You can save money and still have a nice weekend vacation with these budget travel planning tips.
If you're having a bit of a hardship but would still love to take the kids on a vacation there's plenty to do that's not too expensive. First of all the further you travel the more it will cost so limit traveling to a couple of hours or so. Also, the longer you stay somewhere the more it will cost so try to do a lot of things in just a couple of days. Traveling on holidays like Memorial Day will be more expensive so avoid these dates when vacationing.
While traveling stop at a welcome center or rest stop for brochures on area attractions. Some, of course, will be expensive but overlook them and search for places like state parks. State parks are free to enter but particular attractions within the park could be costly. Among the free things you can do at a state park is have a picnic, go biking or hike. There are often free designated swimming and fishing spots as well. Camping at a state park is usually inexpensive. There are places to park campers or just set up tents and sleeping bags. Bring most of the food you'll consume from home or a local grocer rather than traveling to the nearest town and going out to eat.
If camping just isn't your thing check into an inexpensive but nice hotel. You can get great deals on motels especially just before or just after the busy seasons. Looking around online makes it even easier to find the perfect spot. There are photos of the rooms and pool so you can get an idea of what the motel looks like. Check to see if there are pools or game rooms for kids. You can also search for free area entertainment. Many city museums are free or have a minimal cost to enter. City parks allow a day of picnics or cookouts without the hassle of setting up camp. Some towns just naturally have a lot to see. Besides forestry, some states offer rare glimpses of wild animals, waterfalls, unique buildings or outdoor theaters.
Since breakfast is the cheapest meal of the day check into the motel but have breakfast in town. Then return for a nice day of swimming and sunbathing. The kids can play in the kiddie pool or hangout in the game rooms. Have a picnic lunch by the pool or go to a park. Later on, order pizza in-house and watch a movie while eating. Many motels have DVD players in the rooms or you can simply call the front desk to order the movie. If you rarely have time for cards or board games bring one from home and play instead of watching a movie.
Park your car uptown and stroll around the city where you're staying. It's fun to window shop, chat with the locals and stop for ice cream.
The agenda, of course, will be different depending upon if kids are coming along or just adults. Plan ahead and use online resources to find other places that are free or inexpensive in the area where you'll be traveling. Check maps and travel guides to find points of interest in the region.
