Plan Ahead for Cheap Flights
Booking in advance is crucial. By planning ahead, you can grab flights at lower prices. Set alert notifications for price drops and check various airlines for the best deals. Flying on less popular days can also save bucks. Think mid-week rather than weekends. Use comparison websites for the best rates. For example, when our baby Emma was just two months old, we snagged a great deal flying out on a Tuesday. It saved us enough to enjoy a family lunch at the airport!
Use Frequent Flyer Miles
Frequent flyer miles are like gold when traveling with an infant. They can significantly cut down airfare costs. If possible, sign up for reward programs and use credit cards that offer miles. Sometimes, airlines offer extra bonuses for signing up. It’s like finding hidden treasures! Our friend Sarah managed to fly to Florida for practically nothing thanks to accumulated miles. It pays to be loyal to one airline.
Pack Smartly and Lightly
Overpacking is tempting, but you can cut costs by packing smartly. Stick to airline luggage allowances and avoid overweight fees. Bring multipurpose baby gear: a stroller that doubles as a car seat, for example. Additionally, airlines allow free check-in for strollers and car seats. We’ve mastered packing only what we genuinely need after our first confusing trip. Travels become smoother and cheaper!
Check out the image below for some packing inspiration:
Choose Budget-Friendly Accommodations
The right accommodation can save more than you imagine. Book places with kitchenettes to prepare your own meals, cutting dining expenses. Look for family or baby deals on hotel websites. Once, we stayed at a cozy Airbnb with a full kitchen and saved a bundle on meals. Bonus: it offered baby amenities to make our stay more comfortable!
Take Advantage of Freebies
Airlines often have hidden freebies. Ask for infant meals, extra blankets, or even a bassinet seat for long-haul flights. Some airlines also offer free baby supplies or diapers. Don’t shy away from requesting assistance. On one trip, the flight attendant gave us an entire goody bag for our newborn – talk about a win!
Stay Calm and Flexible
Flying with a newborn can be stressful, but staying calm saves the day! Flexibility can lead to money-saving surprises. Be prepared for delays and adjust plans as needed. If a standby flight is cheaper, grab it. Once, we managed a significant discount by switching flights last minute. Flexibility might just turn your stressful day into a cost-saving adventure.