Vacations can be wonderful for spending time with family and getting a break from the busyness of life. Is it really possible to Create Your Affordable Vacation?
Your friends make vacations and travel look easy! Do you often wonder, how do they afford another trip? We can become easily overwhelmed with gas prices, flight tickets, accommodations, and many many options for fun attractions!
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It’s no secret, I love to go on vacation with my family, whether it’s camping locally or driving across the country. Let’s be honest it’s hard to put the word AFFORDABLE and VACATION in the same sentence. And even more to set aside the time to take that vacation!
I would like to offer suggestions that have worked for our family on how Creating Your Affordable Vacation is possible this year!
Create a vacation that is relaxing & affordable!
Sit for a moment and take a deep breathe!
The reason you’re reading this post is because you already know vacations are not free. We need money to make it happen! Do you have a set amount in your budget each year for a vacation? If not, begin setting aside money each month for this specific purpose.
Check out “How to Save for Your Dream Vacation” by money expert Dave Ramsey.
Dream of a place that would allow you to put aside the stresses of every day life; a place that allows for rejuvenation. Whether you have young children, teenagers or no children, you can create a vacation that fits your situation, is affordable for you, and enjoyable for everyone.
First, Check your Budget.
Once you determined how much money you can spend on a vacation, you can begin planning.
The Key to more than one vacation: It is very important to stay within that budget! By not overspending, you’ll reduce any unnecessary stress and be able to go again.
Can you make cuts in other areas of your budget to allow for a vacation? I know people that use a specific credit card that gives them travel points. They pay it off each month and when they have enough points they travel.
- Would owning a recreational vehicle be in your future? Keep in mind, financial gurus recommend setting aside money and paying for your RV in cash. When you own your RV, it can allow for more flexibility and reduce the expense of lodging.
- What about renting a cabin? Cabin rentals are very affordable and especially allow for larger families to avoid high hotel fees.
- Airbnb.com allows for more options; like bringing your family dog to save on dog sitter fees.
Second, Create the Best Vacation (for today!)
We go through many stages in our life and each one is unique. Create a vacation based on where you are in life right now. Your vacations will look different if it’s just you and your spouse rather than a whole family. They also might look different if you’re in your twenties rather than sixties.
Options:
- Camping or renting a condo on the beach; Shell hunting, playing in the sand, taking in the surf.
- Renting a cabin in the woods; hike, geocaching, meet around a campfire. day trips.
- Visiting multiple destinations/hotel; living history lessons, site seeing, photography.
- Camping in your home state; relax, cook over a campfire, ride bikes, walks on the beach.
You get the picture! Decide what is best for your situation, and begin planning.
When I was single, I would stay at youth hostels or tent camp. Both were great affordable options.
Our family has tent camped, camped with an RV, and stayed at hotels and cabins. Each decision was based on what we could afford.
Third, Set Aside Time.
America is known for the “no vacation nation.” Americans are slowly beginning to change that reputation. The typical recommendation for a vacation is two weeks, and for the majority of people that is a long time to be away. Our family aims for a minimum of 7-10 days for our main vacation. It doesn’t always work that way, but 10 days does allow for travel, recreation, and relaxing.
The factors to consider are how much time will your employer allow off, do you have activity commitments that can be put on hold for 10-14 days, and lastly, do you have the money set aside for that length of time?
Setting aside time to take a vacation is living intentionally healthy! Not sure if it’s worth it? Check out: Visit the Beach for Your Health.
Read about our 4 day adventure to Michigan’s Upper Peninsula!
Fourth, Chose Your Destination
Oh the destination! We have so many options for vacation and travel. It’s important to chose a destination that you can afford to visit. It can be close to home or an ocean away.
Two of the most expensive places we have taken a vacation is Kauai, Hawaii and Jackson Hole, Wyoming. Even though they are very different destinations, we definitely spent more to stay there.
The travel to Kauai was most expensive and the lodging in Jackson Hole was higher for us. Even though we bought groceries and prepare our own meals, the price of food in both places was high.
What kind of attractions can you afford? You could chose a destination that is natural attraction. I’m thinking of beach vacations where you beach comb, body surf, and watch sunsets. When staying near mountains, think of hiking and exploring the local trails.
Vacation in the off season! My daughters would start their schoolwork early August so that we could take a long vacation after Labor Day. Less crowds! (yeah!). Less expensive! More relaxation!
Another tip is travel during the week and not on weekends!
Creating Your Affordable Vacation
Tent, RV, Cabin, Hotel or Resort?
The advantage of staying in a tent, RV, or cabin, is being able to prepare all your own meals. Choosing to cook over a campfire, grill or prepare your food in your RV saves a tremendous amount of money. In 2017, our family of 4 took a 10 day vacation to Colorado for roughly $1500. I wrote about this memorable vacation – Rocky Mountain National Park Adventure.
The decision of choosing your accommodations can depend on your location as well. There are many options; weight them carefully and evaluate which one fits your family and budget.
Are you ready to get away for a few days? Create a vacation fund and make it a priority. It’s important to take the time to think through your interests, choose a destination wisely, and make it fit your budget.
Enjoy dreaming, planning, and making that vacation happen! Keep in mind that taking time out for a vacation will improve your health.
One of my favorite vacation destinations is camping a few yards from the ocean at Myrtle Beach, SC. I love hearing the sound of the waves and smelling the ocean air.
I keep a little travel journal in our RV for recording our destinations, highlights from the trip, expenses, weather, etc. Amazon has several unique journals that you can record your memorable adventures.
What is your favorite vacation destination for taking a break from life?
Pursuing Better Health Together,
Journal your Adventures!
Samantha M says
Makes me want to go camping. My husband and I are looking into renovating a camper, so these are great tips!
Michelle says
Thanks Samantha! My husband and I have also thought of renovating a camper. I hope it turns out wonderful!