It's time to get the suitcases out of
the attic and start thinking about the great family vacation! And we can
expect to spend pretty freely to support that get-a-way. The average family
will spend about $3,000 on food and lodging for a two week vacation.
Transportation brings the total even higher. Is there a way to cut those
costs a little without spoiling the trip? Sure! In fact, some money saving
ideas will actually help you have an even more enjoyable trip.
Some of your best opportunities to save happen before you even leave home.
Begin by calling the Chamber of Commerce in any areas you'll be visiting.
You can get their number through long-distance directory assistance 1-(area
code)555-1212. Tell them that you'll be visiting their area and you'd like
advice on places to go and stay. Most will provide a wealth of information.
The Chamber's goal is to help local businesses. Part of that is telling people
what's available in the area. Don't be surprised if they provide you with
maps, brochures on local attractions, and even discount coupons. Strike up
a conversation with them. Tell them what your family likes to do. There could
be something that's not normally a tourist attraction that would be perfect
for your family. A few minutes on the phone could be the key to finding out
about good local restaurants and other interesting sites that only the locals
know about.
Next you'll want to check the state's agency that's dedicated to tourism
and travel. Typically they'll be located in the state capital. Here you'll
get the opportunity to ask about free state maps and brochures describing
different attractions. If you tell them your route, they can suggest some
side trips. And don't forget states that you're just planning on driving
through. Before the creation of the interstate highway and the 'destination'
tourist attraction, many fine places competed for tourist dollars. Some of
them are still wonderful places to visit.
You can find state parks, zoos, specialized museums and halls of fame if
you're willing to do a little research. And most are very inexpensive compared
to the big attractions. Not only will you save money, but the lack of crowds
and lines is nice, too! A trip to the library is in order. You'll want to
browse the travel magazines, specifically the advertising sections. Look
for places in the general vicinity of your travels. Call or write away for
any literature available. By learning more about various attractions, you'll
make better decisions on which places to visit and which ones to skip. And
many of the packets will include special discount offers.
Then check the library for travel guides. If possible, take them home so
you'll have time to really digest them. Passing the books among family members
will give you the opportunity to discuss what will please everyone. You'll
also increase the anticipation for the trip.
A few weeks before leaving you'll want to check your car mechanically. It's
much cheaper to have a repair done by your local shop than on the road here
your options are few. And the waiting room of the auto repair center isn't
likely to be on your list of tourist attractions!
Once you're on the road you'll find that meals offer a good opportunity for
fun and savings. While it's easiest to stop at a chain restaurant right near
the interstate exit, you'll want to consider an alternative for some meals.
Have an impromptu picnic. A loaf of bread, some lunch meat, chips and drinks
are available at any grocery store and should cost less than the typical
chain lunch. Most towns have a park or place that would be appropriate for
a picnic. That's more relaxing than the standard lunch and it could be a
great chance to let the kids run off a little energy after being cooped up
in a car all morning. On your way back to the highway you can stop and clean
up while you refuel the family minivan.
Another option for different meals is to look for a stretch where a state
or US highway runs parallel to the interstate for 10 or 20 miles. Get off
the interstate and look for a local diner or family-style restaurant. You'll
likely find something that's cheaper and more relaxing. While you're off
the interstate, it's a good time to buy gas and save a few cents a gallon.
One way to add pleasure to your trip without additional expenses is to plan
in some 'down time'. Every waking minute of a vacation doesn't need to be
filled with something. There's nothing wrong with staying in the same spot
for two nights and just hanging around the motel pool all day and watching
the sunset in the evening. You'll save money and reduce stress for the next
day or two.
Wherever you go, don't forget to ask about discounts. For instance, some
auto clubs offer motel discounts. It costs nothing to ask. At worst, you've
wasted a minute. With luck, you've paid for half of dinner! And even if you
can't get a discount based on some group membership, ask if they'll give
you a break on the price. If it appears that you might drive up the street
to a competitor prices can drop.
Many restaurants and motels in tourist areas will have free coupon booklets
available. Pick them up and check for discount coupons. You might well find
one for tomorrow's planned attraction!
Finally, a word about souvenirs. There's really only so many mouse ears that
anyone needs. But, a jar filled with sand from the beach or even entry passes
make excellent reminders of a wonderful vacation. And that's the goal: to
have a wonderful vacation!
Recommended Reading: This is a book for the passionate traveler. The one who is willing to accept the possible hardships and difficulties of frugal travel in order to see more of the world's most fascinating places. The author and her husband have traveled frugally in South America, Asia, Greece, New Zealand and Australia. They feel privileged to have lived in cultures fast disappearing. This is a great book for armchair travelers, too.
About The Author: Gary Foreman is a former Purchasing
Manager and Certified Financial Planner. He currently edits The
Dollar Stretcher website.
It contains the web's largest collect of free articles to save you time and
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today!
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