“As a mom of three boys, the dream of a family vacation sometimes feels out of reach. Between school activities, sports practices, and keeping the house running, the thought of saving enough money for a getaway can seem impossible. But I’ve learned that making extra cash for a family vacation doesn’t have to be hard or time-consuming! In fact, I’ve found a few simple ways to make money on the side that don’t interfere with my daily routine, and before I know it, I’ve got enough saved for that long-awaited trip. If you’re like me and looking for easy ways to make extra money, here are five tips that will help you get closer to your dream vacation!”

1. Sell Unused Toys or Clothes

Let’s face it—kids grow out of clothes and toys faster than you can keep up! I used to let outgrown clothes and toys pile up, until I realized I could easily sell them and use the money for our vacation fund. With three boys, there’s no shortage of outgrown shoes, jackets, and toys.

Start by sorting through your kids’ things and making two piles: one to donate and one to sell. You can sell on Facebook Marketplace, eBay, or even through Amazon’s Seller Program. It might seem like a small amount at first, but the dollars add up quickly, especially when you sell those bigger items like bikes or sports equipment.

For a quick tip, take clear, well-lit photos of your items and write detailed descriptions. This makes buyers more confident in their purchase. Here’s how to get started on Amazon: Become an Amazon Seller.

  • Pro Tip: Have your kids help with sorting and listing items—it can be a fun family project! Not only will you make extra cash, but you’ll declutter your home, which is a win-win.

2. Use Cashback Apps for Travel Savings

Another easy way I add to our travel fund is through cashback apps. I do all our regular grocery shopping and household purchases using apps like Fetch and Amazon Shopper Panel. These apps reward you for purchases you’re already making, and you can redeem those points for gift cards or cash that can go straight into your vacation fund.

Here’s how Fetch works: You simply scan your receipts from grocery stores, gas stations, and even restaurants. Every receipt gives you points, which you can cash in for gift cards to places like Amazon or Airbnb. Last year, I saved almost $100 just by scanning receipts and used it to book a night at a cozy cabin for our weekend trip.

If you’re looking for a super simple way to make extra cash without adding extra work to your life, cashback apps are your go-to. Here’s where you can get started with Fetch: Join Fetch.

3. Survey Sites and Small Side Hustles

If you’ve got a few spare minutes here and there—say while waiting for your kids to finish soccer practice—you can easily take surveys online for extra cash. I know surveys aren’t the most exciting side hustle, but they are convenient and require minimal effort. I use sites like Swagbucks and InboxDollars, and while I’m not getting rich off them, I usually earn enough to cover gas for our family road trips.

Each survey site offers different rewards, so it’s important to find the one that works best for you. Some pay out in cash, while others offer gift cards or discounts to popular retailers like Amazon. If you consistently spend a few minutes a day taking surveys, you’ll be surprised at how fast the rewards accumulate.

If you want to give it a try, you can sign up here: Join Swagbucks.

  • Pro Tip: Set a goal to complete a certain number of surveys each week. I usually aim to complete three while my boys are at practice, and it adds up quickly without feeling like extra work!

4. Rent Out Extra Space on Airbnb

One of the biggest game-changers for our family vacation fund has been renting out our spare room on Airbnb. Even if you don’t have an extra room, you can rent out a basement, guest house, or even your backyard for camping! During busy travel seasons, people are always looking for affordable places to stay, and your home could be perfect.

Preparing the space was surprisingly easy—my boys helped tidy up the guest room and even left little welcome notes for guests. Over the course of a few weekends, we were able to make several hundred dollars, which went straight into our vacation savings.

Airbnb allows you to set your own prices and control availability, making it perfect for busy families. Here’s where you can check out Airbnb hosting: Become an Airbnb Host.

  • Pro Tip: Provide family-friendly amenities like board games or a travel crib if your space is big enough. Guests with kids will appreciate it, and it’ll make your listing stand out!

5. Freelancing and Local Services

Finally, one of the easiest ways to make extra money without leaving the house is through freelancing or offering local services. If you have a skill like writing, graphic design, or tutoring, you can offer your services on platforms like Fiverr or Upwork. If you don’t have time for freelancing, consider simple local gigs like babysitting or pet-sitting.

Even something as simple as offering to mow lawns in your neighborhood can be a great way to earn quick cash. My boys love helping with these tasks, and we use the money for fun outings while on vacation, like visiting amusement parks or going to a water park.

Getting started is easy—just set up a profile on Fiverr and start offering your services. If freelancing doesn’t fit into your schedule, apps like Rover make it easy to find local pet-sitting jobs. Here’s a link to explore: Join Fiverr.

Conclusion:

“Saving up for a family vacation doesn’t have to mean cutting back on everything else. By selling items you don’t need, using cashback apps, doing small side gigs, and getting creative with how you use your space, you’ll be surprised at how quickly your vacation fund grows. These are the strategies that have worked for me, and I hope they help you too! Ready to start saving? Try one or two of these ideas and see how much you can set aside for your next family adventure.”