Here are a few tips from Fifth Third Bank that will help you enjoy a family vacation without breaking the bank!

1.  Pre-planning is one of the best ways to save.  Map out your trip, research your destination, know where you’re going and what you’re going to do while you’re there.  Once you have that planned out get online and look for coupons and discounts at attractions and restaurants.  Many museums and zoos offer family free days, try to plan your visit around those days if they’re available.

2. Dine out less and bring snacks for the car.  Another way to save cash is to visit a grocery store once you get to your destination and make your meals.  When going out for a nice meal, go for lunch instead of dinner because prices are lower and lunch is more casual for kids.

3.  If you plan to buy souvenirs make them useful.  Sure the snowglobe is pretty, but a book or puzzle will be more useful.

4.  Give each child a set amount to spend.  This will not only save you money, but saves you time and energy negoticting each trinket and treat.  Depending on the age of your kids, your can set a daily budget or a budget for the entire trip.

5.  Use a pre-paid phone or phone card since roaming charges for cell phones can be astronomical.

6.  If you see a good price on gas, stop and fill up.  Even if you still have half a tank.