Are you ready to start planning your family’s summer vacation? In the past, this was an exciting time.
However, the economy now has many Americans in a financial bind. If you are one of those Americans, planning your family vacation may no longer be as fun. In fact, it is something you may dread.
But, planning your family vacation doesn’t have to be stressful. There are many ways that you can plan an inexpensive, yet fun family vacation.
#1 Stay Close to Home
When many of us think of vacations, plane rides and faraway destinations often come to mind. People like to getaway. A family from New York is likely to opt for Hawaii or Florida as their summer vacation destination. A family from Florida may opt for the Caribbean or New York City. You get away and experience something new.
However, if you are on a budget, you should think closer to home. Plan a new activity each day and have a series of daylong vacations. For example, visit a state park with a natural pool and hiking trails on day one, travel to a nearby museum for day two, visit a semi-local amusement park on day three, and so forth.
#2 Let Your Children Help Choose Activities
Staying close to home is one of the best ways to save money on a vacation. If you plan a series of daylong vacations for the week, start close to home. Your family can sleep in their own beds each night. As you get farther away from home, book a hotel.
Unfortunately, with this arrangement many parents feel like they are shortchanging their children, especially if they were used to faraway vacation destinations. But, remember, you are operating with limited financial resources. Planning activities you can afford is more important.
You can reduce boredom by letting your children help plan. For example, your teenager can plan day two of your vacation, your ten-year-old can help plan day three, and so forth.
#3 Give Camping a Try
If you don’t want to stay close to home, you are likely to book your airline reservations and a hotel room. Price compare to find the best deals. However, you should never pay more than $100 a night for a hotel room. This just gets too costly, especially if you are on a budget.
A good and cheaper alternative is to camp. All across the country, you will find campground parks and state parks with camping accommodations. Camping rates vary greatly, but most charge no more than $25 a night!
#4 Wisely Choose Your Travel Dates
If you don’t want to stay close to home, wisely choose your travel dates. It is cheaper to vacation off season or at the beginning or end of the summer. The middle of the summer is the most expensive.
You will find higher hotel rates and fewer available rooms when there is a popular concert, sporting event, or convention in town.
#5 Don’t Wait for Last Minute Travel Deals
When it comes to finding travel deals and discounts, many people mistakenly believe they should wait until the last minute. Yes, many hotels, airlines, and car rental companies offer last minute travel deals and discounts, but this is usually less common during the summer.
Summer is a peak travel season and hotels rarely have problems filling planes and hotel rooms. For most, it is too risky to wait. If you are one of those individuals, plan your trip in advance, but always be on the lookout for moneysaving deals and discounts. Luckily, hotels, airlines, and car rental companies offer them all year round, not just at the last minute.
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