Tips For Making The Most Of A Holiday Travel Budget

High fuel prices continue to put a strain on budgets as families look for ways to cut costs. What effect will this have on holiday travel plans? With Thanksgiving airfare averaging 31% more than last year and Christmas airfare up 23%, families are looking for ways to plan ahead and make the most of their holiday travel budgets.

The following hotels and vacation clubs offer holiday travelers a viable alternative from the pricey accommodations that can max out your credit card.

Hyatt Vacation Club

Hyatt Vacation Club offers spacious, villa-style accommodations at a reasonable budget, with rates start at $216 per night, depending on the property, where multigenerational groups can stay under one roof, whether escaping to the rugged foothills outside San Diego for a relaxing getaway, settling into a ranch-inspired resort in Texas Hill Country or soaking up the sun in Bonita Springs. With separate bedrooms, living areas and full kitchens, families can spread out, do laundry on-site and prepare meals together instead of dining out, helping stretch their holiday budgets. For families looking to further simplify the planning process, Hyatt Vacation also launched a new program, Villa Bites, powered by Nurture Life, at select properties, which delivers ready-to-enjoy kids’ meals and snacks directly to the villa, so parents can skip packing snacks or making a grocery run as soon as they arrive.

Scott Weisz, Executive Vice President and Chief Hospitality Officer at Marriott Vacations Worldwide, says, “The best holiday trips are not always the ones with the fullest itineraries. They are often the ones that make it easy for people to be together. For multigenerational families, that starts with choosing accommodations based on how the group will actually live during the trip, not just where everyone will sleep.”

Look for accommodations with private bedrooms and shared gathering spaces so relatives with different routines can spend time together without feeling like they’re living on top of one another. A kitchen can be just as valuable, helping families save money by stocking groceries and juggle dietary preferences, children’s mealtimes or allowing for a relaxed breakfast before heading out for the day.

He adds, “Another tip is to seek out experiences and amenities that simplify travel rather than over-schedule it. Small conveniences, such as having meals or snacks readily available upon arrival, can reduce stress and give families more time to enjoy their vacation together. At Hyatt Vacation Club, we’ve seen how offerings like our recently launched Villa Bites program, which stocks villas with nutritious, ready-to-eat kids meals before arrival, help remove common travel-day challenges. The same is true for group activities that bring families together without requiring extra planning, whether that’s a tortilla-making class or an onsite escape room. During the holidays, the most memorable trips are often the ones where families spend less time coordinating logistics and more time enjoying each other’s company.”

Viceroy Snowmass, Colorado

Katie de Besche, Director of Sales, Viceroy Snowmass, says, “Planning ahead and taking advantage of special offers can help travelers make the most of their holiday budgets. At Viceroy Snowmass, guests can find added value through promotions like our Fifth Night Free offer or Mountain Mornings Package, which includes daily breakfast at TORO. It’s also worth keeping an eye out for Black Friday and Cyber Monday deals for additional savings.”

She adds, “Viceroy Snowmass offers several packages designed to enhance a holiday getaway. Our Stay & Spa package includes a $500 spa credit, allowing guests to incorporate relaxation into their stay. We also offer seasonal dining experiences and promotions, giving travelers additional ways to enjoy the resort.”

Hawaii, Mauna Kea Residences

Dan Scholz, Vice President of Operations, Hawaii, Mauna Kea Residences, says, “Booking early is especially important for families and larger groups traveling during the holidays, as it provides more options for accommodations that fit everyone’s needs. Returning guests should also inquire about available discounts. Vacation residences can offer added value for multigenerational groups, with spacious living areas, fully equipped kitchens and shared gathering spaces that allow everyone to stay together while enjoying the comforts of home.”

He explains, “At Mauna Kea Residences, guests enjoy the space and privacy of a vacation home alongside access to the amenities of Mauna Kea Beach Hotel and The Westin Hapuna Beach Resort. With charging privileges at both properties, families can enjoy resort dining, activities and two of Hawai’i Island’s most celebrated beaches. This is especially appealing for multigenerational travel, offering the flexibility to spend quality time together while maintaining personal space and enjoying the convenience of resort amenities.”

This article was originally published on Forbes.com