With the school year coming to a close, many families are planning their summer vacations. There are so many options out there, so let’s get to to it. Here are my top ten tips to have a nice vacation at a bargain price.
- Do your research. Visit the website of your favorite resort or hotel. Many will post special package rates, but if you’re not going to use every perk in that package, it may not pay.
- Make sure the kitchen sink is included. If you don’t want the expense of dining out morning, noon and night, stay in a place with a kitchen or a mini-kitchen and prepare your family’s meals. Even if you just pick up milk and cereal for breakfast, it’ll be a big money saver.
- Explore the Great Outdoors. Camping is certainly not for everyone, but it can be a fun and bonding experience for a family on a budget.
- Stay with Aunt Doris. Why not get away to a different locale while visiting a relative or family member? As long as everyone gets along okay, it can be a fun getaway and your lodging is free! (depending on what kind of relatives you have)
- Or stay with a stranger. I love bed & breakfasts. Love them. You get the homey feel and home-cooked meals without the stress that friends or relatives may cause.
- Go halvsies. Vacationing with another family or families cuts your costs at least in half. Split a small house rental on the beach and make like you live there.
- Rent an RV. Again, not for everyone. But these homes on wheels have come a long way since the 50’s. It can be quite luxurious and this way you won’t have to limit yourself to one destination.
- Do a swap. Do you live in the countryside, or in the heart of a big city? There are many websites out there to help with this, just don’t expect Jude Law to come knocking at your door!
- Pinch It! Call the Chamber of Commerce or Tourism board for information and money saving coupons.
- Vacation at home. Sounds silly, but if you can have an imagination and act like a tourist in your own town, you’re bound to discover new things you never knew about.
I’m only one person, so read other people’s ideas here.
I wrote this blog post while participating in the Toyota Sienna and TwitterMoms blogging program for a chance to get a $30 gift card. For more information on how you can participate, click here.
