Family Vacations on a Budget

Everyone needs a little time away from the grind of daily life every once in a while, but how do you take a family vacation with the family without spending a fortune? According to ABC News the average family of four will spend about $1,180 per person for their summer vacation. There has to be a cheaper way to vacation, right? Of course there is as long as you are smart and budget accordingly.

First, try not to vacation during peak season times. Going to the beach in June and July will cost you more per person than going in say, October or November. Depending on which beach you plan to travel to it might actually be nicer to visit in the cold months especially if you experience winters normally. When you travel off season you tend to get better hotel deals and the destination tends to be less busy, meaning less people to deal with.

Second, skip the expensive restaurants and opt to cook from the hotel. When you book your room try to book an efficiency room that will have a fridge, stove and microwave in it. By cooking in the room or condo you can save hundreds of dollars. Let’s take a look for a

moment; the average person eats three meals a day, not including drinks and snacks. The typical meal at a restaurant in a tourist destination, costly roughly $10 per person. So, for your family of four to eat three meals a day at a restaurant it would cost about $120 per day for food alone! If you cook in the hotel room even 2 out of 3 meals you will save lots of cash.

Third, skip the costly attractions and opt for the natural beauty of things. Instead of going and playing golf or go karts, or some other costly attraction choose to see the local sites like state parks and wildlife refuges. Most times

these places are free to visit, are educational and very fun. Our last trip to OuterBanks, we got to explore a sand dune at Jokey State Park and see some wile animals. I think the kids had more fun there than in the actual ocean.

Fourth and maybe the most important. Before you even think of planning a vacation, plan a budget, save the money, and set it aside. Use only this money while on your vacation, if you took cash then once the cash is gone that is that, there will be no more. Do not use the cards or other forms of payment unless of course you need gas to get home or something like that, but don’t break out the credit card for a dinner on the pier. 

Remember your family vacation is about spending time with those you love not about spending the most money. You can have a wonderful vacation without spending your life savings, just plan it out and stick to your budget.

By: Trista Wilson

Cool Summer Treats

Summer is here and the weather is getting hotter! How can you stay cool and refreshed while maintaining a healthy lifestyle?

A typical favorite summer snack among kids and adults alike are frozen juice pops. If you make these with natural juice and not the sugar laden stuff, you can make a healthy and refreshing snack you won’t have to feel guilty about consuming.  

Healthy Frozen Juice Pops

Have you tried to freeze fruits yet? Frozen bananas and grapes make fantastic snacks on those hot summer days. Peel your banana and stick a Popsicle stick in the end of it and freeze. It is super creamy and delicious and best of all…healthy.  

Frozen Bananas

Who doesn’t love a good kebab on a summer day, especially when they are grilled over a fire pit or the grill. As delicious as they are they aren’t very refreshing though, how about trying out a frozen fruit kebab! Simply take your kebab sticks and cut your fruit into bite size pieces. Slide the pieces onto your sticks and place on a cookie sheet in the freezer for a little while. When they are done you have a healthy, cool treat that is super easy to eat.  

Frozen Fruit Kebabs

If you prefer vegetables to fruits why not try a sweet and sour cucumber snack this summer. Simply slice your cucumbers and place in a gallon plastic bag, marinate them with your favorite marinade and place into the refrigerator. Once chilled pull out and serve. For this one I personally love my marinade of vinegar, stevia, and mayo. It makes the cucumbers creamy and delicious.

What are your favorite go to summer snacks? Leave a comment below and let us know, we love trying new things, especially recipes.

By: Trista Wilson