Family Fun on a Budget: How to Have a Five Star Vacation on a One Star Budget
Everyone needs to take a break now and then. Wouldn’t it be awesome if you could always take a vacation that was brimming with electrifying adventures, overindulgent pampering and high class experiences? Unfortunately, most of us can’t afford the VIP treatment that we desire. This is particularly true for families who are working hard to make ends meet. You know, the people who really need a vacation from everyday life. So, how do you treat yourself and your loved ones to a rock star vacation on a street musician’s budget? Here are some tips and strategies that will help you achieve your dream vacation.
Budgeting
The first step in planning a vacation is getting enough money together to make it happen.Establishing a vacation fund may seem like an obvious first step, but it can be harder when bills are piling-up and new expenses keep creeping into your world. Ask yourself if you are truly doing everything you can to save money and build your vacation fund. The answer is probably “no.” Place a jar or bucket in a convenient place and deposit the coins you’ve generated throughout the day into the fund before bed every night. You’ll be surprised how fast change adds up and accumulates into a small fortune. Use coupons at the grocery store, eat at home rather than eating out and stop buying expensive coffees in the morning. Soon you’ll see your vacation fund growing.
Travel off season and during the week
Once you have saved enough money to go on vacation and are ready to start planning, start researching hotel deals. Hotels and resorts are in business to make money, so don’t expect them to give you a discount during peak season. Instead, travel off-season. Head to a popular summer resort during the winter season. Most people will be seeking warmer weather destinations, so you will likely find fewer vacationers and better prices. Additionally, you can expect greater discounts if you travel during the week rather than on weekends. Some convention planners also use this strategy, so do your research and ask the hotel or resort where you want to stay how busy they are and when they see their least amount of guests to help plan your stay.
Save on Food
Look for a hotel that offers rooms equipped with a microwave. Of course it’s fun to go out to restaurants while on vacation, but if you are looking to save money, then consider eating in your room. Pack non-perishable, microwavable dinners such as macaroni and cheese, cups of noodles and soups. You can also bring peanut butter, jelly and bread to make a quick snack or easy breakfast. Also bring or buy bottled water, soda and snack foods instead of buying snacks from the hotel or out a vending machine. Quarters spent on vending machines may not seem expensive at the time, but it will add-up quickly.
If you can book a room with a free breakfast, this can save you some serious money. Fill-up at the free breakfast buffet, have some healthy snacks for lunch and save your food budget for a yummy dinner. Or, eat your big meal at lunch, which is typically less expensive than dinner meals.
Consider going to a local grocery store and stocking-up on foods once you have arrived at your destination. You might also want to look into deliver services such as “InstaCart” and similar services. This is particularly helpful if you are unfamiliar with the area you are staying in or if you don’t have access to a rental car.
Ask the Locals
It’s important to do your research on the internet and ask hotel personnel for free attractions in the area. Some towns have quaint shopping districts, parks and attractions you can visit for free. Some hotels even have passes to local museums that you can use or have coupons available for buy-one-get-one free entrance to museums and attractions.
Also consider looking for local music festivals, fairs or other events, many of which are offer free activities. You could even search through Facebook groups for some open community pages. From there, you can ask questions of locals about fun and free activities in the area.
Consider an AirBNB or Couchsurfing
Hotels aren’t your only option for accommodations. Consider looking for a nice AirBNB in the area where you are planning your vacation. You might stumble upon the perfect place for you and your family. If you are traveling solo, Couchsurfing is another option. Be sure to use good judgement as to where you stay, especially when traveling alone.
Transportation
Car trips are typically the cheapest way to travel, but it is always the most efficient. If you do plan to book airline tickets, be sure to use the Google Travel option. This is a valuable tool when it comes to choosing the best flights for your budget. Be sure to check through all your favorite travel sites, but delete your browsing history and cookies before you make a second visit to the site. Some sites will notice that you have visiting their website before and may raise their rates because they know that you are committed to finding information on specific flights or locations. Experts agree that booking air fare on the Tuesday that is six weeks prior to your flight will yield the least expensive price.
Souvenirs
Don’t get sucked into feeling compelled to buy expensive souvenirs. If you want to bring a special gift home to your family or friends, consider going to the local farmer’s market, where you might score some good locally made foods that can be purchased rather inexpensively. Photographs are really going to be the best way to preserve your vacation memories. In addition, keep all ticket stubs or restaurant coasters that could also be used to create a scrapbook of memories.
God wants us to live an abundant life, but he also wants us to be good stewards of the money He has provided. By implementing these strategies, you can enjoy some time away without feeling guilty about the money you have spent.
