Get your sandals, grab your towel and bathing suit—we’re going on vacation!
Is there anything better than vacation? A chance to take a break from the hustle-bustle of life and connect with your family and/or significant other? Vacations are fun!
A lot of us think of vacations as a luxury item—something that we have to splurge on and go all out, but there are plenty of ways to have a great vacation without blowing your budget.
1. Go Local
You don’t have to vacation right in town, although taking a staycation is always a great option if you can’t afford to go away. Vacationing in a local spot—less than a day’s drive away—will help you save on gas, mileage, and an extra night at a hotel.
Going local can also be a lot of fun. Find a less-explored area of your state or a fun local attraction. You can also explore the closest big city—look for local discounts on museums for in-state residents. Take a photo-tour or walking scavenger hunt around the city and look for things you’ve never noticed before. Check out your local visitors bureau or historical society for plenty of ideas for awesome things to do in your neck of the woods.
2. Visit Friends Or Family
The next best thing to exploring your own locale is letting a friend or family member be your tour guide. When you visit friends or family, lodging is often free (provided they have the room and invite you) and most people are really excited to show off their town and give you the inside scoop on local happenings and fun. Visiting friends and family is also great because you often don’t have to worry about transportation and you can save on meals by buying groceries and eating with your hosts.
3. Travel Off-Peak
Memorial Day, the 4th of July, and Labor Day might seem like great times to go on vacation—after all, you and your hubby are probably off work and the kids are on a break from school, camp and other obligations, right? Unfortunately, EVERYONE has the same idea and ticket prices skyrocket during these busy weekends.
4. Road Trip!
Save money by taking a car over a plane. Unless you have airline miles or you’re going to a hub destination (like New York, Las Vegas or Los Angeles), it’s almost always cheaper to drive with a family of three or four than to fly. This is especially true if you’re going to have to rent a car when you get to your destination anyway.
5. Go for Someplace Unusual
Rather than picking a traditional vacation spot like Florida or California, try something a little more off the beaten path. Nearly every state has at least one or two spots (probably more) that are perfect for vacationing but aren’t a destination spot like San Francisco or Maui. These spots can be great money savers and make for amazing budget family vacations.
Look for unusual museums, roadside attractions, and fun activities like riding a tram, zip lining, or exploring caves. There are so many fun and interesting things to do outside of the traditional.
6. Camp
If you want to save money, camp. Camp spots can range from free to around $50 a night. Now, I know camping isn’t for everyone, but renting a pop-up trailer and paying for a cheap campsite can still save you money over a hotel.
7. Plan Ahead…or Book Last Minute
To save on airfare, car rentals, and hotels you have two options: 1. Book six weeks in advance to score the best price in most cases, or 2. Roll the dice and book last minute to possibly score crazy deals.
I recommend booking ahead, especially if you’re traveling with kids. BUT if you’re adventurous and traveling with just your spouse, you can find some amazing weekend getaways last minute, especially if you aren’t picky about where you’re planning to go.
