Budget Getaways - Six Tips

Taking a vacation does not have to be a major expense. There are plenty of ways to save money and still be able to get away and have fun. Even if you decide to have a "staycation," there are still plenty of ways to make it unique and enjoyable for the whole family.

The first thing that you want to do, so that you don't regret the vacation is to figure out a budget. You need to know how much money you actually have to work with - without blowing your budget for the next couple of months. 

Schedule Your Destination Hotels in Advance

One way to save a lot of money on your vacation would be to go in the off season. You could get about one-third off the summer price by doing this - and possibly more. It will also be less crowded if you plan on going to a well-known place. Travel packages to various destinations will also enable you to get three nights for the price of two, and so on.

Credit cards can also enable you to get free nights at hotels if you have the right kind and travel a lot. Some hotel chains will give you a free night if you stay for 10 nights, etc. While you are looking for a place to stay, find out which ones give good breakfasts, too. If you have four in your family, this could be quite a savings.

Consider Local Events

Nearly every city and state park has some kind of activities that will be either low cost or absolutely free. Once you arrive at your hotel, be sure to ask around about these events. Some of them may not be discovered any other way, but the locals will know and they can also tell you which ones are worthwhile.

State parks often have tours or educational classes that focus on a particular historic, or geologic feature. Nearby lakes will offer many opportunities for swimming, boating, water-skiing, fishing and more. There are usually plenty of hiking trails, too, and some of these may go to scenic views or have some special feature worth seeing.

Go Camping

Going camping is certainly a great way to save money and give the family a real outdoor experience. You can even rough it and give the kids (and adults) a break from the electronics, too. Make sure that there are adequate facilities and things to do without having to drive too far. Pick a park with lots of things to do.

Eat Out Picnic Style

You can save money on a grand scale by fixing a picnic lunch and taking it with you. This is low cost and you can eat it either at a park or even in the car, if necessary. Save money on other meals by eating where children eat free, or where you can get coupons that will give you reduced cost. Sometimes meals can be shared, too.

Visit Free Events

Many places offer some kind of free classes or exhibits on certain days. This may be weekly or just on a particular day of the year. Museums often have certain days when people can get in for free - or when kids can get in for free.

A local community center may also offer free activities, too. This could include some free classes for different ages - often interactive, concerts, crafts, movies, and other ones, too.

Go On Discount or Free Days

Zoos are another place that may offer discount days, too. Aquariums will often do the same, providing you and the family with a great outing. In many cases, however, you may need to leave the premises if you want to save money on lunch.  Buying meals in a zoo or aquarium can be rather expensive, but you will probably not be allowed to bring it in.