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