How To

How to Vacation on a Budget

Contributor
By Tricia Goss
eHow Contributing Writer
(1 Ratings)
Vacation on a Budget
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.

From Quick Guide: AAA Auto Club 101
Difficulty: Moderate
Instructions
  1. Step 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. Step 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. Step 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. Step 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. Step 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.

Comments  

aaatexas said

Flag This Comment

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
harold.paula@aaa-texas.com
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!

Post a Comment

Post a Comment
  • Have you done this? Click here to let us know.
I Did This

Related Ads

Personal Finance
Mark P Cussen, CFP, CMFC,

Meet Mark P Cussen, CFP, CMFC eHow's Personal Finance Expert.

Get Free Personal Finance Newsletters

Copyright © 1999-2009 eHow, Inc. Use of this web site constitutes acceptance of the eHow Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.   en-US

eHow Personal Finance
eHow_eHow Business and Finance