The idea of a family vacation can be something to which you, as a working mother, and your kids look forward each year. Of course, the downside is the cost of such a trip. If the money is tight, even the thought of taking a vacation can seem way too pricey to consider. When you consider all the amassed costs that can crop up for a trip from anywhere from a couple nights to a week or more, your head can start to spin.

There are ways, however, to make sure that the costs of a family vacation don’t spiral out of control and empty your bank account. It may take a little research and a lot of discipline on your part, but it can be done. Don’t let the fact that you’re a working mother disqualify you from the opportunity to enjoy quality time with your family at some exotic or fun location. The memories that you’ll make will help to offset the hit to your wallet anyway.

Step one knows how to search for cheapest flights with lowest airfare to whatever destination you may be considering. Steps two, three and four you can read below, and they, in conjunction with some common sense, will help you realize your dream family vacation.

Consider the Off-Season

Many vacation destinations are heavily populated at a certain time of the year. What that usually means is that hotels are often priced much higher during these times, as you would expect because of the laws and supply and demand. It can make sense then for you to plan your trip at a time just outside the peak of the vacation season. For example, visiting a beach during the autumn months will allow you to pay a lot less for your rooms and still enjoy the sights.

Choose the Hotel with Your Budget in Mind

One of the biggest mistakes that you can make is paying extra for a hotel just for convenience. When you’re on vacation, you’re there to be out and about enjoying the location, not huddled in your hotel room. If your hotel isn’t located on the main strip, you can often get away with reduced rates, and that includes any parking you might have to pay to get to the hot spots. In addition, don’t splurge on a lot of amenities in the room, since you’ll be out most of the time.

Watch Out For the Impulse Buys

Once you have the airfare and the lodging under control, you just have to be careful not to get swept up in spending exorbitantly for a lot of extraneous souvenirs. Let the kids know that they will be limited to one special item at a specific price at the start of the week, and nothing more. Also consider hitting a grocery store to stock on portable snacks and drinks so you don’t end up spending a lot when you’re walking around on those items, which can be surprisingly expensive at vacation destinations.

These are just a few of the ways that you can control your budget and still enjoy a wonderful vacation with your kids. As a working Mom, you know you deserve it.

Written by Emily Green for Working Mother and legally licensed through the Matcha publisher network. Please direct all licensing questions to legal@getmatcha.com.