There are multiple ways to plan a perfect vacation without necessarily hurting the bank account. To make the best of both worlds: making loads of memories with your family and avoiding having to pay off a fortune once it’s done, here are some of the best ways to score a memorable trip which cheap but fun:
- Staycation
Staycation is basically a vacation which doesn’t involve traveling. It includes visiting a historical site, national forest, or a few local city hangouts by booking lodging where you live and staying close to home. This practice eliminates the hefty cost which comes with traveling.
The best way to go about it is by looking for cheap attractions and tours and asking your hotel about the discounts they have to offer for local residents.
There are various online resources such as LivingSocial, Travelzoo, and Groupon which provide group deals in your local area. Most of these sites offer deep discounts on everything from hotels to food to fun activities.
You can create a vacation-like atmosphere without really leaving your hometown. It just won’t be cheap but also fun as you will get to act like a tourist in your very own city. Whether you choose to go camping at a nearby campsite, or you stay overnight in the city to check out the opening of a new museum, you don’t need to drive or fly to find a vacation spot.
- Get Active
If you think about it, most of the attractions and events you pay for on vacation are passive activities. It costs a lot of money to catch a baseball game, go for the movies, see a play, or wander around a theme park, and yet, these activities don’t always lend themselves to family bonding. That’s why it’s a great idea to go for options that involve physical activities.
These activities can be anything ranging from a hike through a national forest to a bike ride through the coastline. These will not just be expensive and fun but also healthy for you and the kids.
Few examples of such activities can be: Hiking, Cycling, Camping, Zipline courses, and even Rafting.
Check if there are any nearby ropes courses that take private participants. These courses usually come with a meager admission fee of $15 to $30.
- Hop on a Cruise
Lucky for us, United States has captivating cruise itineraries throughout the United States, including the Mississippi River region, Southeast, Northeast, Pacific Northwest, and Alaska. These destinations not just provide beautiful sceneries but also include fun-filled activities.
Yes, a cruise ride can be cost effective as well. As surprising as that might be, it actually is true. You can book your cruise rides online at reasonable rates. InCruises International is one such cruise company. It provides not just local rides but also international ones.
To help you make your vacation even better, here are some planning tips:
- Set a budget and stick to it
Spending can be tempting which is why drawing out a budget is fairly important.
- Account for hidden fees
There are times where some expenses are implied rather than stated in bold. To keep yourself from getting surprised at a foreign territory, it is vital that your account for such expenses and fees. It is a great idea to carry an additional amount over and above your set budget to meet such expenses.
- Ask for upgrades
Hotels and attractions often have upgrades available for qualifying guests, but you usually have to ask to get them. It is imperative you check the website of the hotel beforehand and even inquire for these upgrades to make your stay even more pleasant and cost-effective.
Vacations work as a break for individuals from their daily, monotonous routines. It is always a great idea to take some time off to relax and spend quality time with your family.