If your families ritual is to go on vacation every year once the kids are out of school, with the current state of the economy, you may be even more stressed then ever as to whether or not you can afford it.
With the cost of nearly everything going up, you may be worried that you will not be able to afford the same amenities that you and your family have become accustomed to.
While you may be thinking of canceling your plans altogether, there are some key tips that you can follow that will allow you to plan the cheapest trip possible.
First, be open to your method of travel.
 If you are planning on traveling within the US and you usually fly or drive to your destination, be open to the method you choose to get there.
With the cost of gas as well a plane tickets constantly going up in price, take into consideration which will be most cost effective and will allow you to fly cheapest.
While one may take less time than another, any method that leaves more money in your pocket for fun once you get there is well worth the minor modification it may make to your travel plans.
Second, be open to more than just the closest hotel.
If you are planning on visiting a resort like Disney, or something similar, you are probably more than well aware of the cost of their rooms.
 While they offer amenities like early entry or close proximity to the park, take into consideration some of the other hotels in the area that may not be as close, but may cost much less than the most popular hotels.
Why spend more than half your travel budget on a pricy hotel when all you will really be using it for is to sleep.
Lastly, book early.
 Make sure you book your hotel, travel and any other amenities well in advance before your scheduled departure date.
To guarantee to get the cheapest trip, it is true at times that waiting till the last minute can save you hundreds on your travel plans, when traveling with family its best to book early to avoid disappointment.
Especially when you are traveling to a popular resort destination, prices tend to go up the closer you get to the departure date, so booking in advance will allow you to book the cheapest trip possible.
Those are the key tips to planning the cheapest trip possible.
Be open to your method of travel and where you stay, and you will be able to plan fun family vacations for years to come.