10 tips for affordable family trips

6. Don't fear flying with infants. Gone are the days when airlines offered discounted rates for all children. But most airlines still let you hold a child younger than 2 on your lap for no charge -- or pay a discounted infant fare for a seat for your tot. Besides, attending to a baby for a couple of hours on a plane beats many hours in a car -- especially when you need to concentrate on the road, not your child.

7. Pick spots within driving distance. Driving is a good way to save money, Plowright says. But it can be as expensive as flying if you drive a gas-guzzling vehicle and have to pay for a hotel room on the way to your destination. So the key is to pick a destination that's just a few hours' drive away. In addition to saving money, you'll minimize the times you'll hear that inevitable question coming from the back seat: "Are we almost there?"

8. Consider camping. If you're really pinching pennies -- or just want to keep your kids away from a computer screen for a week -- pitch a tent rather than book a room. It's a great way to experience our state and national parks, and even places such as Disney World have campgrounds. You can also send the whole family to summer camp, which can be a great value vacation. See the American Camp Association's directory to find a camp that's right for your family.

9. Don't write off all-inclusive packages as too expensive. If you head south of the border, you can score big deals at Mexican resorts that offer everything -- food, drinks, transportation and a room -- for a package price. Sometimes the deal even includes airfare.

10. Don't be afraid of luxury locales. So maybe you want to treat yourself to a luxurious vacation but you're worried that your children won't be welcome. "Even luxury places are welcoming kids," Plowright says. Over the past decade, she has seen a trend toward accommodating families at hotels and resorts that once were the domain of adults only. "It's hard now to find a place that doesn't cater to families," she says.

So if you want to stay at a boutique hotel when visiting New York City, go for it. By using Priceline.com's bidding system, you can find deals on luxury lodging. Bids of less than $100 a night on luxury digs are often successful. Two catches: Priceline doesn't disclose the name of the hotel you're booking until you buy, and it doesn't refund your money if you cancel.

This article was reported by Cameron Huddleston for Kiplinger's Personal Finance Magazine.

Updated May 14, 2009

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