How to Plan a Family Vacation on a Budget—with a Little Help from ChatGPT

Vacations are meant to recharge your batteries, not drain your bank account. But between airfare, lodging, meals and activities, even a simple family trip can start racking up costs quickly. The good news? Planning a fun, affordable vacation is easier than ever, especially with the help of tools like ChatGPT that can do the heavy lifting for you.

Whether you're dreaming of a beach getaway or a weekend road trip, here's how to plan a budget-conscious family vacation and get the most for your money.

1. Set a Total Budget First

Before you start Googling destinations, decide how much you can comfortably spend—then stick to it. Break your total down into categories like travel, lodging, food, activities and emergency funds for anything unexpected.

Pro tip: Open a separate savings account just for travel. Automating a small weekly deposit adds up fast and keeps you from dipping into everyday funds.

2. Use ChatGPT to Build Your Itinerary (for Free!)

Skip the expensive travel agents and start your vacation planning by asking ChatGPT. With the right prompts, you can generate detailed travel ideas tailored to your family's budget, location and interests.

Try these prompts:
•    "What are some affordable family vacation spots within 5 hours of [your city]?"
•    "Create a 3-day itinerary for a family of 4 visiting [destination] with a $1,500 budget."
•    "What free or low-cost activities are available in or near [city] in September?"

You can even ask for packing checklists, meal planning ideas or tips on saving gas money for a road trip.

3. Travel Smart with Timing and Flexibility

Traveling off-season or midweek can dramatically lower prices on flights and hotels. Be open to shifting your travel dates based on cost. Many travel websites offer price tracking alerts—combine that with ChatGPT to find the best time to book.

Cost-cutting hacks:
•    Fly midweek: Tuesdays and Wednesdays are often cheapest.
•    Stay in short-term rentals or budget hotels with kitchenettes.
•    Look for destinations where kids stay or eat free.

4. Save on Meals by Planning Ahead

Eating out every meal adds up quickly. Ask ChatGPT to help plan a week of low-cost, family-friendly meals you can prep in advance or cook at your destination.

Money-saving tips:
•    Pack snacks and breakfasts for the road or hotel room.
•    Picnic in local parks instead of eating out.
•    Hit up local grocery stores instead of tourist restaurants.

5. Find Free or Almost Free Entertainment

The best memories often don't come with a price tag. Parks, beaches, museums with free admission days and local festivals offer plenty of fun without the high cost.

Try this prompt: "Find free or cheap family-friendly events happening in [destination] during [dates]."

Then use your ChatGPT itinerary to group free activities near your hotel or walking distance from each other to save time and money.

6. Keep Spending on Track Even While You Travel

It's easy to lose track of your budget once vacation begins. Use a mobile banking app that includes alerts. This way, you can stay on top of your spending in real-time.

At OMB Bank, our mobile tools let you:
•    Set a budget to help keep your spending on track
•    View spending by categories like food, gas or entertainment
•    Set savings goals so you can celebrate your milestones

Because what's the point of a relaxing vacation if you're stressed about overspending?

A Budget Vacation That Feels Priceless

A family vacation doesn't need a luxury price tag to be rich in memories. With a little creativity, a solid savings plan and a few AI-powered travel prompts, you can plan an unforgettable getaway that fits your budget.

And when you're ready to start saving for the next one, OMB Bank is here to help, whether that's with a high-yield vacation savings account, smart budgeting tools or a debit card that keeps your plans on track wherever you go.

So go ahead—dream big, spend smart and make your next vacation the best one yet.

OMB and its affiliates do not provide legal, tax or accounting advice. You should consult your legal and/or tax advisors before making any financial decision.