Beyond the memories and snapshots, traveling with kids has some tremendous benefits. But between the plane tickets and accommodations, going on vacation can become a budget-breaking decision.

According to a recent survey conducted by Bankrate, nearly 40 million Americans are not planning to go on a vacation this summer. Luckily there are some ways you can enjoy a vacation and pay your bills too.

photo: Pexels via Pixabay

According to the survey, the cost of daily bills was the reason for the lack of money to pay for a vacation for 44 percent of respondents. The survey also found that families expected to pay about $2,000 on average for a vacation.

The truth is, you don’t have to go on an extravagant trip to enjoy the benefits of travel with kids! Between last minute travel deals, discounts and a little creative planning, there are plenty of ways you can have a summer family vacation without breaking the bank. Here are a few ideas to get you started:

Plan a Staycation

Skip the airfare and hotels and plan a vacation in your own neighborhood. Here are some staycation ideas to try.

Book on a Budget

With a little research, you can find travel spots that are much more affordable than others. We’ve compiled a list of budget vacations to get you started.

Choose a Winter Vacation In the Summer

Many popular winter destinations transform into family-friendly adventures that are much more affordable in the summer. Check out Greek Peak Mountain Resort which is not only a state-of-the-art ski resort but also an Outdoor Adventure Center featuring a Mountain Coaster, a eurobungy and ziplining.

Book Early

Look for theme parks that offer discounts on annual passes via presale options. For example, LEGOLAND New York Resort just launched its limited 1st to Play passes. Set to open in spring 2020, those that opt to purchase now will receive a preview day of the park, a year of admission, and discounts at the onsite themed hotel.

Get a Bundle

Many hotels that are local to theme parks, like Disney and Universal offer bundled packages that include accommodations, entry into theme parks and transportation at a discounted rate. For example, the offsite Hilton Orlando offers a Universal Orlando package that is complete with early park admission to the Wizarding World of Harry Potter and a $20 Uber credit toward daily transportation.

—Shahrzad Warkentin

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