How I Tricked my Family into Thinking We’re “Fancy”
Traveling doesn’t have to drain your wallet to fill your soul. As a parent, a teacher, AND a thrill-seeker, I’ve learned how to stretch every dollar without sacrificing the magic. This goes for all traveling adventures too, not just Disney! Family escapes without taking out a second mortgage? Got it. How about a Girl’s Trip without succumbing to a foot-fetish photo shoot? Got it. Or how about a Mom-Cation with a spa treatment (or 3) without dipping into the kid’s college fund? Yep…Got that one too! Here are my favorite traveling budget hacks and destinations that prove you can travel smart and travel well.
Walt Disney World-Orlando, FL
This may surprise readers considering I’m a travel agent, but you don’t have to stay on property. If the family budget is always on your mind, try out the amazing accommodations OFF property. Staying off-site can save you, literary, thousands of dollars!
Off-property sites that are part of the Disney Magic offer the same variety of accommodations, including suites and standard rooms. These hotels are equipped with knowledgeable concierge services and offer insider-guidance to show times, dinner reservations, and/or character meet-and-greets. The best part–they still have free bus transportation to and from any of the Disney parks. Pretty cool right? Check out the list below for my preferred off-site stays!
HIlton Orlando Lake Buena Vista
The lazy river y’all!! Okay, yes, this one is my absolute favorite for the luxurious feeling without the matching price tag. This hotel is beautiful, offering spacious rooms to accommodate larger families. In some upper levels, you may even have a resort view of the Disney Springs and EPCOT firework shows!! With 5 on-sight dining options, well, it’s not a state secret why I love this place so much? It’s also quick 5 minute walk to Disney Springs and all the delicious treats it offers. Guests will still enjoy Disney transportation to and from the parks; and for you Dawn’s Early Risers, early park entry!
DiscoverLZTravel Tip: Become a Hilton Honors rewards member before you have your friendly Travel Agent (cough cough) book your stay. Earning points for future stays helps with future costs!
The Wyndham Garden Lake Buena Vista
This one is actually separated into two branches, Wyndham Lake, and Wyndham Garden.,so you can easily choose which one best fits your budget. Wyndham Garden is more “budget-friendly” and as an added bonus, has been recently updated. It has less frills than other Disney properties, but it’s super affordable and still has a great pool! PLUS it’s now an official Disney World Hotel giving guests that 30 minute early entry! There is also on on-site coffee shop, along with a breakfast eatery that serves Mickey Waffles!
The Caribe Royale
This one makes the list not only for its budget-conscience offerings, but for it’s expansive list of fun family activities. If your family is anything like mine, we schedule a “rest” day after visiting a few parks. This resort offers a variety of family fun for those days when you just need a break from the crowds. Opportunities like bike rentals, fishing, basketball and tennis courts. Don’t get me started on watching movies under the stars while floating in a pool with waterfalls! Yes please!
These are just a few of the affordable options to consider when your Disney-loving inner child starts begging for the next trip. To make things even easier, Discover LZ Travels has made is easier than ever to start your planning off right!
For more information on booking or for a comprehensive list of local area Disney partner hotels, just click here!
Great Smoky Mountains National Park, TN/NC
Okay, so I get that not everyone is into nature. Going on long romantic hikes in the woods is NOT your idea of a good time. For the few out there that do stop to admire our great National Parks, you’ll be surprised with how low-cost these outings can be.
Did you know that the Great Smoky Mountain National Park is one of few that are actually free? That’s right; absolutely no entrance fee! Choose a nearby village or township to make “glamp” in, or for the brave, reserve a campsite in the park. There really is a place within your price range! That makes is a dream destination for budget travelers, quick weekend getaways, or spontaneous family outings. But if you’re planning a mash-up of the region’s biggest attractions (Dollywood, Pigeon Forge, or Wilderness in the Smokies, etc..) and the region’s “biggest” attractions (mountains, waterfalls, and wildlife etc..) the costs can certain add up.
What’s Free in the Land of the Free?
- Start out with exploring some of these free “gems”: hiking trail like Laurel Falls, Clingmans Dome, and ALum Cave give you those Instagram worthy shots you crave with ZERO admission cost.
- Pack a picnic: Gatlinburg and Pigeon Forge restaurants can add up (hello, tourist town!) Stock a cooler before you hit the trails. There are tons of scenic viewing areas specifically chosen for their postcard-ess photography. Believe me; the views at one of these must-stops are far better than any restaurant patio.
- Avoid peak parking fees. In 2023, the park introduce a parking tag fee for any stops longer than 15 minutes. Save yourself the $40 for an Annual tag if you’re only going to be in town for the weekend. Grab a $5 daily pass available at the park entrance.
Discover LZ Travels Hack: Upon check-in, join the free Ranger-Led hike or wildlife conversations. Bring your own gear, picnic, or fishing pole for free memories!
Dollywood With Limited Dollars
Any Dolly Parton fan can attest that Dollywood is fast becoming one of the top attractions in the Smokies-but tickets can make your wallet wince. Here’s how to save:
- Buy tickets online ahead of time. Prices are often lower online than at the gate.
- Go after 3pm., play the next day free! This is Dollywood’s famous hack: if you enter the park after 3pm, your ticket is valid for the entire next day too! That’s almost like two for the price of one!
- Bring your own water bottle! Raise your hand if you DON’T have a Stanley-Version of “something” in a cabinet somewhere. Dollywood has that convenient little Kiosks scattered around that let you refill your water, for FREE! So skip the $5 water bottles!
- Ask your travel agent (Hiya!) to look for combo deals such as Dollywood PLUS Splash Country. Sometimes ticket prices are cheaper when you bundle.
- If you’re a local, this is just a given; splurge for the Season Passes! This hack works if you just plan to be in the area for several days, depending on how many travelers you bring with you. Visiting the parks just twice in a calendar year, the season pass can pay for itself.
Wilderness at the Smokies–Not Blowing Smoke
I need to pause here for a minute to pay respect the most incredible water park/resort experience I’ve ever had…
This family-favorite water park is much more than just a water park, it’s an entire experience. For the families with more independent teenagers, the property is massive with at least 3 different parks ranging in degrees of anxiety induced! From the uphill, water-jet powered shoots to the 5-story plumit, there is definitely something for everyone.
If your family is keen to splash around merrily and enjoy the sunshine, Wilderness has a park for you too; and it’s not just a toddler splash pad. The giant bucket that tips over is just part of the fun. There are age appropriate slides all over the place as well as a water-war area where kids can finally get back at their parents. There’s small wading pools for our littlest Littles and even an over-water American Ninja Warrior course for the daring ones. No matter your age or skill level, there really is something for everyone to smile about!
Discover LZ Travel Tip: Stay in one of the beautiful mountain towns like Gatlinburg, Pigeon Forge, or Bryson City. I can book Vrbo’s too as well as cabins!
United States City-Scapes
Not everyone will have the money or opportunity to travel to Europe. I know it’s on my own bucket list, but the reality is, this is something our family will need to save up for over the course of several years. We have an “almost” high school graduate who has already declared a desire to travel through France and Germany, so while I’m over here contemplating selling my kidneys, here’s a few budget hacks for those of you who are good with escaping right here in the Heartland.
San Diego, CA
- Hacks: Planning to visit the Golden Coast? Try aiming for the “shoulder seasons” (April-May or September-October) for lower hotel rates and cheaper excursion offers. Get yourself a CITYPASS or Go San Diego Card for bundled attraction discounts.
- Discover LZ Travel Tip: Spend the day at La Jolla Cove or Coronado Beach–both are free and stunning. The Balboa Park museums offer free admission days each month!
New York City, NY
- Hacks: Skip the pricey downtown hotel and look at a Vrbo or an Inn in Long Island City or Jersey City. Both are just quick subway rides away from all the major attractions. Use apps like Too Good to Go for discounted meals from local favorites. Pro Tip: Use your favorite Travel Agent (ME) to book your Vrbo/Hotel and receive credits towards shows, movies, and/or dinners.
- Discover LZ Travel Tip: Visit iconic spots like Central Park, Staten Island, and Times Square in the morning. They are less crowded (although still crowded) but all of these famous landmark areas are FREE! Museums like the Met and The Natural History Museum offer pay-what-you-wish entry!
Sedona, Arizona
- Hacks: Book your stay during the workday for the lowest available rates. Needing a rental car? Instead of going with your chains (Enterprize, Budget, etc..) try renting from the locals. Usually the insurance is better and the rates lower.
- Discover LZ Travel Tip: The trail heads are Free or only a small fee. For the Hikers, visit The Cathedral Rock, Red Rock Pass, and Bell Rock at sunrise or sunset for most unforgettable views you’ve ever experienced. Stargazing is free (and Amazeballs!) so bring a blanket and some wine, and enjoy!~
Bonus TIps for Budget Travel
- Pack Light to avoid overpriced baggage fees
- Use Cashback Apps like crazy! I use iBotta, Upside, Fetch, and Receipt Hog! I typically earn enough from my yearly cash backs use as our food budget when we go on trips.
- Travel Overnight: This allows you to not only save on hotel stays, BUT might save your sanity (if you’re traveling with toddlers!)
- Bring Refillable Water Bottles: This goes without saying, but buying water at every gas station adds up quick!
- Follow Local Tourism Boards: Go through your Social Media and follow of a few groups from the area you plan to visit. You may see free events, deals, and advice from locals!
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