Vacationing on a Budget
(Yes,
it can be done )
Three budget sensitive ideas
For me, one of the biggest budget busters is the family
vacation. It seems that no matter how hard we try, we always go overboard in
this area. Since we live in South Florida, it is very easy for us to run up to
one of the many theme parks in Orlando or jump on one of the local cruise lines
for a week in the Caribbean. The bad news, however, is that for a family of four
this can add up pretty quick.
When
you consider the cost of a week for four in one of the major theme parks you are
looking at tickets running $1500 to $2000. Plus, an average of six nights in a
hotel, at approximately $50 a night (if you can stay that cheap) comes to $300.
And, one of the biggest budget busters, eating at the parks can easily run
another $50 per day, per person. So, at a minimum you are looking at around
$3000.
As
we decided to start budgeting our vacations more closely, we came up with some
more cost friendly alternatives.
1.
Camping:
This is a family friendly alternative for those families that don’t mind
roughing it or having peace and quiet for a few days. Campgrounds are generally
very affordable for the traveling family. Whether you travel by camper or simply
throw a tent and a cooler in the trunk of the car, this is a great way to bond
together closer as a family and enjoy being away from all the distractions at
home. A word of warning though—plan
some activities! Try to find a campground that offers a variety of things for
the family to do so that everyone doesn’t get bored: swimming, hiking,
canoeing, biking, and maybe even horseback riding.
2.
Visiting
relatives or friends: A great way to get out on the road, see some sights along
the way, and get to see those relatives that you miss. If you are able to stay
at someone’s house this is a tremendous savings on your traveling budget. If
not, you can possibly find a nearby motel at a reasonable rate. You can also
save a ton of money on food by eating/cooking at your relative’s house. You
should never rudely mooch off of these people though; offer to share the food
bills!
3.
Combo-trip:
This is one of our favorites. Instead of doing one expensive thing for the week,
or one no-frills cheap thing, we mix it up for a fun-filled, relaxing week. We
like to spend a couple of days at one of the theme parks. This lets the kids get
the adrenaline rush and burn off the pent-up energy. Next, spend a couple of
relaxing days on the beach soaking in the sun, relaxing in a chair, and enjoying
the surf while the kids play in the sand and in the water. Finally, maybe round
this off with a day or two of sightseeing on our way back home.
Of course, feel free to mix this up however you like
it, a vacation is about unwinding, having some fun, and doing the things that
YOU like to do!
