As I child, my family hardly ever went on any kind of vacation. When they did, it was never very far (i.e. it bordered the state we lived in). When I got married and had children, I promised myself that I would give them the vacations I never had as a child.
I had three children in rather rapid succession, so my wife and I decided to hold off on the vacations until they were all old enough to really enjoy them. My youngest will turn 2 and my oldest will 6 this year, so our thoughts have once again returned to a weeklong excursion to places unknown. I suddenly realized something, it’s really expensive to go on vacation.
I knew taking three kids anywhere wouldn’t be cheap, but I guess taking into account five airline tickets, hotel and all the amenities slipped my mind. For those people like me who need a little help saving for a vacation, here are some of the tips and tricks I have learned.
Save over time and plan: Never expect that you’ll be able to pay for a vacation right when you first think about it. There are so many extra costs that you never really think about. You could end up stranded with no money, or all the attractions you wanted to see are sold out. Talk to a travel agent and plan out your vacation. Agents can usually work with you as far as a year in advance and even go so far as to book everything and put you on a payment plan. With the trip planned, decide how much you will need to save per month or pay period to afford the vacation, and the extras like souvenirs and fun not covered by your vacation plan.
Book during non premium times: Sure, it may be hurricane season, but those tickets to Walt Disney World are much more affordable. OK, so maybe during hurricane season isn’t the best, but traveling during non-peak times can save you a bundle. You may have to deal with slightly colder or hotter temps, but it will be worth it if you get to take your vacation four months earlier than expected.
Go all-inclusive: One of the best things about cruise and some other vacations are the words all-inclusive. That means you don’t have to pay a thing while you are there. Entertainment is provided, food is provided, and you can leave your pocket book in the cabin. It may be more expensive outright, but not worrying about running out of food money a week into your trip means you can enjoy your time more. You will still need cash when going off the ship or outside the theme park, but the bulk of the standard expenses are already paid for.
Weekend trips: A vacation doesn’t have to mean across the country or even a long period of time. Some of the best vacations my wife and I ever had where just over the weekend at nearby attractions. Water parks, historical museums and other local treasures may be old hat to you, but they are brand new to your children. Drive a few hours to a zoo, eat a nice meal at a fun restaurant and maybe do a little shopping. Head home and you still have a day of your weekend left to relax or spend the night at a hotel if you want that vacation feel.
Family vacations are an important part of childhood, so try to take a few weekend trips every year and one big vacation every few years. It’s fun for you and for the kids. You make lifelong memories that they will pass down to their own kids in the future, when they go on vacation.
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