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Plan for potential dates. Summer is a popular time for family vacation due to school schedules, but it is not the only option. Spring break and winter vacation are also good times to plan a vacation.
Generally, the cheapest time of year to travel is in the three weeks between Thanksgiving and Christmas (the two most expensive holiday travel dates). But this can be a tricky time of year for your kids, especially if they are in high school and have final exams or end-of-year activities like holiday concerts. Make sure you clear your schedule with your children's academic calendar if you plan to travel in this period.[4]
Travel to popular destinations is cheaper when the conditions are a little less than ideal. Most places in the northern hemisphere will be most expensive during the summer. You will generally find better deals to travel to Europe in the fall or the ski slopes in the late spring because these are not the ideal times of the year to visit these places.[5]
If you plan to take to your children out in the middle of the school year, be sure to plan ahead. Talk to your children's teachers as far ahead of time as possible so you child can complete their work ahead of time.
Do not plan to take your child out during a time when they have to take a standardized tests. These can be very hard to reschedule for your children.