Everyone deserves a break. Just because budgets are tight doesn't mean families can't enjoy a vacation. The secret to an affordable vacation is to focus on fun activities that bring the family together. The location doesn't have to be exotic or even far away to make lasting memories.
Vacations Close to Home
One way to afford a great summer vacation is to take advantage of bargains close to home. Every city or region has attractions other people travel far to see. Families should play tourist in their own city to discover fun right under their noses.
The local Chamber of Commerce or Tourist Bureau is a good place to start. A visit to one of these offices should net brochures, maps, and coupons for local attractions. Many museums have discount or free days. Local festivals and fairs are another good bet for inexpensive entertainment. Chambers of Commerce and tourist bureaus also often have coupons for lodging and dining.
Many cities publish Entertainment Coupon books which include two-for-one dining coupons, discounts to attractions ranging from theme parks to bowling alleys and mini golf courses. These coupons can help a family stretch their vacation dollars and experience more fun activities.
Vacationing at home doesn't have to mean staying at home. Many city hotels offer weekend vacation packages which include lodging and a meal or two. A night or two in a hotel with a pool, close to downtown attractions such as museums and restaurants, can make even a short weekend into a fun getaway.
Vacation Swap
Another way to have an affordable vacation is to trade places with another family in a different part of the country. House swapping allows families in different parts of the country - or different parts of the world - to experience each others' lifestyles. Though families can arrange such swaps privately, registering with a house swapping agency provides additional security, since every member is screened. A small deposit may be required to register, and guests must maintain each other's homes and may be responsible for looking after pets and plants. But the rewards are affordable accommodations and insiders' tips on the best things to see and places to eat in the area.
Youth Hostels and Cabin Getaways
Though youth hostels began as places for hitchhiking college students to bunk, many hostels now also have family rooms. Hostels offer inexpensive lodging with shared kitchen and living facilities. Families will usually have a room to themselves, but may be required to share a bathroom. Since hostels are popular with European travelers, families who stay here will get to meet people from all over the world. In addition to a cheap place to sleep, most hostels are located near public transportation and have kitchens where guests can prepare their own meals, adding up to savings on both food and transportation.
While camping can be one of the least expensive vacation options, not everyone wants to bed down in a tent. Many state and national parks and private campgrounds also offer cabins or yurts for rent at reasonable prices. A yurt is a round tent with a wooden floor and regular furnishings that can comfortably accommodate a family. These lodgings allow families to experience the beauty and outdoor activities of more remote areas without having to rough it. Guests are usually required to supply their own bedding and sometimes their own cooking utensils, but everything else is provided. Families can hike, fish, bike, swim and barbecue.
Whether families want to vacation at home or abroad, a little advance planning and bargain hunting will reward them with a fun, affordable vacation they'll never forget.
Cynthia Myers - Cynthia Myers is the author of more than three dozen novels and hundreds of short stories and articles for publications ranging from ...
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