Ask:
We have not been on a family vacation in several years. Our kids are 3 and 5 and it will definately have to be done on a budget and paid for in cash as part of our not charging anything else and paying down our debt this year. We live in Texas and it is very hot here during the summer so we are looking to escape that. I'd love to hear what other families who are saving and paying off debt are doing for their vacations and ways to save $$$ while doing it.
Answer:
I've mentioned on here before that I think St. Louis is a really cheap and fun vacation, but that's a pretty far way from Texas. We took my kids there several times when they were small, but it probably depends on what kind of vacations you like. My kids prefer zoos, museums, etc over beaches (weird I know) so we really liked St. Louis. They have a FREE zoo, a FREE science museum for kids, and you could go to Grant's Farm for FREE (that was our favorite...we loved Grant's Farm). You could also go see the arch and waterfront. We stayed once in a VERY inexpensive hotel near the airport with free breakfast, and once I remember downtown St. Louis with free breakfast and a "happy hour" with free drinks and munchies. So that saved us lots of money. And they had an indoor pool, so dh & I could sit and have a drink and watch our kids swim. We'd stay about 3 nights, and the whole thing would only cost us around $500 for gas, food, and hotel.
If you're adventursome you could always camp. I'm not, so I put my kids in scouts!! But some people actually like it.
Answer:
Definately check online...do you want to drive or fly? What type of places do you want to go to? Beach? Mountains? City? A little of all of that? Do you want to stay in a hotel or do you want to rent a house? Camp?
A few websites that I peruse regularily and we've been tipped off to some good deals over the years are:
There is TONS of information online...Good Luck!
Answer:
Hmmm yes it totally depends on whether you drive or fly. For example, when we drive to San Diego (6 hours) we pack tons of food which will be used for breakfasts and lunches for about 6 days, and then we just eat out (or shop at the grocery store nearby) for our dinners. We go a little nuts with the food packing, but have to because of the various food allergies my kids have. Also, as a military family, we get in free to Sea World and get discounts on other admissions, so we take advantage of those deals.
Last summer dh flew with my two older boys to Outerbanks, NC. He had been invited by family to share their beach house with them. They had already paid for the room and insisted we not pay (we had to pay for flights while they just drove). DH just pitched in for food for the whole family to share. Anyway, so at least the hotel/housing was free, and because it was at the beach there weren't expensive admission prices to go anywhere etc...
When dh flies with the kids to visit his folks, he stays with them. They live very close to Washington D.C. where all the museums are free... so that's what they do while they are there. They pack food for the day and just spend all day in D.C.
That's how we do budget vacations. (one more thing, you can get discount admission at certain places...look online and ask, there are often deals.)
Answer:
Last year we escaped the Texas heat and drove to Branson, Missouri. It was a wonderful trip full of great weather and fun. I would suggest looking for a condo our house to save money so that you have access to a kitchen. There are 2 amusement parks in Branson and lots of shows. There are some great web sites for getting discount tickets. I would also suggest purchasing an Entertainment book (1/2 off coupons). If you wait until April or May, Entertainment.com ususally discounts all books (Around $5 each). There is also lots of free stuff to do (lake near by great for swimming and hiking), and a mini golf park on every corner.
Feel free to PM me if you'd like any more info.
amy
Answer:
This is not a specific reccomendation, but if you are a AAA member, be sure to use them as a resource. We saved a lot of money on our last trip to Florida. They will plan your driving directions for you and they know all the current construction areas and detours so that you can avoid them if possible. If you are booking hotels, most have a discount for AAA members. Outlet malls and restaurants ofen have AAA discounts as well. Happy vacationing!
Answer:
Originally Posted by aliadam
I've mentioned on here before that I think St. Louis is a really cheap and fun vacation, but that's a pretty far way from Texas. We took my kids there several times when they were small, but it probably depends on what kind of vacations you like. My kids prefer zoos, museums, etc over beaches (weird I know) so we really liked St. Louis. They have a FREE zoo, a FREE science museum for kids, and you could go to Grant's Farm for FREE (that was our favorite...we loved Grant's Farm). You could also go see the arch and waterfront. We stayed once in a VERY inexpensive hotel near the airport with free breakfast, and once I remember downtown St. Louis with free breakfast and a "happy hour" with free drinks and munchies. So that saved us lots of money. And they had an indoor pool, so dh & I could sit and have a drink and watch our kids swim. We'd stay about 3 nights, and the whole thing would only cost us around $500 for gas, food, and hotel.
If you're adventursome you could always camp. I'm not, so I put my kids in scouts!! But some people actually like it.
I second all you said- plus all the great food! The famous pretzel place (can't remember the name), brauts, bakeries.... We also loved Grant's Farm. It is hot in the summer, though.