When school is out and the sun is shining, you know it’s time for a family vacation! However, in tough economic times, it may seem impossible to get the entire family on a trip this year. With some careful planning and smart budgeting, it is entirely possible to take the whole family on a fun vacation. Take a look at these tips for planning a family vacation on a budget.

1. Plan ahead. You need to start planning now – even if your vacation isn’t for another three or four months. The farther out you start to plan, the better deals you will find for hotels, airfare, amusement parks, etc.
2. Think local. Perhaps a vacation to another state or country is completely out of the question, but that doesn’t mean fun has to be. Go ahead and have a “stay-cation.” Look around your city and see what there is that you can explore. You may have a waterpark, museum, or musical activities going on in or around your home town that you never knew about before.
3. Search the Internet. You can find some really great travel deals on the Internet. Search for the best deals for hotels and airfare online. Be sure to compare several sites and services so you can make sure you are saving the most money.
4. Pack your meals. One of the biggest expenses on a vacation is meal time. If you have children you are traveling with, feel free to pack your meals along with you. Many hotel rooms have microwaves and a refrigerator, so you should be able to plan meals.
5. Look into vacation rentals. Vacation rentals are often much cheaper than hotel rooms, plus they offer a lot more room. Check for a vacation rental before you book a hotel.

Where will you vacation this year? Now is the time to start the planning!