How to Take Inexpensive Family Vacations

Inexpensive family vacations can mean twice the fun for a fraction of the price most getaways cost. Staying on budget and having an enjoyable time doesn't have to mean staying close to home, although it might. There is a state park or national forest within an hour's drive of nearly every home in the country, and many families don't take enough advantage of these opportunities. Here are some fun ways to take inexpensive family vacations.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

1. 
   Camping trip

   Take the family camping. There is probably a public or private camping ground within a reasonable distance from your house. Enjoy a change of pace, different scenery and a chance for fun family time -- a camping trip is one of the most popular inexpensive family vacations available. Choose a campground with amenities such as a pool and camping cabins or attractions such as a lake or hiking trails to make the most of your getaway.

2. 
   Beach fun

   Bring the kids to the closest beach for inexpensive family vacations. As long as you can find mid-priced accommodations (stay right outside town if it's a resort area) and save money on food (have cook-outs instead of eating at restaurants), a beach vacation can be made to fit any budget.

3. 
   Canoeing trip

   Look up local lakes or rivers for canoeing or tubing. Decide how far you can travel based on your fuel budget, and search for basic cabin rentals or camping accommodations for overnight stays. Be sure to pack life jackets, bug spray, sunscreen and sunglasses -- avoid paying top dollar at convenience stores.

4. 
   Amusement park

   Find out about water parks and amusement/ theme parks in your area, or that are near enough to drive. Find out about discount days, out of season ticket prices and other ways to save money.

5. 
   Bring snacks

   Pack food and snacks. Wherever your trip takes you, you'll have a more inexpensive family vacation if you pack snack food and even ingredients for meals, rather than relying on restaurants and food vendors.

Tips & Warnings

• Make reservations in advance whenever possible -- many campgrounds and cabin rentals are sold out on popular weekends.

Resources

• Free budget worksheets

[amberdawn]

on 11/17/2008 Great ideas! 5*

[Bfastattiffanys]

on 11/17/2008 These are very nice ideas. We are always looking for something affordable to do these days. *****

[CCrock]

on 11/17/2008 I love these ideas! We often slept outside on our trampoline growing up and those were some great mini-getaways filled with great memories!

[MIghtyDreamer]

on 11/17/2008 Yep our own backyards are a lot of times grand playgrounds. good thoughts.