How to Plan a Thrifty Family Vacation

There are several resources for accomplishing your financial goals, while still budgeting in some FUN for you and your family.  Nothing is worse than bad planning when it comes to vacations and no planning means you go in blind with no idea how you will spend your money. That can mean that you plan on spending more than you think, charging on credit cards or regretting that bit of respite. There is nothing relaxing about coming home to a pile of bills you were not expecting. The great news is that inexpensive vacation are out there and more accessible than ever due to the internet!

 

If you have time, brainstorm a few places that you may want to go for the next year. Consider the times you may be traveling and check the weather to make sure it fits your standards. Then sign up for Groupon and Living Social (READ the fine print) in those areas to begin receiving deals for traveling and dining. By doing this far in advance, you can put together travel plans that include several discounts and you are not just relying on an all-inclusive or packaged trip.  If you are going to book separately always consider your transportation first, your lodging second and your entertainment and dining last.

 

Lots of have a some friends and family in real life, but 250+ friends on Facebook…consider posting a questions or giving a shout out about a vacation in a certain area or asking for great ideas. You never know who may come forward with suggestions, coupons, reviews or even something you may use for your vacation.

 

A great way to low-budget travel is by staying at a time share. I have stayed at gorgeous time shares in excellent locations for pennies on the dollar to what it would cost to stay at a resort. There are always obligations that go along with these trips, so make sure to check into the details. They often involve sitting through a convincing sales pitch. This is going to better if you are not easily enticed by these types of offers and if you have a little time to spare on vacation. It can be annoying while you are there, but they payoff can be great.

 

There are many times I realize that sometimes the rest I am seeking is just a break from the usual, not necessarily a trip far away.  Consider planning a fun week still at home. Do one activity per day, make a theme for each day or try new dining experiences or new types of food. With some saving in advance, you will be able to spend a little more on your activities because you aren’t paying additional costs for lodging.

 

Happy Planning!