Tag: budget

Creating a Budget For Family Vacations

When you want to plan a vacation with your family, there are many things to consider. While you still need take care of your day-to-day living expenses, you also need to think of ways to put a little money aside every month for your trip. This can be challenging, especially if you do not have a monthly budget or a plan for saving that you can easily follow.

Start a Savings Plan Now

If you live on a tight monthly budget, it makes sense to plan ahead as far as possible. It’s so much easier to put $20 in savings every week for fifty weeks than it is to come up with $1000 at one time for your vacation.

Start saving vacation money immediately! Divide the cost of your vacation by the number of weeks you have left until you want to leave, then put that money aside each week. You now have a vacation budget and a time-line that works for saving the amount of money you will need.

Save Money by Booking Well Ahead

Many online travel websites offer package discounts and have the cheapest deals well in advance. Saving even a few hundred dollars can make a big difference in your vacation budget. Some websites will even price match if you find a lower price after you book your trip.

Consider opting for the cancellation insurance in case something happens and you need to cancel your trip. Make sure to read the fine print so you’ll know about any penalties or fees. When in doubt, ask beforehand so you aren’t met with an unpleasant surprises if you have to cancel or change plans.

Shop for the Necessities Before You Leave

Another way to stick to your travel budget is to bring the necessities with you. Although you can certainly buy sunscreen, Tylenol, sunglasses, beach hats, and other travel items, many of the stores in tourist areas have higher prices because, well, they can. Review your necessities and see what you can bring cheaply and what you are better off buying there.

Souvenirs are a fun reminders of your trip. Set aside some money for souvenirs in your vacation budget. Consider souvenirs that have dual purposes, like tote bags, polo shirts, and hats; something you may need anyway, but it happens to have a local info on it.

Choose Meals Wisely

While it is necessary to eat when on vacation, there are ways that you can keep your expenses down. Check on all-inclusive packages that include food and drinks, especially if food and drink are a big part of your plans.

Breakfast, drinks, and snack foods are most economical when kept in the room. Stock your refrigerator and you’ll save a lot of money.

Choose your dining experiences wisely. If you make smart breakfast and snack decisions, you’ll save enough money to enjoy great local restaurants for lunch and dinner. After all, one of the best aspects of a vacation is going somewhere else and experiencing the food and culture.

Research the Area

Developing a vacation budget, and sticking to it, can be easily done if you take the time to research the details, like the price of local events, restaurants, and other costs before you go. Don’t forget the small charges like tolls, taxis, parking fees, and tips. These all add up when trying to stick to a vacation budget.

Once you leave for your vacation, try to stay within the budget as much as possible. If you decide to spend a little more money in one place, don’t let it ruin your budget. Plan to take the money from somewhere else. Your budget doesn’t have to be set in stone. After all, you’ll probably find things to do that you didn’t know about. You can even plan a ‘surprise fun’ budget amount for that very purpose.

A vacation should be fun, so plan as best as you can, try to stay within your plan, and have a great time!

Discover Vacation Destinations Right In Your Backyard

by I Am Benchmark

Going on a vacation doesn’t have to mean driving for hours and hours or flying to a far away place. Sometimes such an elaborate vacation isn’t in the budget, and sometimes you just need a few days to rejuvenate the mind, body, and soul.

Planning short getaways within driving distance of home may be just the ticket. Close vacations are easier on the wallet and, truthfully, easier on the nerves. Planning and executing long, involved travel plans are taxing, leaving you less relaxed than you intended. Finding places nearby takes a bit of creativity, but can be well worth the effort.

Think Like a Tourist

The last time you had family come from out of town, I’ll bet you found new things to do and fun places to see. Residents often overlook some of our areas unique attractions until we have ‘tourists’ to entertain.

Start by visiting those places you’re always telling your out-of-town friends about. If you have scenic beaches, picturesque mountain views, walking trails, museums, or anything else you’ve always wanted to do, go see them for yourself. Whether it’s a day trip, or a weekend, make your plans early so you can take full advantage of your trip.

Gather Brochures

Most cities print local ‘what to do’ magazines or fliers that are available in grocery stores, drug stores, restaurants, or the Chamber of Commerce. Grab a handful and start browsing. Don’t be too selective at this point, just grab them. Those racks and racks of brochures are there to entice visitors to our area, so be enticed! Give each one some consideration. Hotels are another great source for tourist brochures.

Go Online

Google is an amazing tool. Search “things to do in CITY” or “tourist attractions CITY”. Search for state or national parks for a fun day trip. Look up Facebook events, meetup.com, or eventbrite.com for public events you may want to attend. Local radio stations tend to play commercials for events and concerts too.

Tons of Fun in Our Backyard

Water parks, amusement parks, and other big attractions can often be found within an hour or so of most cities. You may likely find that these areas cater to the ‘park going crowd’ and offer discounts at hotels.

The added bonus in going to a city that has a big water park or amusement park is that they often have more attractions. Affordable lodging, meals, and memorable experiences is the name of the game. Plan your local adventure for the ‘slightly off season’ and your experience will be less hectic than at the busy times.

Learn and Laugh Staycation

Having a learning vacation close to home could be an adventure with a little research. You may be able to visit a ranch, a zoo, a farm, a winery, a tree nursery, a crafting colony, or even a chocolate factory. There are lots of local businesses that would love to have your support.

Wouldn’t it be breathtaking to watch your kids help feed a newborn foal? A trip to a working farm could teach everyone how to milk cows, collect eggs, or make butter. Perhaps you could plant the next season of Christmas trees, or create soy wax candles, or learn how to make cake from scratch. Many factories, farms, and artist colonies offer free tours, requesting only a donation.

Change It Up

A vacation is merely a change of scenery from the usual, a time to do something fun and interesting. Chances are there are many places around town that you have never been to. You may have driven past these places and even suggested them to friends. Now is the time to experience the area like a visitor. Go ahead and plan a day or two creating experiences for your family in places not so far from home.