Vacation fun on a tight budget

No matter what income level they fall into, everyone needs a break from their daily routine on occasion. The stresses of managing a job, family, and home wear on people, many of whom believe they do not have enough money in the bank for a vacation. Still, all of us need to learn to balance our "work hard" mentalities with play, even if that only consists of a frugal weekend get-away. For stressed adults on a budget, it is possible to plan an inexpensive and enjoyable vacation. By following these suggestions, you can schedule some well-deserved fun into your hectic life.

Many people think they cannot afford a vacation because they have a faulty definition of the word. A vacation does not have to be a two-week excursion to another country, complete with stays at five-star hotels and gourmet dining to be fun. Neither will your children only remember family trips happily if they visit elaborate theme parks or exotic beaches. In order to be enjoyable, a vacation need only appeal to your interests and desires. This means that, with careful planning, you can design a thrilling or relaxing get-away with minimal cost. One of the best ways to save money when vacationing is to consider alternate forms of travel. Rather than flying, you can go by car, bus, or even train, all of which are relatively cheap. If you must fly, do research on the internet and by phone to find bargain airfares. Some airlines offer discounted rates for last-minute booking or "flexible destination" flights. Keeping your options open will help you get the best deal. The cheapest travel option of all is to walk once you reach your destination. Tour the town by foot and you will get a fascination, not to mention healthy, view of the sites.



In the same way, accommodations need not consume the majority of your travel budget. Off-season hotel rates are very affordable, so vacationing in the fall will allow you to enjoy a stay in nicer rooms. If you reserve rooms over a Saturday night, you are also likely to receive a better rate. However, hotels are only one place to stay while traveling. Bed and Breakfasts also have excellent last-minute rates, especially in the slow season when they are more interested in filling their rooms than pulling in a huge profit. They offer a quaint alternative to hotel rooms and often provide at least one meal daily in the rate. For the rustic traveler, camping is an affordable and adventurous option. Campgrounds offer tents and cabins with access to sinks, bathrooms, and occasionally small kitchens. This way, you can save money and have access to the surrounding wildlife.


The average four-person family can expect to spend a minimum of $112 daily on food, an expense that can rapidly devour vacation funds. To limit your eating expenses, think of creative ways to cut corners. Rather than eating out three meals a day, pack a cooler and stock up on treats for the trip. This way, you can have a quiet picnic along the way and will not fork out snack money at every gas station. Stop at your vacation state's Visitors Center to find restaurant coupons. Often, you will find "Kids Eat Free!" offers or discounts on certain meals, all of which will give you a fine dining experience for a fast food fee. If you stay at a hotel, take advantage of complimentary continental breakfasts. Check with the local pancake house to see if they have an "early bird special." Taking advantage of these reductions will leave you with more money to devote to entertainment.


When considering vacation activities, remember that many inexpensive options are available no matter where you go. In cities, there are numerous museums and fascinating historical sites that only charge a few dollars for admission. Zoos are also fairly cheap and offer entertainment for the entire family. For a small fee, you can take a scenic trek through state parks. Throughout the year, most states hold festivals for wine tasting, arts and crafts, and historical re-enactments. Even a day of antique shopping in historically preserved towns can provide a relaxing retreat. Look close to home for interesting destinations that you have never had time to explore. Many of us do not realize that we can get away from it all without going farther than the next town. Again, your Visitor Center will direct you to tourist sites that you never knew were there. Your entire family will enjoy exploring caverns, seeing a small theater production, or attending a local concert. These events offer an optimum of fun for a limited amount of money.


No one should feel that they are too poor or busy to take a vacation. In fact, meager savings and three free days allow for a great get-away for the frugal traveler. If you start planning and filling up the vacation change jar now, you will be able to take a trip before you know it. Best of all, you can save yourself from falling into a financial hole over an elaborate vacation. In years to come, your family will not remember how much the trip cost but how much they enjoyed it. Focus on quality as you plan, stick to your budget, and you can have the reviving escape you deserve.