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It’s the one souvenir you don’t want from a holiday – the bill. Because, let’s be honest, taking the entire family on a summer trip can be expensive.

Even if you’re doing a roadie instead of flying, there’s still the cost of petrol, accommodation and food as well as possibly a house or pet sitter while you’re away, which soon adds up.

It’s a challenge many parents grapple with – how to make memories without breaking the bank. Here are some tips to help you get away this summer without flat-lining your budget.

1. Trade houses:  Find a friend or family member in another neighbourhood, city or island who’s willing to trade houses for a few days. Just make sure you agree up front about what’s included in the deal (ie cars and pets? What about food and alcohol?) and let your insurance companies know.

Before you both leave, exchange information about local amenities - walking paths, parks, swimming pools, museums, restaurants and movie theatres. Then sit back and enjoy the new view.

2. Holiday at home. If the budget can’t stretch to going away, have a staycation. But one where you commit to switching into holiday mode, which means not checking work emails, sending texts or posting on Instagram. Then do those things you’ve been wanting to do for ages but never seem to have the time for: visit a new restaurant, take a long bike ride, float down the river in an inner-tube or play board games at home. Enjoy a leisurely stroll around the local farmer's market or visit that new ice-cream shop everyone’s been raving about.

3. If you can, be flexible because that can save money on flights and accommodation. Plan your trip for a mid-week stay, rather than one that spans a weekend, because the savings could be considerable.

4. Do you really need to sleep in the middle of the city? You can often save a lot of money by staying outside the city centre, using public transport or an Uber to see the sights. It might also mean the difference between a good night’s sleep and being kept awake by noisy bars and clubs. Bonus: if your kids aren’t regular public transport users, getting to and from the city each day could be an attraction in itself.

5. ‘Find the free’ as a friend of mine says. Museums, festivals, parks, concerts and libraries are usually all sources of free family fun. Check local websites to find out what’s free where you’re staying and take advantage of it.

6. Make up for some of the money you’re spending on your trip by renting out your home while you’re away. Websites like Airbnb or Bookabach make it relatively easy to set up a home rental and set out the do’s and dont’s for both parties. Hire a cleaning service after your guests leave and you’ll also come home to a clean house.

7. Getting away from the major/popular tourist attractions and experiences can save you a lot of money. For example, don’t follow the hordes to the latest, flashiest restaurant where prices are likely to be higher. Instead, wander a few streets away from tourist traps to where the locals eat. You might enjoy a more authentic experience, meet some locals and save a bundle of cash.

8. Try to book accommodation with a kitchen so you can prepare your own meals. If that's not possible, then shop at a supermarket for basic foods for breakfast, such as bagels and cereal, or sandwiches for lunch, then splurge on dinner.  Alternatively, stay in hotels where breakfast is included in the price.

9. Tot up your loyalty points because you can often use these to pay for theatre and cinema tickets, restaurant meals and entry fees to attractions. Also sign up to the rewards programme where you’re staying as that can go towards your next holiday.

10. Add a geocaching app to your phone before you leave. Geocaching is like a digitally-enabled treasure hunt and is a great free way for families to explore a new city. It also keeps the older kids  entertained and encourages siblings to work together.

11. If you thought your days of sleeping on overnight buses or trains were over, think again! Sure it might not be the most comfortable way to travel but you’ll save a night’s accommodation. Rationalise this way: it’s night so you’ll be sleep anyway, plus you’ll have more time during the day for family fun.

12. Save on kennel fees by staying in dog friendly accommodation. Just make sure not to leave your dog in the car on a hot day; even a few minutes can be dangerous for our precious pups.

13. Buying snacks such as ice cream and hot chips can hit both your wallet and your waistline. So pack your own healthy snacks such as protein bars, trail mix and fruit. Bring refillable bottles too so you won’t have to throw your cash at carbonated or energy drinks.