Family Vacation on a Dime
May 21st, 2008 by justchickenfeedSchool’s almost out. The days are getting longer and the beach is calling. But with gas prices through the roof and the cost of everything rising, the traditional family vacation may seem out of reach this year. But just because you can’t afford to fly 1,000 miles to Disney World this summer doesn’t mean you can’t have a fabulous and memorable family trip. Here are some tips to keep it affordable and fun!
Stay close to home- I’m blessed to live near the nation’s capital which offers a tremendous amount of local attractions, museums and battlefields. But even the most remote areas and smallest towns hold some hidden treasure. Explore a state park, enjoy a new restaurant, discover a local museum and celebrate the money saved on gas and lodging.
Sleep under the stars- My husband always says that camping is not vacation, instead it’s work. But that’s because he refuses to camp anywhere near civilization and ends up digging his own privy. For the rest of us, camping can be fun and cheap! If you don’t own any equipment, check Craigslist and Freecycle for camping supplies, or consider asking a friend if you can borrow his. Many campgrounds offer amenities such as pools and playgrounds and are pet-friendly too. Best of all, campsites can cost as little as $10 a day. Granted, it’s not the kind of camping my husband prefers, but as I’ve learned from experience, you need a bathhouse when you have toddlers!
Plan, Plan, Plan!- It is so easy to overspend on a family vacation. From the must-have souvenirs to the add-on hotel costs, budgets are easily blown. Planning every detail of your trip can save your money and your sanity. NEVER pay full price for a hotel, airline ticket or rental car until you have compared prices and taken advantage of any savings programs. Check out Travelocity, Priceline and Hotels.com to find the best prices on your travel and accommodation. Use frequent flyer miles, hotel rewards points and credit card advantage programs to earn free flights, stays and rentals. Make sure you use any discounts (AAA, military) available to you. Check with the local tourism office for additional discounts on local attractions.
Eat for less- Check Restaurant.com for deeply discounted gift certificates on restaurants in your travel area. Stop a local and ask him/her where the best place to eat is. Chances are, it won’t be the most expensive place! Find restaurants where kids eat free (and read the fine print). Scour local tourism guides for coupons. Pack your own breakfasts, lunches, snacks and drinks and pack food for road trips.
Plan down time- Have you ever returned from a vacation only to realize you need…a vacation? Doing too much in a short period of time can be exhausting, and expensive. Spend a whole day at the beach doing nothing, then spend the evening walking the beach and flying a kite. Hike to a beautiful vista and take a nap while the kids run. Spend a lazy afternoon fishing or reading. Truly relaxing while on vacation is a priceless treasure. Best of all, it’s free!
Have any other great ideas for saving money on a family trip? Come over to Blissfully Domestic Living and let’s discuss.
