There are ways to enjoy cheap family vacations with a little advanced planning, research and a good Internet connection.

Create a Vacation Budget
When planning a vacation, don't forget to sit down and prepare a budget that includes the cost of meals and snacks. Some destination websites offer budget tools to use when planning a trip, like Orlando’s website, which helps create budgets for popular destinations like Disney World. The tool helps calculate how much you will spend for each adult and child in your group each day.

Cater to Yourself
Resorts and other vacation spots sometimes offer lodging that comes equipped with a microwave, range, refrigerator, plus all of the pans and utensils you need to cook a meal. Disney’s Wilderness Lodge in Orlando, for instance, has cabins with full kitchens, making it a great place for families to stay while vacationing at the Magic Kingdom.

Rentals 365 is a good starting point when looking for accommodations that let you self-cater. This website matches travelers with property owners who are willing to sublet or rent their vacation homes, many of which have fully equipped kitchens.

Grocery Shopping
After settling into your room and unpacking, head out to the nearest local grocery store and stock up on soft drinks, snacks and foods that you can prepare yourself. Estimate how much food you will need for each meal and try not to purchase too much. You can always make another grocery run later if supplies run low.

Some of the larger grocery store chains offer a club card that gives members a significant discount on many items. In most cases, you don't have to be a full-time resident to become a club member, so make sure to sign up before you stock up.

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