Summer is here and it is time to get away as a family. If you are like most families, you took a staycation s last year. This year, you may be more inclined to actually go somewhere special. A resort vacation will probably fit the bill. With that said, going to a resort for vacation does not mean throwing all rules on frugality out of the window. Instead, you should be even more frugal than normal in order to get the best vacation for the least money.
Here are some things you should do when planning a frugal vacation:
Decide on your vacation budget: Before you start spending, you need to decide how much you can afford to spend without cutting into your household budget. If your pay period is like ours, every two weeks, then you are able to take a paycheck in the summer for vacation (and one in the winter for Christmas) as there is a third paycheck in the month of July, (and also one in December). Of course your household budget would be based on two paychecks per month. Other ways of deciding your vacation budget could be working overtime or an extra job for a month, putting aside a little money all year, or putting aside a portion of your tax return. Once you have determined what you can comfortably spend without ruining your budget (or using credit) you are ready to start planning.
Decide on a location: Is there someplace you have been longing to go? Are there people that you need to see? Do you possibly have some business that you need to conduct that you can combine with your vacation? I am all for extending business trips to create a vacation as part of the expenses can be tax deductible. For example, this summer my 13 year old was invited to perform at an event in Los Angeles. Well, with Disneyland nearby, that sounds like a vacation to me! Of course to make sure that everyone gets a vacation, you need to make sure that the working family member (usually the husband or wife) has at least four or five days in a row with no responsibilities so they can also enjoy the resort vacation and so that the whole family has time together. You can also combine resort a vacation with a wedding, or other family obligation.
Calculate the cost of flying versus the cost of driving. In determining these costs you need to decide if your car will make the trip and how much stress you will be putting on it. You may need to determine the cost of renting a car for the trip instead of using your own. You have to calculate engine servicing before the trip, the cost of gas, a junk food allowance, and the cost of meals. You will also have to determine the cost of your sanity. In other words, you probably don’t want to take kids on a car trip that will last for more than a full day or two.
Consider sharing the resort vacation. If your budget is small, and you don’t mind sleeping in cramped spaces, consider having a close friend or relative enjoy your vacation with you. Choose carefully so that you don’t negate the relaxation value of the vacation with added stress.
Read:
Ways to Save on Vacation Lodging