Vacation on a Budget

If you are on a budget, that doesn’t mean you have to forgo any vacation or fun this summer.

And if you are on a budget, that doesn’t mean you take a $10,000 vacation and put it on your credit card either.

There IS a happy medium. Not all vacations have to be expensive. You just have to look for the hidden gems, be smart, and get creative.

I’m here to tell you that you CAN take a family vacation for under $1,500!

Here are my tips for vacationing on a budget:

1. Drive – Don’t fly…

• You HAVE to find a location that is drivable if you’re going with 4+ family members

• Air alone will cost a family $2,000+

2. Stay away from big touristy destinations

• Theme parks, resorts, etc are not going to be reasonably priced unless you find some type of perfect great deal

3. Think beaches, mountains, nature

• These destinations will have the most freebie “entertainment”

  Going to the beach = free

Hiking in the mountains = free

Hanging out at the lake = free

• Yes you may want to rent some kayaks, and do some other activities, but the majority of the activities can be free or relatively inexpensive

4. Stay at a VRBO

• This will be the best bang for your buck as you can find good deals – especially if you have a larger family and need more space/beds

• AND you will have a full kitchen so you can order all of your groceries and make meals there

• No expensive and stressful restaurant outings with kids!

• You can still do a few dinners out but this route is way cheaper than ALL meals out

5. And if you’re thinking “I’m on vacation, I do NOT want to cook”…

I get it, so do EASY meals – think same budget & same concept as at home but at the beach or mountains or wherever you are:

• Fruit, eggs, and pastries for breakfast

• Sandwiches for lunch

• Dinner:

  o   Cook out on the grill, while everyone relaxes and has drinks and plays games

  o   Frozen pizzas

  o   Premade meals

  o   Order pizza (still cheaper than going out)

6. Keep your stay short

• Obviously 3-4 nights will be much more budget friendly than an entire week

7. Google “hidden gems” or “vacation destinations” in your state

• I found SO many cool places within 3-6 hours of my location

• I want to visit them all!

Remember – you CAN have fun and not spend a ton of money! Be creative, be flexible, and go make some memories!