Travel More, Spend Less: Smarter Family Vacations with Karen Dawkins
- S1E179
- 45:29
- May 16th 2025
🎙️ Episode 178: How to Travel More for Less with Karen Dawkins
Guest: Karen Dawkins, Family Travels on a Budget
Series: Smart Family Travel
If you’ve ever said, “We’d love to travel more, but it’s just not in the budget,” this episode is for you.
Rob sits down with family budget travel expert Karen Dawkins, the creator of Family Travels on a Budget, to share smart, stress-free strategies for getting the most out of your vacation dollar — without sacrificing joy or quality. Karen's no-nonsense, realistic approach has been featured in USA Today, HuffPost, and more.
🎧 In This Episode:
- Why budget travel isn’t about spending the least — it’s about getting the most value
- The #1 mistake families make when trying to save money on vacation
- How to avoid hidden costs like parking, resort fees, and baggage fees
- When and how to book flights and accommodations for maximum savings
- Favorite destinations that are big on fun and low on cost (spoiler: Chattanooga!)
- Travel rewards, loyalty programs, and hacks to stretch your dollars further
- Creative ways to save on food without skipping great meals
- The best places to find free and low-cost activities
- All-inclusive resorts vs. cultural immersion: how to choose what’s right for your goals
- Why Karen swears by Brits Donuts in Carolina Beach 🍩
🧭 Resources Mentioned:
- Family Travels on a Budget
- Instagram hashtags like #FreeThingsToDoIn{CityName}
- National Park Passes
- City attraction passes (like GoCity or CityPASS)
- Home2 Suites (cat-friendly & family-friendly)
- Costco Travel
- VRBO (transparent pricing & family space)
💬 Final Thought:
“Plan with your goal in mind, not just your destination. Let the experience guide the budget — not the other way around.”
👉 Subscribe, review, and share this episode with friends or family looking to make travel part of their lifestyle — even on a budget.
🎒 Keep your hearts and your passports open — and safe travels from The Family Vacationer!
The Family Vacationer
The Family Vacationer is a weekly podcast helping families travel smarter, spend better, and create lasting memories together. Hosted by Rob and Traci, the show features expert interviews, real-life stories, and practical tips for planning meaningful, family-first adventures. From hidden gems to budget hacks, it's a must-listen for parents who want stress-free, joy-filled travel.
Meet the Hosts
Growing up, Rob Jones mainly traveled to Florida for vacation. Those family trips to Orlando and the Gulf Coast are cherished memories that influence him to this day. His entire professional career has involved travel. From working in the music business to event marketing, Rob has traveled to 46 states and five countries. Rob has been married to his wife, Traci, for 16 years and they love to travel with their three children: Ruthie, Nash, and Chase.
Traci's been shaking up the Dawson County School System for four years now, injecting it with her unique brand of energy and enthusiasm. When she's not molding young minds, you'll find her co-conspiring with her sister at Seasonal Events and Design—because who doesn't love a good party?
She's a self-proclaimed beach aficionado, never meeting a sandy shore she didn't instantly click with. And let's not forget her partner-in-crime for the past eighteen years, Rob, who's been keeping up with her antics and their three beautiful troublemakers—Ruthie, Chase, and Nash. Together, they're a whirlwind of chaos, laughter, and love.
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