Growing up we went on several vacations and it's only now that I'm an adult with my own family that I realize how fortunate we were. With a blended family consisting of 8 of us, I cannot believe my parents were able and brave enough to take us anywhere! While on the #RockYourVacation trip, I learned several ways big families can make traveling easier, more fun and affordable. I went on this trip for free, but all thoughts and opinions are my own.
Traveling to Central Florida, Kissimmee, Orlando?
Naturally I am going to focus on these great destinations since that's where I went. However, these tips apply to any location! It just takes a little pre-planning to hunt down deals and businesses/services near your vacation spot.
Once you get there… getting around
So, you've arrived after traveling from your home and now want to get around this new town with your family. Do you rent a car? Take a cab—or 2? Depending on the size of your family this can get really pricey and limit your overall experience if you're stuck in one spot. Well, you should really look into using a limo service like Southern Elegance Limousines. They offer great prices and fit large groups or families comfortably and in STYLE! Nothing adds to the fun of being on vacation than feeling like a celebrity! Plus, the drivers are super friendly, courteous and knowledgeable.
Haha… you know you're traveling with bloggers when we're all sitting right next to each other tweeting each other from our phones!
Where to Stay
Two words. Vacation Homes.
After staying in some of the most beautiful homes I have ever seen and finding out how affordable they are for your vacation, I will always consider this option for my family! Everyone got their own room and bathroom, you can do your laundry—and therefore pack less and come home to less work—and with a full kitchen, you don't have to eat out as often which saves even more money!
I don't know about your family vacation habits, but we tend to completely exhaust ourselves with activities. Well, if you're staying in a vacation home like this one, you and your family can settle in for a movie night to recover from a fun-filled day of events… in a tricked out theater with actual shooting stars on the ceiling!!!
Grocery Service
This has got to be the best idea ever. You can hire someone like Chef Linda (who is unbelievably awesome, by the way) to do your grocery shopping and prepare your meals in your vacation home! As soon as you arrive, you can walk into a fully stocked kitchen with dinner in the oven. I was shocked at how affordable this is and the food Chef Linda prepared was better than any restaurant! This is ideal for any families with special diets or food allergies. Simply submit your grocery list before you leave and don't think twice about it for the rest of your trip! The savings is incredible when you're not eating out for every meal! Check with the vacation home company to see if they offer this service too.
Other Ways to Save
To recap, here's a list of tips to save and make the most out traveling with your big family or group:
- Consider Limo service – it's usually cheaper than cabs and rental cars
- Vacation Homes – affordable luxury for the best vacation ever
- Pack less and do a load of laundry while your there
- Personal Chef/Grocery Service – look into the services offered at your destination
- Go to Discovery Cove! Then get free entry to other SeaWorld parks for the duration of your stay!
- Check out FunSpot (free parking and admission-just pay for bracelets for what you'll actually do and then set the kids free!)
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Kelly Stilwell says
It’s unbelievable how affordable Orlando can be with these options! What a fun trip!
Ari T. says
The home rental sounds like a better alternative to staying at a hotel. Especially with a large family! Coming back to an actual home after a long day of fun would be very comforting!
Jennifer says
I definitely prefer renting a home to staying at a hotel. It’s just more comfortable, private, and clean – at least to me.
Courtney says
The limo service looks great, but I’m most excited about the idea of renting a home instead of staying at a hotel. I think a house is much more user friendly for a family with kids than a hotel room.
Dawn says
Great tips on how to save money on a family trip. Family trips are great, but they can get pricey very quickly. With these tips, we can still have a nice family trip and stay on budget.
JulieK says
Love the idea of the villa homes and a chef! 🙂 Wish I could just get a chef up here! LOL
Robin (Masshole Mommy) says
It’s nice to know that there are options for people with larger families. I just have the 2 kids, so sometimes I think to myself that I am lucky because we fit into one hotel room.
Amber Edwards says
I am so in love with that movie room! What a fantastic idea for when you have a larger family!
Nolie says
I LOVE utilizing grocery services when we go on vacation.
april says
The grocery shopping service is so awesome.
Shauna says
Okay, i am totally earmarking this post. What great tips. I totally never thought about a vacation home and the thought of hiring a chef? That would make MY vacation perfect!
Mama to 5 BLessings says
Now that is a vacation, I so need this whole package, we are a family of 7.
Jenn @TheRebelChick says
Kissimmee is such a super fun place!! I went on the first Rock Your Vacation event in February and I had a blast. It looks like your trip was even more fun!
Pam says
We don’t have a big family, but when we have traveled with our extended family, vacation homes were awesome. They saved us so much money.
tammileetips says
Those vacation homes look amazing! I have to say traveling in a limo would make some great memories!
Mindy Grant says
My 2 sisters and I all have kids around the same age, so we are already making plans to go on family vacations together. There will be quite a few of us, and we need all the help we can get in planning. Thanks for the great tips!
kristin says
Looks like a great place to stay. We really want to make a trip to Florida and this is an affordable way!
Liz Mays says
You certainly lived the life down there. That kind of vacation home makes being away so much more relaxing.
Dede says
I wonder if I could adopt Chef Linda!! This sounds like an amazing trip.
Aimee Smith says
This looks like a blast! These are great tips, I have been looking into vacation homes for an upcoming trip!
Janel (A Mom's Take) says
I think renting a house is the only way to travel with a large family when going to Orlando. We’ve done it before, and it’s so nice.
Amy Desrosiers says
Wow,your Orlando trip looked awesome! Traveling with bloggers in a limo can be fun too!
Simon Moos says
These are great tips, I never would have thought about limo service. Last year was the first time I stayed in a rental house instead of a hotel. It was significantly cheaper and way more comfortable and nice. You really can’t beat that option, from now on my first choice for vacations is going to be a rental house.
Donna Evans says
I live in central Florida and didn’t know alot of your hints. I’ll make sure to pass them on to my guests when they visit.