Affiliate Disclosure: Melissa's Travel Addiction has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Melissa's Travel Addiction and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.

Well here it is my first blog post... and my favorite thing to talk about. Friends always ask me, "How do you afford to travel so much?" I use many different methods to save money while traveling but let's just start with four of my favorite ways.

1. Using miles and points

This is my number one way to enjoy family travel by spending less. Traveling with a family of five is not cheap but utilizing credit card bonus miles can make our trip a lot less expensive. If you have no idea what I'm talking about, keep reading more of my blog post to learn how to do this. It can take a lot of time and effort but is completely worth it in the end.

For example, we are flying to Aruba for Thanksgiving and I booked the tickets with miles. That is a savings of at least $3,000. We also traveled to Costa Rica for under $300 using miles and points. Read about that trip here.

Related: How to book an (almost) free vacation on miles and points.

I know what you're thinking... that you could never earn that many miles from spending on your credit card, well think again. I earn these miles from credit card sign-up bonuses and not from regular spending. You may also think you don't want to ruin your credit by getting all these cards. You'll be surprised to find out that these credit cards if opened slowly and paid off every month, will help your credit.

2. Listening to Timeshare Presentations

This is the second way that we save money. We do this one quite often. This is the way we travel as a family to Hawaii. Read about this in more detail here. I will say you need to be picky about the timeshare offers that you accept. We aim for high-end timeshare offers that are discounted stays in exchange for listening to timeshares. The completely free ones are not always the best hotel stays.

For example, a few years ago, the Hyatt Residence Club in Maui sent us an offer just after they opened. We stayed in an ocean-front villa for a fraction of the price (which usually goes for $1,200 a night!). We managed to say no to the timeshare offer although it was the most beautiful one we have ever stayed at. And to date... this is one of our favorite vacations.

You might wonder how you get these timeshare offers, such as Hyatt and Marriott. It can go hand in hand with credit cards. If you signed up for a hotel cobranded credit card, you may also get an offer down the road for a discounted stay. You can also google timeshare offers and put your name on the list. Again you can read about how we do this frequently here.

3. Flying Low-Cost Airlines

Flying airlines such as allegiant airlines and spirit airlines save so much money when flying as a family of five. If you can manage to avoid buying seats and luggage, then you can save so much money this way.

For example, we flew allegiant airlines to Yellowstone National Park. We paid under $400 for five tickets to fly nonstop to Bozeman, Montana on a weekend trip! Read about seeing Yellowing and Grand Tetons in one weekend here.

Allegiant airlines says that they will not separate children from their parents on flights if you do not purchase seats. You can bring a backpack as a personal item and you will pay just the cost of the tickets. You can also save money by purchasing the tickets in person at the airport (check the airline website for opening times).

Allegiant Airlines and Spirit Airlines fly to some pretty cool destinations both inside and outside of the USA. Before booking your next trip, check them out and compare costs. The idea of packing simply may not appeal to you, but in the end, you may find that you love packing only the essentials.

Related: Best fall destinations for families on the West Coast

4. Become a Home-Based Travel Agent

Did you know that you can become a home-based travel agent and earn money from home? After you complete the training, you can book vacations for friends and families and earn a commission on those bookings! You will also have access to TONS of travel discounts, including free amusement park tickets, free and discounted cruises, free and discounted hotel stays, and many more.

You will now be able to travel more frequently with the commission you make and the discounts that you have access to! Read more about becoming a home-based travel agent here.

Well, those are four of my secrets for saving money while traveling as a family. Are any of you currently using these methods? What are your favorite ways to save money while traveling? Please share in the comments below.

Affiliate Disclosure: Melissa's Travel Addiction has partnered with CardRatings for our coverage of credit card products. Melissa's Travel Addiction and CardRatings may receive a commission from card issuers.