lifestyle.iloveindia.com/lounge/how-to-get-best-deals-on-airfares-219.html You may want to book your tickets through one of the following travel sites:

1. Orbitz
2. Expedia
3. Travelocity
4. Priceline

Before booking, check prices on individual airlines' websites because booking directly through the airline is sometimes cheaper. You may be able to find deals if you:

1. Travel during non-peak times of the year.http://www.frugalsimplicity.com/2010/02/06/5-tips-for-planning-an-affordable-family-vacation/
2. Make reservations months in advance.http://www.1001-vacation-ideas.com/cheap-family-vacations.html
3. Book at a time when specials are being offered.http://lifehacker.com/5322432/top-10-tips-to-streamline-your-vacation-planning

Traveling in the car may be preferred if you have a large family and are not traveling over a thousand miles. You should consider the following regarding whether or not to drive:

1. Is your car in good enough condition for the amount of miles you will drive?http://www.planning-fun-road-trips.com/
2. How many nights would you need to spend on the road and what is the projected cost versus the price of a round trip airline ticket?http://www.independenttraveler.com/resources/article.cfm?AID=754&category=21
3. What are current gas prices?http://www.planning-fun-road-trips.com/frugal-road-trip.html

If you do travel by car, you can save money by packing your own food in a cooler and by driving in shifts in order to avoid the costs of a hotel room.http://www.helpmetravelcheap.com/7-tips-for-planning-fun-affordable-family-vacations/

You can find inexpensive entertainment by doing some research before you head out on your vacation. Sometimes you can even get deals by printing up online coupons.http://www.helpmetravelcheap.com/7-tips-for-planning-fun-affordable-family-vacations/ If you are going to a beach location, you can purchase plastic buckets and shovels for building sandcastles, or walk along the beach and collect shells. If you going camping, arrange a canoe trip.http://www.1001-vacation-ideas.com/cheap-family-vacations.html