Planning a family vacation takes work. Knowing what kind of budget you have to work with makes this job easier.

If you plan for each of the following budget categories you should avoid unexpected financial surprises on your trip.

Lodging

This category has a lot of room for flexibility. You can stay anywhere from a spare bedroom at a friend’s or relatives home, to a tent, to a low or high budget hotel, to a five star resort.

Unless your accommodations are the main part of your…