A Cheap Family Vacation is Within Your Reach
How Families on a Budget Can Cut Costs While on Vacation
Apr 29, 2009
Plan a trip that is worthy of the fun your family deserves without violating your family budget. With creative cost cutting and some careful planning, your family can make just as many enjoyable memories as they might on a more costly trip.
Affordable Getaway Means Realistic Thinking
There is no such thing as a cheap family vacation to someplace like Hawaii or the Bahamas. In order to make your family vacation doable, you'll have to be realistic. Flying first class, enjoying fine dining and kicking back in five star resorts are all contrary to the concept of a cheap family vacation. Accept the idea that you will need to cut corners to keep expenses manageable. Once you let go of unrealistic expectations you will be in the right frame of mind for planning an affordable getaway with your spouse and kids.
Family Budget Must Match Travel Plans
Factor in the costs associated with the various locations you are considering for your trip. Can you drive there or will you have to fly? Once you are there, what will the admission prices be for the various attractions you will visit? What about food? Are there any free attractions to visit? Tally your estimate and be sure your family budget can handle it.
Family Vacation Does Not Mean Hotel Reservations
Looking beyond traditional hotel accommodations can turn your cheap family vacation into an exciting family adventure. Consider these alternatives:
- Camping can be a great way to make your trip more affordable. Check for national campgrounds as well as privately owned campgrounds near the attractions you plan to visit. Contact the camp manager as soon as possible to reserve your spot as campgrounds can fill up quickly, sometimes even a year in advance.
- Bed and breakfasts provide an affordable hotel alternative and provide the creature comforts that may be lacking if you were to choose camping instead.
- RV rentals provide cozy sleeping accommodations as well as a working kitchen, which will reduce your need to dine out.
Save Money on Meals by Planning Ahead
Eating three meals a day as you travel quickly becomes a big expense. Try to prepare your own food as much as possible. Breakfast and lunch are the easiest meals to tackle. With the help of a portable grill, you can even manage decent dinners. Keep a cooler stocked with milk, juice and yogurt for breakfast. Get creative with cold cuts and various cheeses to make interesting sandwiches at lunch. Prepare sliced fresh fruit in a large zip to close bag for a portable fruit salad. Buy pre-made hamburger patties and grill them for dinner. Once you start thinking about portable meal options, the prospect of dining in will become an excellent way to save money during your trip.
Proper expectations for a cheap family vacation will greatly increase your chances for success. To pull it off, you will have to get creative with how you spread the family budget across travel costs, accommodations, price of attractions, and meals.
