Traveling for competitions can be one of the biggest expenses for dance families — but with a little planning, you can save hundreds (or even thousands!) each season.
Here are the top dance competition travel tips every dance mom needs to know to travel smarter and spend less!
Hotels near competition venues fill up quickly, sometimes even months in advance. Booking early often means better rates and more options for amenities like free breakfast and free parking.
If you’re flying, staying flexible with your dates (such as arriving a day earlier or leaving a day later) can sometimes unlock cheaper fares. Always compare multiple days if you can.
It might be tempting to book the hotel right across from the venue, but sometimes staying just 5–10 minutes away can save a lot of money.
Look for hotels that offer extra perks like free breakfast, late check-out, or kitchenettes for cooking simple meals.
I love using Expedia and Hotels.com to quickly compare hotels, amenities, and pricing all in one spot!
One of the best dance competition travel tips is to bundle your travel when you can!
Booking your hotel and flight together often saves 10–20% compared to booking separately.
Plus, bundling everything through a single site like Expedia makes it easier to manage your trip (and rack up reward points).
If you’re heading to a week-long Nationals event, staying in a hotel might not be your best (or most affordable) option.
Many seasoned dance moms (myself included!) recommend renting a condo or apartment through VRBO instead.
You’ll have access to a kitchen for easy, budget-friendly meals — and often more space for costume organizing, hair, and makeup than a small hotel room.
➔ Plus, splitting a larger place with another family can save you even more!
Competitive dance season can include multiple out-of-town events and costs can add up fast if you’re not prepared.
Here’s what you should budget for:
Hotel stays
Flights or gas
Car rentals (if needed)
Meals and snacks
Parking and tolls
Souvenirs (studio jackets, comp merch)
Tip: Create a Dance Mom Travel Budget Tracker for each event so you can stay organized and avoid last-minute surprises!
Pack your own snacks and water to avoid expensive venue concessions.
Share hotel rooms with another family if possible.
Join hotel loyalty programs for free perks like early check-in and free nights.
Coordinate travel with other team families to split rental car or parking costs.
Competition season is stressful enough without worrying about skyrocketing travel costs.
By booking early, comparing hotels, bundling your travel, and setting a realistic budget, you can travel like a pro dance mom — without breaking the bank!
Ready to plan your next competition adventure?
Start with Expedia for the best deals on hotels, flights, and car rentals.
