Creative vacation ideas and alternatives to replace outrageous of resort travel costs.
Are you a big spender, a procrastinator, a last minute planner? Do you like to live life flying by the seat of your pants while you spend as little money as possible? Perhaps you enjoy unexpected adventures, exploring the unknown and meeting new faces. Whatever the case, the vacation experience of a lifetime doesn't have to break your piggybank.
For families, young couples, seniors and college students alike, a refreshing, atypical vacation scenario could be the perfect addition to a seasonal itinerary. Working hard and struggling through classes can be taxing on the mind and the body, but a fun-filled getaway can be both relaxing and exhilarating, depending on your intentions.
For those who want to experience a wonderful vacation at a fraction of the cost one would spend at a resort, the following 10 scenarios provide creative alternatives to the everyday vacation escape.
1. Campgrounds - Whether you and your group intend to shack up in a cabin, roll along in a motor home or pitch a few tents and enjoy the great outdoors, there is nothing quite like a camping experience. The wonderful thing about campgrounds is the presence of a bathhouse, where campers can often enjoy many of the comforts of home"¦(hot!) running water, flushable toilets, mirrors and electricity! The cost to rent a small campsite, complete with fire pit, can be easily split amongst your companions, leaving the majority of your money to be spent on exploring, dining and souvenirs.
2. Road Trips - Got everything packed but nowhere to go? First hop on the information highway and chart out your desired destinations. Will this be an All-American cross country road trip or a regional excursion? Have each member of your troop select a desired destination within your driving distance and plot the entire route from start to finish. Decide who will be driving, when you'll want to sleep for the night and choose a few hotels or motels along the way to get some shuteye. Short for cash? Throw a tent and some sleeping bags in the trunk and see if you can't find a few campgrounds to check out along your trek.
3. Rental Units, Vacation Homes and Condos - With a small group of friends or family members, search the Internet for condominiums or vacation home rentals that will accommodate a group of your size. Your vacation unit should have, at a minimum, enough beds or floor space for your entire group, a bathroom with shower and kitchen facilities. Have each member agree to chip in toward the total cost and you will find that you couldn't have made better plans at the finest hotel!
4. Visit Kin - For those who cannot even afford the cheapest of accommodations, visit some friends or relatives in an unfamiliar location. Explore the nearby attractions, parks and shopping outlets, find some unusual dining establishments and spend quality time with loved ones.
5. Last-Minute Deals - For the more experienced travelers, check in with your travel agent and see what kind of last-minute deals are available. Cruises, hotels and resorts often would prefer to fill empty rooms at a discounted rate rather than lose out on those accommodations completely. This alternative may be especially appealing to those travelers who ride upon the tides of spontaneity.
6. Explore Local Attractions - Gas prices got ya down? Let your fingers do the walking and find some local attractions in your phonebook. Gather some friends or family members and head out to a theme park, museum or nature center you've never visited. Find something local and unusual to do and get to it!
7. Go Bargain Hunting - It may not be the most effective search means possible, but keep your eyes peeled and your ears open for some discounted vacation ideas. Search the Internet to see if any hotels or resorts are running special promotions in the off-season. Traveling during off-peak months allows travelers to go to an enjoyable location for a fraction of the normal cost.
8. Stagger Your Getaways - So like most people, you cannot afford an exotic vacation every year"¦ Why give up on it altogether? Take mini-vacations to local beaches, to the mountains and other locations that may not cost a great deal. Go fishing, skiing, boating and take part in smaller but still exciting day trips. When you can afford to do so set aside some money for a bigger, even more exciting getaway. Stash the cash in a special place and keep saving until you have reached your goal - then pick out your dream location and experience the vacation you've been dreaming about!
9. Work to Save - What do you do if spring break isn't panning out this year? Consider going home or staying at college and working as many hours as you can bear. Work during the day and when the evening arrives, find friends and family members who share the same interests with you. Save the money you earn during this period for a rainy day and dream up your perfect getaway.
10. Round-Robin Visiting - If you have a week or two off and you cannot come up with a tempting vacation idea, consider visiting different friends who have dispersed throughout the country. Take a three or four day weekend to see one friend, then follow up with another friend at another destination. If you can swing it, invite your closest group of friends to do the same, and plan mini trips during weekends when you can all visit the same location.
