Family vacations are supposed to be fun — but between the chaos of packing, wrangling kids through airports, and the mounting costs, they can start to feel like more stress than they’re worth.

But what if you could turn those challenges into savings?

According to Fred Harrington, personal finance expert at SaveMyCent, there are money-saving travel perks hiding in plain sight — and most parents are missing them. These little-known advantages could save families hundreds of dollars on their next trip, all without sacrificing comfort or fun.

“Most families focus on what makes traveling  with children difficult, but there are genuine financial benefits that airlines, hotels, and attractions offer to families that go completely unnoticed,” he explains.

Here are five overlooked family travel perks that could turn your next trip into a budget-friendly adventure.

1. Priority Boarding — Without Paying for It

Yes, you read that right. You don’t need to pay extra to board early if you're traveling with young children. Most airlines — even budget ones — offer free priority boarding to families, but many parents simply don’t realize it.

Every time, I am out flying, I tell my wife to show up to boarding early because of our young child we can usually board with the business class. It is a great perk that many people are not using these days. 

“I've seen families pay for priority boarding when they could have walked straight to the front of the queue for free,” says Fred. “Just approach the gate agent with your boarding passes – they'll wave you through.”

That early boarding not only reduces stress but also helps you secure overhead bin space before it fills up. It also allows families to get settled down before the flight. Traveling with little ones is stressful enough. 

2. Kids Eat Free — If You Know Where to Look

Restaurants — especially chains at airports and family destinations — often run “kids eat free” deals, but they’re rarely advertised clearly. From Pizza Express to hotel restaurants and even some airport eateries, children can dine free with a paying adult during certain times.

“Families can save a substantial amount of money per child per meal by timing restaurant visits around these promotions,” says Fred. “Some hotel chains extend this to room service too.”

If you have a quality travel credit card that gets you lounge access there is a huge perk in feeding your family. Some of the better cards are getting rid of these perks so check to see which one is the best for your family.

3. Hotel Room Upgrades for Families

Think upgrades are just for frequent-flyer elites? Think again. Hotels often upgrade families to larger rooms or suites — for free — just to avoid placing kids near quieter business travelers.

Fred explains: “The trick is asking at check-in rather than booking online. Mention you're traveling  with young children and ask if any family rooms are available at no extra cost.”

It’s a simple conversation that could make your stay far more comfortable. Holding a branded credit card can help as well. I have the IHG Premier Credit Card. While in Singapore, my family of three got upgraded twice to King Junior Suites. Not only does the card come with Platinum membership, but it never hurts to ask if you could be upgraded. 

4. Free Admission for Kids — Sometimes Up to Age 16

Many family attractions — from museums to amusement parks — offer free entry for children, but the age cutoffs vary widely. Some places allow free entry up to age 5, others up to 12, and some even up to 16.

“I've seen families pay full price for teenage children when they could have entered free,” Fred notes. “Always check individual venue policies rather than assuming – it can save $40-60 per family at major attractions.”

5. Public Transport Discounts You’re Probably Missing

Public transportation can be a huge budget-saver, especially when you know about family passes and child discounts. 

“Most cities offer significant public transport discounts for families, but these aren't always obvious to tourists,” Fred points out. 

London's daily cap system means children travel free on buses and discounted on tubes, while many European cities offer family day passes that work out cheaper than individual tickets.

A little research before you leave can dramatically reduce your transport costs during the trip.

 Final Thoughts from the Expert

“Family vacations don't have to break the bank if you know where to look. These perks exist because businesses understand that happy families become repeat customers, but most parents are so focused on managing the logistics that they miss the savings right in front of them.”

So before your next family adventure, take just five minutes to:

• ✅ Review your airline’s family boarding policies
• ✅ Call hotels directly to ask about upgrades
• ✅ Look for “kids eat free” deals near your destination
• ✅ Check attraction websites for child pricing rules
• ✅ Explore public transport options tailored to families

“A family of four could easily save $250–$350 on a one-week vacation just by tapping into these perks,” Fred concludes.

It turns out, those wild and wonderful family vacations don't just create lifelong memories — they might also help your bank account breathe a little easier.