How to Vacation on a Budget

Stress is unhealthy, which is one reason why a vacation can actually help boost your health. Vacations ward off burnout and build family bonds. You might think a vacation is impossible, on your family's budget. However, these tips will help show you how to plan a vacation you can afford.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Make your budget fund a family affair. Keep a five-gallon water bottle or other big container in the family room and ask everybody to empty their change into the jar each day. In a year's time you will have a tidy sum of cash!

2. When looking for lodging, consider a "star" less than you might normally reserve. After all, how much time will you really spend in the room? Or consider bidding on a room at websites such as Priceline.com, where you can name your price and possibly get a great deal.

3. If you do spend much of your time hanging out in the room, consider a cabin or suite with at least a mini kitchen. Buy purchasing and cooking most of your meals, you can save a bundle.

4. With gas prices at all-time highs, traveling to your vacation destination can be the bulk of your budget. Consider a location that is close enough to home to save money, but far enough away to really feel like a get-away.

5. Visit friends and family for your vacation. Staying with loved ones can save a pretty penny as well as be a fun, memory-building time. If you do stay with relatives or friends, be a good guest. Clean up after yourself, pitch in on food and other costs, and don't wear out your welcome.

Tips & Warnings

• If you have a AAA or similar membership, ask about discounts, coupons and even free road maps.

[aaatexas]

on 7/15/2008 A great way to save on your roadside assistance or car insurance is to switch to a member-owned company which will allow you to get lower rates. Once a member of AAA Texas you are eligible for their insurance products.

If you contact me (instead of going online) for a new membership, I will:

-waive $20 admission fee on AAA membership
-include a FREE spouse/associate member (an additional $26 savings!)
-provide a FREE, no obligation, comprehensive insurance review (avg AAA member saves over $350 a year on their car insurance!)

My contact information is below:

Paula Harold
AAA Texas
[e-mail]
1-800-222-8586 ext.5078
210-403-5078

Don't go online! Call me today!

I'd love to help save you money & answer any questions about the membership or insurance in general. Just send me an email!