Smart Summer Travel on a Budget: How I Spent Less Than $600 Traveling Across States with My Kids

Traveling during the holidays with kids and a limited budget sounds like a challenge—and it is—but it’s also possible with the right plan. Over the Fourth of July, I traveled from Maryland to Ohio with my daughters, coordinated their trip to Georgia with my parents, and made meaningful memories with my extended family.

My goal? Spend no more than $600. And guess what? I did it—and even came in under budget. Here’s how I made it all work while still enjoying every moment.

1. Be Honest About What Works for You
   I left Maryland at 5:30 p.m. and arrived in Ohio around 2:30 a.m.—and quickly remembered how much I dislike long road trips. I knew I couldn’t handle another marathon drive to Georgia to pick up my daughters after their stay with my parents. So instead, I started researching flights early.

Flying Smart
I was able to book one-way tickets for:

• $93 for myself

• $32 each for my daughters

• $55 for one checked bag
  That totaled $212, far cheaper than driving—especially when you add in gas, food, and potential hotel costs.

2. Use Hopper to Find the Best Flight Prices
   I used Hopper, a free app that tracks flight prices and tells you the best time to buy. It even sends alerts when prices drop so you can snag the best deal without guessing.

Know the Rules of Budget Airlines
Budget-friendly airlines like Spirit and Frontier can save you money—but only if you understand their policies. Many charge:

• For both carry-on and checked bags

• For choosing your seat

• Extra fees for printing your boarding pass or changing flights
  I budgeted ahead for the $55 bag fee and made sure I didn’t get hit with unexpected costs by reading the fine print first.

3. Use GasBuddy to Save on Fuel
   Gas prices vary a lot depending on where you are. I used the GasBuddy app to find the cheapest gas stations along our route, which helped me plan fuel stops in advance.
   Total spent on gas: $127.02

4. Pack Snacks & Stick to a Daily Food Budget
   Food can become one of the biggest money drains while traveling. To stay on track, I:

• Packed a cooler with water, fruit, chips, sandwiches, and juice boxes

• Set a daily food budget

• Tracked what I spent each day
  Total spent eating out (Wednesday–Sunday): $100.12
  One of our few restaurant meals was a $26 brunch at Bob Evans with my immediate family.

5. Save on Lodging Through Family and Airbnb
   The first night in Ohio, I stayed with my cousin for free. The next two nights, I shared a beautiful Airbnb with my sister and brother, which kept the costs low and allowed for more family time.
   Tip: Sharing space with family or friends cuts costs and builds memories.

6. Lean Into Family Events for Meals
   We had several family get-togethers where meals were provided:

• A BBQ at our family farm

• A fish fry

• A brunch at my aunt and uncle’s home
  These gatherings helped me save on meals and brought us together around the table.

7. Entertainment on a Dollar Tree Budget
   I stopped at Dollar Tree before the trip and picked up:

• Bubbles

• Small balls

• Mini golf toys
  These $1 toys kept the girls and their cousins entertained for hours—no screens or expensive outings required.

8. Use Work and Membership Discounts
   Always check for work-related or membership discounts before booking or purchasing:

• Employee discount portals

• AAA, AARP, or educator discounts

• Military or student rates
  These can save you money on flights, rental cars, attractions, and more.

9. Don’t Forget the Hidden Travel Costs
   When flying, plan ahead for:

• Airport parking or rideshares

• Baggage fees

• Food at the airport
  These often-forgotten costs can sneak up on you and throw off your budget if you’re not intentional.

10. Set a Clear Budget Before You Go
    I went into this trip with one clear goal: Spend no more than $600.
    To do that, I broke my budget down by category—gas, food, lodging, flights, and fun—and tracked expenses daily to stay on course.

Why It Was All Worth It
This trip wasn’t just a getaway—it was a reunion. My grandparents turned 78 and 79, and I was able to celebrate with them alongside family I don’t often see. These moments are precious, and I want my daughters to know their family intimately—not just through photos or phone calls, but through hugs, laughter, and shared memories.

Planning ahead allowed me to be present, not stressed. And that, to me, is the ultimate travel goal.

My Budget Breakdown

Budget Goal: $600
Actual Spend: Under budget!

Bonus Tips to Stretch Your Travel Budget

• Use Hopper to track the best times to buy flights

• Download GasBuddy to find the cheapest fuel

• Know your airline’s bag and ticket policies

• Set a daily food budget and stick to it

• Take advantage of family meals when possible

• Look for free or low-cost events at your destination

• Always check for discounts through work or memberships

• Budget for hidden costs like airport parking, Uber, or luggage fees

• Split lodging and meals with family or friends

• Create a sinking fund to save for vacations over time

Final Thought: Budgeting Is Freedom, and Rest Is a Right
We work hard—and we deserve rest. Vacations shouldn’t be something we finance with stress or credit. That’s why creating a sinking fund—a dedicated savings bucket just for travel—is key. Putting aside a little each month gives you peace of mind when it’s finally time to hit the road or book that flight.

And if your budget doesn’t allow for big trips, don’t count yourself out.
There are hidden gems right in your local area—parks, museums, day trips, and local festivals—that can offer fun and rest without the big expense. Being intentional with your money opens the door to opportunities that don’t require going far to go deep.

A solid travel budget isn’t about restrictions—it’s about freedom. Freedom to say “yes” to what matters, freedom to make memories, and freedom to enjoy the moment without guilt or debt.

Plan ahead, give yourself permission to rest, and travel with purpose—because the best investments are the ones we make in time well spent.