How much are you planning to spend on your family’s summer vacation? A recent survey found that the average American family (consisting of two adults and two children) plans to spend between $1,000 and $3,000 on upcoming summer trips. That’s a lot of money in my book.
If you are keeping a close eye on your budget, but still want to treat the kids to a memorable summer road trip, then consider the following tips to stretch your vacation dollars:
Stay in State: I’m not suggesting driving to the edge of town and pitching a tent to save some dough, but with the price of a gallon of regular gas hovering near the $3 mark, you may not want to drive cross-country this summer. In order to salvage your summer vacation without breaking the bank, consider visiting your state’s official tourism website or calling your local Chamber of Commerce. Most offices will provide you with a slew of travel discounts and information on package deals that will help save you money on in-state attractions. In addition, you can find a complete list of local festivals, camping areas, summer events and other travel-related information by simply visiting the chamber’s office in person.
Timing is Key: By traveling during fringe periods you can save a bundle at hotels and resorts that normally fill quickly during the summer months. Aim to stay during the weeks when some schools are still in session. For example, the weeks closest to Memorial Day and Labor Day are typically slow. As a result, you can sometimes save up to 50 percent on rooms. If your kids aren’t in school yet, then consider staying at popular resorts during the last weeks of summer when other families are getting back to the grind.
Lodging: If you can’t save on gas, then look for other ways to pad your travel budget. For instance, you can save a bundle on food costs if you stay at a hotel with a kitchen. Vacation rentals and all-suite hotels, such as Homewood Suites and Candlewood Suites, come equipped with refrigerators and microwaves, which allow you to make at least a couple meals on your own. By preparing just one meal a day in your hotel room you can save quite a bit of money over the course of your stay. What’s more, by staying at an all-suite property you’ll get more space for you money than you would in a standard hotel room at the same price point.
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