Cheap Vacation Tip
The news has been full the last few weeks and especially the last few days with talk of a recession. We have decided it is time for us to really get serious about reducing our expenses and increasing our savings.
It is almost time for vacations and of course spring break is upon us right now. I thought I would give you something to think about as you plan.
Try vacationing at home. I know this doesn’t sound exciting at first but you can make this the best vacation you have ever had. I grew up in New Jersey and I have never been to the Statue of Liberty. Can you believe it? We took the ferry all the time to see our grandparents but never bothered to visit one of the most recognizable sites in the world. I am betting the same is true of you.
Set a few ground rules:
No friends…none, no texting, no phones, no visits…that goes for mom and dad too
Screen all your calls. Only family emergencies should be responded too. If you were in Europe everything would have to wait until after vacation so make everything wait!!
No cooking for mom! Now is the time to purchase muffins and those sugary cold cereals you new allow through the door. Have juices, milk and a huge bowl of fresh fruit and design your own continental breakfast. Of course paper plates are the rule! For lunch have chips, carrot sticks, breads, lunch meats, cheeses and even a soda or two on hand. Remember sodas purchased in bulk are cheap and they will become cheaper as the summer months approach. (Check out the Seasonal Shopping post under Money Saving Ideas) Splurge for dinner and order a pizza or go for fast food.
Get a friend involved. Ask a friend to come in each day while you are visiting local sites and make the beds. Be sure she leaves a chocolate on each pillow and straightens the bathrooms. Not clean, just straighten. To save even more money prepare casseroles or other quick fix foods and leave them with this friend. They can bring the dinner and leave it for you warming in the oven or bring it by just like room service.
Ask yourself, would we do this in a hotel? If yes, then do it, house rules suspended. If you would rent or order a movie at a hotel and set on the floor eating pizza, Do it! Put a blanket on the floor first and make memories! I have done this with my grandchildren and they love….it.
Check out the local chamber of commerce in near by towns for ideas of places to visit. If you take day trips take a picnic lunch and ask the locals for a great park. Think of friends who may have horses who can teach your family to ride, or go river rafting (people come from all over California to do that here but we never have).
Have you ever vacationed at home? Please share your ideas with all of us. For more frugal vacation ideas check out the blog Small Cents . There are some good ideas there for vacation savings of all kinds.
I love your ideas here! We will have to do this this summer. Thanks for the great tips!!!
Thanks for the mention! And I love your idea about eating pizza on the floor!