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With few exceptions, we all look forward to summer. Kids love it because they get a break from school. Adults love it because it’s a great time for a vacation. And almost everyone has a favorite summer activity that they can’t wait to get involved in.
Summer can also be a very expensive time of year. There’s so much to do, and we want to cram it all in before cold weather strikes again. But by the time we visit the beach, go to an amusement park, make weekend trips to the pool and do all of the other stuff we want to do, it can put a major strain on the budget.
But summer fun doesn’t have to break the bank. There are lots of things families can do for cheap, and some are even free. In this report, you’ll find lots of summer activity ideas that will fit into virtually any budget.
Swimming for Less
On a hot summer day, one of the most popular destinations is the local pool. Admission isn’t terribly expensive, but if you go as a family several times over the course of the season, it can really add up. By the time fall arrives, you might wonder why you just didn’t save up a little more money and go to the beach!
If you love to swim, there are alternatives to the community pool. Here are some to think about:
* The lake – If there’s a state park with a lake nearby, you may be able to swim for cheap or free there. Some have beach-type areas with sand, so the kids can have a blast building castles and burying one another. It’s kind of like taking a trip to the coast, only without so many expenses.
* A friend’s pool – If you have a friend with a pool, perhaps you could take the kids over to swim from time to time. In return, you could take refreshments for both families or invite the friend’s family over to your house for other activities.
* The gym – If you have a gym membership, you may be able to bring guests to the pool for free or at a reduced rate. Check with your gym for details.
* Quick-set pools – Those inexpensive quick-set pools have become quite popular among families with kids. All you do is blow up the inflatable ring, fill the inside with water, and you have an instant pool! They come in many sizes, and some are priced under $50. Larger ones are only a few hundred dollars, and by the time you figure in gas and pool admission, they can pay for themselves in just a couple of years.
If you’re fortunate enough to live near a river, there are all sorts of summer activities you can participate in. Canoeing is lots of fun for adults, teens and older children. Innertubing is especially popular among the younger set. Or you can just jump in and play in low water areas.
Of course, you don’t have to get in the water to have fun with water. Here are some other wet and wild activity ideas that are fun for all ages:
* Water guns – Having a water gun fight is a classic summer activity for kids. But there’s no reason that the grown-ups can’t get involved too! You can find inexpensive water guns at the dollar store for next to nothing, and if properly cared for, they will last for many summers to come.
* Water slides – You don’t have to visit a water park to go down a water slide! You can buy slides that hook up to your water hose for $20 or less and use them right in your own back yard.
* Sprinklers – It’s not necessary to buy any toys at all when the kids want to cool off on a hot day. You can simply hook up the sprinkler and let them run through it. If you don’t have one, just get out the water hose and start spraying. It’s guaranteed fun, and you won’t have to pay a dime for it.
Enjoying Nature
Summer is a wonderful time of year for getting out and enjoying all that nature has to offer. It doesn’t have to cost anything, either. Many nature areas have hiking trails that you can access for free, and some don’t even charge for parking.
Some state parks offer nature programs that the whole family can enjoy. These programs have various themes, including plant identification, bird watching and more. Check your local paper for dates, times and locations. You may have to register to participate, but there is rarely any cost.
No matter where you live, there is some sort of natural wonder that’s not too far off. There are large rock formations, caverns, waterfalls and more throughout the country. Visiting these places is often free, and if there is any cost it’s usually quite affordable. If your are not familiar with the attractions in your area, pick up a travel guide from a nearby visitors center or search for information online.
Camping is the ultimate nature activity for families. RVs and pop-up campers offer all the amenities of home, but they aren’t necessary. All you need is a tent, some sleeping bags, food and drinks and a grill or camp stove. Most campgrounds offer tent space for a small fee, or you can simply set up camp in your back yard.
Fishing is another favorite activity for adults and children alike. You can find poles in all sizes at your favorite sporting goods or discount store. Fishing licenses are generally required for adults and teenagers, but not for kids under certain ages (which vary from state to state). If you only fish on occasion, you can save money by buying a short-term license in most states.
Gardening
Many adults enjoy gardening in the late spring and early summer. But did you know that it’s a great activity for kids, too? Even toddlers can get in on the act!
Planting a flower garden is a great starter project. You can buy trays of flowers at a discount store for next to nothing. Let the kids help pick out flowers in a variety of colors, and plant them together. They’ll be able to see the results right away, and they can be responsible for caring for them throughout the season.
Vegetable gardening is another great family activity. It provides an opportunity to teach children about good nutrition while having fun as a family. The results generally take longer to see than flower gardening, but the end result is well worth the wait. Even the pickiest eaters are usually eager to try foods that they have grown!
Festivals and Carnivals
Even the smallest of towns usually has some sort of festival during the summer months. These celebrations feature a wide variety of activities that adults and children of all ages can enjoy. It’s easy to spend a small fortune at such events, but if you watch your money you can have a good time without breaking the bank.
Many festivals offer free concerts as a means of drawing larger crowds. Street performers such as magicians, clowns and mimes are great free entertainment for the kids. Kiddie rides, face painting and other activities may be free or paid. If theyíre not free, set a budget and have your kids choose things to do that fit within that budget.
One of the most expensive aspects of festivals and carnivals is the food. To avoid overspending, pack a lunch or eat before you go to the event. Bring some snacks and drinks along if they are allowed on the premises, and if you must buy something during the festival, consider going to a nearby store instead of buying from overpriced food vendors.
The Zoo
One destination that kids of all ages tend to enjoy is the zoo. Wild animals aren’t something that most of us see every day, so watching them up close and personal can be a real treat. There are zoos to fit every budget. If traveling to a large zoo is out of your price range, there’s sure to be an alternative that’s within your budget.
A popular and inexpensive option among younger children is a petting zoo. These zoos may not feature large animals such as elephants and giraffes, but they make up for that by allowing physical contact with the animals. Kids enjoy petting and feeding the goats, pigs, ponies and ducks. Bring a camera along and capture some memories that are sure to be cherished for years to come!
Museums and Galleries
If you’re looking for a fun and educational activity for the entire family, you canít beat a trip to a museum or art gallery. You don’t have to live in a large city to visit one. Most smaller cities, and many small towns, have at least one museum or gallery of some sort.
Museums come in a wide variety of flavors. Art and historical museums are among the most common. But you can also find museums based on all sorts of interesting themes. Museums featuring oddities (such as Ripleyís Believe It or Not) are popular among children and adults alike. There are also museums geared toward children that make learning fun. If you’re not sure what types of museums can be found in your area, check with your local Chamber of Commerce.
Many museums offer free admission, so all you have to do is resist the urge to splurge in the gift shop. Some charge admission, but prices are usually reasonable. If you want the best possible deal, consider organizing a group trip. Call ahead to find out how large of a group you will need to qualify for a discount. You could invite members of your church or an organization to which you belong to meet the requirement.
Visiting Friends and Family
If you’re looking for a change of scenery on a budget, visiting friends and family who live out of town could be the answer. If you can stay with them instead of renting a hotel room, you could even make a vacation out of it with very little expense.
If you have family living in the Bahamas, that would make for a great summer vacation. But no matter where your friends or relatives live, there’s bound to be something fun to do together. A simple dinner out at a popular local restaurant and trip to the movies can be an adventure when you’re away from home. Or you could visit inexpensive local attractions such as nature areas, museums or petting zoos.
The Library
When it comes to summer activities, going to the library may not be on your kids list of favorites. But did you know that most libraries offer a variety of programs that appeal to children, teens and adults?
Most libraries sponsor a summer reading program for kids and teenagers. These programs usually feature prize drawings for children who read certain numbers of books while they’re out of school. This is a great way to keep your child’s reading skills up to par!
For young children, storytelling is a popular library activity. Some libraries also feature activities such as movie showings, craft classes and even concerts. Most of these activities are free, but they may require registration. Call your local library to find out the details.
Movies
Going to the movies is a wonderful family activity year-round. In the summer, it’s the perfect cure for boredom. And if you play your cards right, you can take the entire family without paying an arm and a leg.
Instead of going to the big chain theater, see if there is a dollar theater in your area. These theaters may not show the newest releases, but seats are cheap for every showing. Sometimes you can even go for as little as 50 cents per person!
If there’s no dollar theater in your hometown, check matinee prices at the regular theater. These daytime showings on the weekends are usually significantly cheaper than nightly shows. Some theaters also have cartoon showings for cheap on weekend mornings. And some offer special discount programs that could save you money if you go to the movies frequently.
Watching movies at home is even less expensive than going to the theater. Theresa no temptation to buy giant tubs of expensive popcorn, and everyone can watch a rented movie for one low price. If there’s a Redbox location near you, you can rent new releases there for $1 per night. Or you could join Netflix and borrow as many movies as you like each month with no late fees for one low price.
Better yet, you can borrow movies for free. If you have a friend with a large DVD collection, inquire about borrowing a movie to watch every now and then. Or go to your local library and borrow some movies. Pop some microwave popcorn and dim the lights for an authentic theater experience.
Picnics in the Park
The park is a wonderful destination for family fun in the summer. There’s something for everyone in the family to do. Youngsters can play on slides, swings and such. Older children, teens and adults can shoot hoops, play softball or go walking on trails. Or you could bring along a Frisbee, find an open space and toss it around.
With all of these fun things to do, why not pack a lunch and make a day out of it? For the price of some sandwiches, drinks and dessert, the whole family can have a blast and get some exercise. If you prefer a hot lunch, many parks have shelters with grills that you can use for free when they are not reserved.
Block Parties
If you want to have a good time and have the room, try having a block party! Kids love them because they get a chance to play with the other kids in the neighborhood, and adults love them because it gives them an opportunity to socialize.
If you bear all of the expense yourself, having a block party is very expensive. But if you make it a potluck, you won’t have to pay much at all. Just provide the main course, and ask each guest to bring a dish. You could even ask some to bring supplies such as paper plates, cups and napkins.
For cheap live entertainment, ask any neighbors that play an instrument to bring it along and have an impromptu jam session. Or have the kids that will attend prepare an act and have a talent show. You don’t have to shell out big bucks to hire a band.
Amusement Parks
Amusement parks aren’t known for being inexpensive. One ticket for one day can cost as much as a couple of weeks worth of other activities. But there are ways you can save on admission to your favorite park.
If you live fairly close to an amusement park, a season pass could be well worth the money spent. They usually cost about as much as 3 or 4 days admission. So if you think you’ll visit several times during the summer, a pass will pay for itself in no time.
Some employers offer discounts on admission to nearby amusement parks. They usually make announcements early in the summer. If you haven’t heard anything from your employer, ask if they offer any special deals. If they don’t, suggest that they check with the park in which you’re interested to see if they could.
You can often get discounts on amusement park admission from a variety of sources. Check packages of canned soda and other items from the grocery store. Some fast food restaurants also distribute coupons for a certain percentage or dollar amount off of admission to amusement parks, so be sure to look in the bag when you get takeout. The best discounts are usually found late in the season.
Other Frugal Summer Fun Ideas
The possibilities for frugal summer activities are endless. Here are some more ideas:
* Inquire about touring a local factory. Some offer interesting and educational programs, and you may even get some free samples afterward.
* Organize a family reunion. Rent a shelter at the park, and have a potluck dinner. You’ll get to see family members that you haven’t seen in ages, and the kids will have lots of fun playing together.
* Go on a family bike ride. Whether you load up and hit a bike trail or just ride around the neighborhood, everyone will get some exercise and an opportunity to bond.
* Volunteer. There are volunteer opportunities suitable for children as well as adults. Some organizations need lots of help, so the whole family may be able to get involved with the same project.
* Visit state, local or national government offices. Many offer tours that are very educational.
* Gaze at the stars. You can do this for free on a clear summer night, or you can visit the planetarium.
* Pick wild berries. They taste great right off the vine or bush, and you can also take them home to use in cobblers and other dishes that you can make with your kids.
* Get a jar and let the kids catch fireflies. You might even find yourself getting involved!
* Set up a scavenger hunt for the kids. Make a list of items found in nature, and let them loose in your back yard or at a nature park. Provide a special prize for the winner and consolation prizes for the runners up.
* Go to a minor league baseball game. Tickets are much cheaper than those for major league games, and the atmosphere is much more relaxed and family-friendly.
* Make a bird feeder by spreading peanut butter on a large pine cone and rolling it in birdseed. Hang it up in the front yard and watch as the birds flock to it.
* Create a family scrapbook. Have each child contribute a page or two, or assign each one a task such as creating page layouts, choosing photos and cropping.
* Check your local newspaper for event listings. You could find free concerts in the park, play groups and more.
Having fun in the summer isn’t only for the well-to-do. There are plenty of activities you can do in your own back yard that are free or very inexpensive. And with some research, you can find affordable activities in your hometown and neighboring areas. There’s no need to let summer boredom get the best of you and your family. Fun can be had on budgets of any size!
Mention the word “budget”, and people’s eyes tend to glaze over. Budgeting isn’t the most exciting activity in the world, and on the surface it is extremely limiting. We don’t like it when other people try to tell us how to spend our money, and even setting parameters of our own may seem too much.
What many of us do not realize is that a budget is the ticket to financial freedom. It restricts what we spend each month, but in the long run it allows us to get more out of our money. Instead of frittering funds away on things we could comfortably do without, we can save up for emergencies as well as things we enjoy.
Here are ten tips for creating a budget, setting priorities and keeping tabs on spending.
1. Be realistic. All too often, we create the perfect budget on paper, only to completely blow it in practice. This is frequently because we are not realistic about our expenses. It may help to save all receipts for a month before you start on your budget. That way you can evaluate how much you’re really spending and avoid budgeting too little for any given item.
2. Remember the little things. Eating out every day instead of packing your lunch might not seem like a big deal, but it can really add up. The same is true for many of the habits we have. Cutting back where practical can save you more money than you might think.
3. Lower your bills when possible. A good place to start is with your cable bill. Do you really need all of those movie channels? What about your cell phone bill? Would a less expensive plan meet your needs? Knocking a few dollars a month off of your bills could leave you with hundreds of extra dollars each year.
4. Get the whole family involved. A budget affects the entire household, so everyone should have a say. You may have to make changes that everyone doesn’t agree with, but they will be more likely to accept them if you listen to all input. Family members may also have ideas that you wouldn’t have thought of on your own.
5. Give everyone an allowance, not just the kids. Setting reasonable limits for discretionary spending will help prevent your budget from being derailed.
6. Make sure the necessities always come first. Budgeting for entertainment and other wants is important, but if push comes to shove, food, water, clothing and shelter are the most important things. Budget for these and the things that enable you to work (such as transportation) first.
7. Include savings in your budget. Saving up some money for emergencies is crucial for every individual and family. Try coming up with an amount to save each month and include it in the budget before any non-necessities.
8. Keep track of all expenditures. Save receipts or write down every expense so you can compare your actual spending to your budget. If you spend less money than budgeted, consider allocating more to savings. If you spend more money than you planned, you need to either watch your spending more closely or make adjustments to your budget.
9. Avoid using credit cards irresponsibly. Buying on credit will result in less spending of money in the short run, but you will have to pay it back with interest unless the balance is paid in full each month.
10. If you get extra money, use it wisely. Consider putting it directly into savings or using it to pay down debt. Spending it on something you want might feel good, but that doesn’t help your overall financial picture.
Credit can be a wonderful thing. But when it gets out of hand, it can wreak havoc on our finances. This is especially true when it comes to credit cards. Charging up a large balance is bad enough, and by the time you add in fees and high interest rates, the debt can be overwhelming.
In a perfect world, everyone would use credit wisely and pay off balances within a month or two. But in reality, cardholders often build up a mountain of debt and fail to realize it until it’s unmanageable. That’s when it’s time to put the plastic away and work on paying off the balance. Here are some tips to help you do that.
1. Rework your budget, eliminating unnecessary items. Even little things like that cup of coffee you buy on the way to work every morning can add up. Once you’ve decided what you can do without, add up how much you’ll save and add it to your monthly payment.
2. Volunteer for overtime, or get a second job. Put all the extra money you make toward your balance.
3. Reduce your overall interest rate. If you have a low interest card that allows balance transfers, transfer the balance of a higher interest card to it. Even if you can only transfer part of the balance, you will save some money and be able to pay everything off more quickly.
4. Put lump sums of money that you receive toward your credit cards. These may include tax refunds, bonuses or settlement proceeds. This can save you a lot of money in interest.
5. Put your raises toward paying down your debt. A raise is money that you were living without before, so you should be able to continue to live without it until you’ve paid off your credit cards.
6. Sell stuff. Get rid of that extra vehicle, or have a garage sale. We all have things sitting around that we could do without, and those things can make us money. Use the extra cash to help pay off your credit card debt.
7. Snowball your debt. This simply means paying the minimum payment on all but one card, and paying as much as possible toward that one until it’s paid off. Then you move on to another card, paying the minimum payment plus what you were paying toward the previous one. Repeat until all balances are paid in full.
8. Get help from friends and family. A loan from someone who is close to you can help you get out of debt, and repayment terms are usually much more favorable. But it’s still important to have a repayment agreement and follow it carefully.
9. Negotiate with your creditors. If you’re having a hard time paying off your balance, they might be willing to lower your interest rate. You may be required to stop using your card while the lower rate is in effect, but a moratorium on charging until your finances are in better shape is a good idea anyway.
10. Talk to a credit counselor. If you are several thousand dollars in debt and can’t afford your payments, credit counseling could save you from bankruptcy. A credit counselor will negotiate with creditors on your behalf, and can usually get you lower interest rates and reduced payments. Once it’s all set up, you make one monthly payment to the credit counseling agency, and they forward the appropriate amount to each creditor.
Credit card debt is one of the most wide spread financial problems throughout many countries of the world. The convenience of using credit cards, combined with the special offers, discounts and reward systems offered by the credit card companies make this method of paying for goods the number one favorite for hundreds of millions of people. However, irrational spending or simply gradual uncontrolled spending habits can lead to a lot of accumulated debt. Preventing this is essential, as it is much easier to avoid credit card debt problems before they grow strong, instead of battling them when they are already at maximum intensity.
The temptation to use credit cards repeatedly a fact that is also supported by the reward systems and lower monthly payments – will often lead to debt problems. Here are a few tips that will help you use your credit cards more wisely and enable you to prevent the unpleasant situations of having to pay off credit card debts: Set your budget create a framework for a monthly budget, as this will enable you to get a better sense of what your earning and spending balance is. Much notice that they simply can’t stick with the planned budget in this case you should leave your credit card at home when going shopping, and use cash instead. Try to pay as much of the balance for each month. Don’t settle for the minimum payment, as that will gradually develop into credit card debt as you are loosing quite a lot of money to interest rates.
Always remember that your credit card is a cash substitute, nothing more. You can either carry a balance, which comes with a high interest loan or you can make the minimum payments. Although the amount of the minimum payment seems insignificant (it is usually around 3% of the entire balance), this approach will gradually put you in debt. The credit card company accepts such low payments because they get their money back from keeping you in debt for an unlimited period by using high interest rates.
Many studies have been carried out on the psychology of the credit card owner. We tend to spend more than we can afford, own things that are above our financial reality levels and gratify an immediate need with a debt that might take years to pay off. Try to adapt your spending habits to your life style and earnings. If you can’t pay off the balance on a monthly basis, then you are going into a vicious circle of overspending and credit card debt. Don’t use the credit card anymore, until you pay off the outstanding balance. You should also make sure to pay it off on time, as there might be late fees and different other financial penalties that will further complicate your debt problem. Your credit record will also get damaged if your payments are inconsistent and you are often late with them.
Prevent credit card debt by making sure to keep your finances simple. Use only one or two credit cards, if possible. The more cards you have the higher are the chances that you will not be able to pay them off in time. Never pay off one credit card balance with another credit card. If this happens, you need to drastically change your spending habits and come up with a good credit card management plan. Cash advances might sound attractive, but the truth is that they come with higher interest rates and you don’t get a grace period. There are also transaction fees to worry about.
The credit industry is extremely dynamic, and credit card issuers are always trying new ways to convince more people to sign up with their services. Different forms of rewards, life insurances, protection plans or point systems were created to make the credit card plans more attractive. Make sure you don’t let your emotional side dictate when you make a credit card related decision. Getting free gifts or free air miles sounds amazing, but is it really worth it? Try to base your choice on hard facts and a realistic financial plan, not on an advertising created fantasy.
There was a time when road trips were among the best vacation options for those on a budget. But with rising gas prices, they have become much more expensive. Even so, many vacationers still enjoy hitting the road and seeing the sights along the way. When planning a road trip, it is crucial to estimate gas costs as accurately as possible. If you just guess, you could find yourself halfway to your destination and out of money! Here is how to determine approximately how much you will have to spend on gas.
1. For at least a couple of weeks, keep track of your gas mileage. The easiest way to do this is to fill up and reset your trip odometer. The next time you get gas, fill up again and write down how much gas it took to fill up and how many miles you drove.
2. Divide the miles driven by the amount of gas used. For example, if you drove 200 miles and it took 10 gallons to fill up, you would divide 200 by 10 to get 20 miles per gallon.
3. Remember to fill up each time you get gas and figure your gas mileage. Once you have done this a few times, add up the results and divide the total by the number of times you filled up to get your average gas mileage.
4. Figure out how many miles you will be driving during your vacation. This is easy to do with online tools such as Google Maps. Just put in your starting point, add your destinations in order, and you will see a map with the best route and the total mileage.
5. Divide the total number of miles you will travel by the miles per gallon figure you came up with. Multiply that number by the price of gas per gallon, and you will have a good idea of how much you can expect to spend on gas.
Keep in mind that gas prices fluctuate. By the time you take your road trip, gas prices could have gone up or down. They will also vary from city to city. So it is smart to budget a little bit extra, just to be sure.
Saving Money on Gas
There are some things you can do to keep your fuel costs as low as possible. Here are a few:
* Seek out the cheapest gas prices along the way. Check prices in the towns and cities you will be passing through on a site such as GasBuddy.com, and try to fill up at the least expensive stations.
* Use cruise control when practical. This will keep you at a constant speed, which can seriously improve your gas mileage.
* Avoid speeding. Not only can this get you an expensive ticket, it is also bad for gas mileage. The optimal speed for fuel efficiency is 55 mph, and when you go faster than that you are using more gas than you should.
* Avoid abrupt stops and starts as much as possible. Try to coast to red lights so that they will have time to turn green before you reach them. When you have to stop, accelerate slowly and steadily when the light turns green.
* Get a tune-up before you leave. Things like replacing air and fuel filters and making sure your tires are inflated properly can help boost your gas mileage.
Creating a gas budget for your road trip can help avoid unpleasant surprises along the way. And if you drive with fuel efficiency in mind, you might even use less gas than you had planned.
We all need a vacation every now and then. Getting away from the stresses of everyday life for a while leaves us refreshed and gives us a new sense of purpose. But when money is a concern, jetting off to a remote island may not be an option. Even going on a road trip could put an undue strain on the budget.
It can be disappointing when we are not able to take the vacation of our dreams, but that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t take a break. And it certainly doesn’t mean we cannot have fun. More than anything, vacation is a state of mind. If we can get ourselves into that state of mind, we can enjoy ourselves and distress without going far from home.
No matter where you live, there is something inexpensive you can do during summer vacation. Here are some ideas:
* Get acquainted with the arts in your area. Visit nearby galleries, or take in a show put on by the local theatre troop. Large cities may have more to choose from when it comes to art, but most smaller cities and towns have something to offer too. You might be surprised at what you find if you try.
* Plan a camping trip. Whether you rent a spot from a campground or just set up a tent in the back yard, camping is a great way to break the monotony without breaking the bank. There is just something about roasting marshmallows and sleeping under the stars that soothes the spirit.
* Visit a museum. Chances are there is a museum of some kind in your town. Whether it is a history museum or just some wacky collection, it will be a learning experience.
* Take advantage of the park system. State and national parks are wonderful recreation destinations, and they offer lots of activities that are cheap or free. Some have lakes that you can swim, boat or fish in, and most have hiking trails. There are also picnic areas, and some parks host special events for the public.
* Set up your own water park in the back yard. Invest in a quick-set pool, a slip and slide, some water guns and other inexpensive water toys. You can have lots of fun without the crowds for less than the price of a couple of days admission at most water parks.
* Organize a block party. Have each guest bring a dish, fire up the grill and set up the badminton net. If everyone pitches in, each person’s costs will be minimal and everybody will have lots of fun.
No matter what you do during your vacation, it is important that you relax. The idea is to take a break from work and everyday life, not to stay close enough to keep tabs on it. So resist the urge to check your email incessantly or go back to work early.
Vacationing at home has become a popular way to save money. But it does not have to be a sentence to boredom. If you treat it like a true vacation and make it a point to schedule things to do, an at-home vacation can be just as fun and beneficial as a trip to a traditional vacation spot.
Going on vacation can be fun, relaxing and rejuvenating. But one thing it usually is not is cheap. Just paying for a place to stay and admission to attractions can add up to hundreds of dollars. And by the time you factor in travel, dining and shopping, your vacation could cost a small fortune.
The good news is that if you know where to look, you can find coupons and discounts that will significantly reduce your costs. It is entirely possible to go on a trip and not pay full price for anything. Here are some places to look for vacation deals.
* Visit Free-Attractions.com. This website lists lots of things you can do for free all over the United States. There are zoos, museums, parks, festivals and more, and they are all organized by city and state.
* If you are interested in visiting a specific place, visit the area’s official tourism website. Many such sites offer coupons for local attractions. Some make printable coupons available online, while others will send you a coupon book for free or for the cost of shipping and handling. If you pay for coupons, however, it is important to be certain that you will use enough of them to make up for the cost.
* Get your hands on a newspaper or guidebook from the area you plan to visit. These are great sources of coupons.
* Check the official websites of attractions you plan to visit. They may offer coupons or have details of promotions that are going on. Some offer reduced admission or two-for-one deals on certain dates.
* Consider a season pass. Amusement parks often sell them for the price of two to three days admission. If you are planning to visit for a week and go to the park each day, a season pass might be the cheapest way to go. And if there is an attraction in your area that you might visit several times in a year, a season pass is definitely the way to go.
* Look for package deals. These are often available from travel agencies, and include airfare, accommodations, admission to attractions, and often dining and shopping gift certificates. It is important to add everything up to make sure you are getting a good deal, but such packages can save you big bucks.
* Are you a member of an organization such as AAA or AARP? They offer discounts to their members for lots of things, including vacation expenses. Even some credit card and insurance companies offer special discounts to their customers.
There are numerous ways to save money on a vacation. If you plan well in advance, you may be able to knock hundreds of dollars off of your expenses. That is money that you can use to pay off debt, put into savings, or put away to go toward next year’s vacation.
Rail
Another way to budget your summer vacation is to ascertain if it would be cheaper to travel by rail. While many hotels and tour companies are discounting packages, airline rates make up the bulk of the vacation expense.
If you live in the US and decide to travel to Orlando, check out the rates for travel by rail.
Note: Since the journey may be longer than 24 hours, depending upon where you live, you may wish to inquire about sleeping arrangements on Amtrak. In fact, you can bookmark Amtrak’s vacation specials for later viewing.
If you plan on vacationing in California, for example, you may want to check out Amtrak’s Yosemite by Train.
Cruise
One of the most popular and affordable ways to travel is by booking a cruise. This all-inclusive vacation is ideal for families. Disney Cruises offers a 3, 4, and 7 night package that has many discounts that allow you to stay within your budget.
For cruises on Disney Wonder and Disney Magic, check out Affordabletours.com at: http://cruises.affordabletours.com/search/advanced_search/?cruiseline=14
In addition, Expedia.com is also offering an affordable cruise on the ship Disney Wonder on August 27. This three-night cruise takes you to the Bahamas and Castaway Cay (an island owned by Disney), and the rates start at $399.00.
Why are cruises so ideal for families? Everything is included. There is always something to do on board, the ports of call are terrific, and as with the two Disney ships, the kids will have the time of their lives. For older kids, there are youth programs on board to make their cruise a most memorable one.
Another benefit is that most of these cruises leave from Florida and New York. Thus, if the airfares are too high, you can always travel to the departure points by rail.
TIP: There are certain times during the year that ships are not fully booked. Therefore, check the prices online first and then call the cruise line. Ask if they have a special family package and then inquire if they can upgrade you to a better cabin. You never know; it may be cheaper to book directly with the cruise line.
Road Trip
The third alternative is to take a family road trip. There are many benefits to this type of vacation. You are not locked into a specific date of departure; you can visit areas in your home state; you can select B&Bs or affordable motels along the route; and more importantly – you are not on anyone’s schedule but your own.
If you want to budget this type of family vacation, it is highly recommended that you join AAA (if you are not already a member). The benefits outweigh the cost of the membership. AAA provides discounts accommodations. You can save up to 20% on such hotels as Holiday Inn, Comfort Inn, and some Disney hotels, too.
For more information, check out AAA at: http://www.aaa.com/AAA_Travel/Travel/travel.htm
Another advantage in using AAA is that once you give them the destination, they will map out the scenic route as well as offer advice on accommodations and worthwhile places to stop along the way.
TIP: Speaking of discounts, you may want to purchase the Entertainment Book, which you can use at the destination you select. With over 150 editions to places such as Orlando, New York, Las Vegas, and California; this book is now being sold for half the price. It can be an invaluable resource geared towards huge savings on restaurants, admissions to parks and museums, theatres, attractions, and a variety of stores as well. You can purchase this book at: http://www.entertainment.com/discount/home.shtml.
Coupons can also save you money on your vacation. For example, once you have decided upon a destination, go to their online tourism or visitor’s bureau site. There you may find discounts on meals, attractions, and sightseeing tours. In addition, you can search for online coupon codes that could be used for hotels, airlines, and rental cars as well.
Air Travel
As mentioned earlier, this can become the most expensive part of the trip. There are three ways you can find the cheapest airline flights.
1. You can call the airlines directly (preferably on Wednesday) to determine what the rates are to any given destination.
2. You can check with a host of online websites that offer air only at discount prices.
3. You can call your travel agent and obtain the latest information on airline rates.
The first option is dependent upon booking early; at least two months in advance. The second option is to check the following online sites:
Expedia.com: http://www.expedia.com/default.asp
Travelocity: http://www.travelocity.com/
Cheap Flights: http://www.cheapflights.co.uk/
Priceline: http://www.priceline.com/
Kayak: http://www.kayak.com/
Trip Advisor: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Flights
Travelzoo: http://www.travelzoo.com/
Airfarewatchdog: http://www.airfarewatchdog.com/
The third option, of course, is to contact your travel agent. When travel agents book group tours, they usually block a number of seats on an airline. If the travel agent cannot fill those blocked seats, they will offer the air portion only at a special rate.
So too, travel agents deal with tour operators such as Tauck Tours or Perillo. Oftentimes the tour operator will contact the travel agent to ask if they have any clients who are traveling to their specific destinations.
If the tour operator cannot fill those airline seats, they will offer them to the agent to sell. This can be a tremendous savings for the traveler as the rates are always discounted.
TIP: Before you book a flight with an airline, online website, or travel agent; it is important to ask about the terms and fees. How much are the cancellation fees for airlines or does the online website charge additional fees for booking with them. While travel agents do not charge fees, ask for the trip cancellation coverage to cover any eventuality.
Home Swapping
Home swapping has become another alternative for vacationers. This is where you can really enjoy significant savings anywhere in the world. Home Exchange is a comprehensive website that offers information on every aspect of home swapping. Located at: http://www.homeexchange.com/, there is a membership fee of $99.95 for one year.
Currently, there are over 26,000 listings for those of you who would be interested in swapping homes with other vacationers who also want to budget their summer vacation. The top ten destinations where you can travel to using this method are: Italy, Spain, Australia, France, England, U.S., Canada, Switzerland, The Netherlands, and New Zealand.
Their FAQ page at http://www.homeexchange.com/faq.html answers many of the questions you may already be asking yourself about opening up your home to strangers. Further, their six-chapter ABCs of Home Exchange is an invaluable resource for first timers.
Home Exchange has been in business for 14 years, and the testimonials given are a true indication of how widely popular this method of vacationing has become.
Camping
Camping has always been a great vacation for families, and planning a camping trip this year can certainly reduce overall expenses. The advantages are many including preparing your own meals, camping under the stars, outdoor activities for the entire family, and there is always a hint of adventure.
Even if you have never camped out before, consider how inexpensive this vacation can be. For example, you would need to purchase the following items: a tent, sleeping bags, camp stove, and a cooler. The total amount for these items would fall well under $500.00.
Other costs would include gas (if you are driving to a destination in your state), car maintenance (including oil and filter change), and the cost of incidental items such as toiletries and the like.
Hostels
If you are considering vacationing abroad, you may wish to check out the Youth Hostels Association at: http://www.yha.org.uk/. They offer family rooms with rates starting at $70 per night in such destinations as England and Wales.
To book hostels online, it is preferable that you utilize any of the three websites listed:
Hostelling International at: http://www.hihostels.com/
Trip Advisor at: http://www.tripadvisor.com/Search?q=hostels&sub-search=Go.
Hostelbookers at: http://www.hostelbookers.com/tips/family-hostels/.
While staying at hostels might not be for everyone, they have become a popular alternative to staying in the more expensive hotels in Europe and around the world. Moreover, their effort to provide quality rooms for families has contributed to their growth in popularity.
This brings us to our next topic……..
Accommodations
No matter what mode of travel you decide upon on your summer vacation, accommodations are the second most important item on the list. If you choose a complete air/land package, for example, you will have a choice of the most affordable accommodations to the most expensive.
On the other hand, if you decide to book air and hotel accommodations separately, it’s a good idea to check with several hotels directly to determine if they are offering special family packages. Afterward, you can check these same hotels on the websites provided herein and compare prices.
You can budget your summer vacation by selecting hotels that offer free meals for kids and/or free accommodations, age dependent of course.
Or, for example, you can select accommodations that have kitchen facilities so that you can save on meals. Priceline.com has information on hotels with kitchenettes.
TIP: Most hotels today have had a decrease in occupancy. Therefore, when contacting a hotel it’s a good idea to negotiate rates. There’s no harm in asking, and you may be surprised at what they are willing to offer just to have you stay at their hotel.
Budget for Expenses
At the beginning of this report we discussed planning ahead for your summer vacation. This requires that you budget for every aspect of the vacation no matter what type of vacation you decide upon.
Here are 10 expenses to include in your vacation budget:
1. If you are taking a road trip, estimate the mileage and costs for gas. You can check online websites that offer gas prices in any state. Ensure that the car has been checked and is ready for the journey.
2. How much will it cost for accommodations? Assuming you choose a hotel or motel that offers kitchenette facilities, estimate how much the grocery bill would be. If you decide to eat out, you can easily check the restaurants online and view their menus and prices.
3. Air fare costs. This will be the bulk of your vacation expense. Remember to book early.
4. Tours. Most air/land packages will features one or two tours. If you plan to take additional tours, check the prices online. There are many discounted tours available in most destinations.
5. Additional transportation costs. In areas where you need to find alternate modes of transportation such as taxis, put aside a specific amount of funds for this in the budget.
6. Shopping. Set aside an amount for each member of the family to spend on this vacation. Explain the importance of sticking to the budget to the children.
7. Use traveler’s checks whenever possible, but take a credit card in case of an emergency. Add the cost of purchasing traveler’s checks to the budget.
8. If you are traveling abroad, purchase $100 in foreign currency before you travel.
9. If you are traveling abroad for the first time, budget for passports, visas, and vaccinations (where applicable).
10. Whether you are traveling by air, rail, or ship – budget for cancellation insurance.
Planning and budgeting for your summer vacation takes a bit of research, but it is well worth the time to find discounts, coupons, and special deals across the spectrum.
With summer just a few months away, now is the time to begin the planning process for your summer vacation. At a time when everyone is limiting their expenditures, this report will offer tips and suggestions on how you can budget your summer vacation.
We will discuss transportation options such as air, rail, ship, and car; accommodations; sightseeing tours; meals; and how to cut overall expenses.
In addition, we will offer information on discounts, coupons, entertainment books, and the advantages of joining AAA.
Planning ahead can save you hundreds of dollars. In this regard, we will offer many online websites where you can lock in some of the best deals available.
We will also talk about home-swapping, which has become a popular alternative way to save on vacation costs, camping, and staying at hostels.
One of the most important considerations in budgeting for a vacation is deciding when to travel. With peak season rates starting the beginning of July, there are a myriad of places where you can travel during high season and still save money. We will highlight those as well.
Choosing a Destination
Before choosing a destination, determine how much money you can set aside for the vacation. Factor in the entire package as well as meals, tours, car rental, rail and bus passes, and incidentals.
Check the many travel websites online to determine what destinations are hot this summer. Select the top five packages. Then check airline rates and hotel rates separately. Compare the prices. You may find that a certain hotel is offering a special package that is more affordable than booking the entire package.
TIP: When checking airline rates, do so on Wednesdays as this is the day new rates go into effect.
Also make a visit to your local travel agent. Ask about the five destinations you have chosen to ascertain if he or she can give you a lower price. Travel agents receive previews of special packages from tour operators and airlines. They know the ins and outs of finding the most affordable vacation areas.
For example, group travel is a great way to save money. Travel agents are apprised of many air/land packages in which either the hotel or airline has seats available.
Note: Travel agents work on commission. Thus, they do not pass on any additional fees to the consumer but receive their commission from tour operators and airlines.
Suffice to say, booking early saves money. The general rule of thumb is to book a package two months in advance. In this way, you are receiving the best air fare rate and locking in accommodations at the hotel. This is particularly important if you are going to a destination that is highly popular during peak season.
For example, Walt Disney World is one of the most popular destinations during the summer months. Moreover, you need not stay so close to the theme park but instead, can book a hotel further away in Kissimmee. Most of these hotels offer free meals for kids, which is another money-saver.
