So, we are nearing Memorial Day weekend and that means that summer is quickly upon us. Since you, like me are frugal shoppers, I know you are planning your summer vacation now, hoping to get last minute or early bird deals so that you can make the most of your travel budget.
I love amazing deals and I refuse to pay top dollar for anything, but I don’t want to get lost somewhere and end up in a dump. Too many 1980’s family vacation comedies have horrifically scarred my sense of adventure in that department. So, here are some less scary, more fun ways to vacation on a dime.
MYRTLE BEACH, SOUTH CAROLINA
Visit Myrtle Beach has a list of family affordable ocean front accommodations that will make any family holiday, luxurious and relaxing. Even if you have to hoof it to South Carolina from the ends of the country, you can still rest on sandy beaches, with ocean front views, for fractions of the amount you would pay in other beach front resorts. Most of the lodgings are family friendly and the weather is often really good for lazing on the beach during the summer months.
YOSEMITE, CALIFORNIA
California is not usually known as a discount destination, however, the grandeur and beauty of Yosemite National Park, should not be missed in one’s lifetime. The glacier made granite peeks towering above the valley floor are simply priceless. And with a variety of accommodations from the luxurious Awahnee to more modest living in Curry Village tent cabins, there is enough in Yosemite to fit anyone’s budget. The only issue is making sure that you book now, as accommodations and lodging fill up fast.
Make sure to contact the Yosemite National Park Lodging website to book your vacation.
THE GRAND CANYON, ARIZONA
The Grand Canyon is truly spectacular and is another must see for one’s lifetime. While there are no really easy access points to the park without a car, you can either drive across country and make the trip a vacation journey or fly into Flagstaff and rent a car to the canyon. While your trip will include a bit of an effort to get to the park, it is well worth it when you and your family see one of the worlds greatest natural wonders. There is inexpensive lodging throughout the park and most of the day trips and hiking are free.
Go to Grandcanyonlodges.com to book your stay.
FAMILY VACATIONS
If you are not sure yet what you want to do or where you want to go there are a few family vacation websites that will help you narrow your search.
Favorite Family Vacations has everything from camping and Dude Ranches to houseboats and cruises. Use this site to get an idea of some of the fun things you can do with your family in your area.
Benzinga has some helpful hints for keeping your family on a budget while on vacation. These are good ideas to go over because a lot of the expense of being on vacation comes from bad planning. Making sure that you are organized, prepared and ready for your trip will help cut down on last minute expenses.
Budget Travel has a list of the top budget travel locations in the world.
Finally Gapadventures is your one stop shop for family friendly budget international travel. One of my favorites is the Thai budget vacation that includes an elephant ride, beaches, temples, full accommodation and most meals for around $1,100 per person plus airfare, this may seem like a lot of money, however, it is a 12 day all inclusive vacation in Thailand.
http://www.gapadventures.com/trips/thailand-family-adventure/ATFA/2011/
If you are feeling adventurous, I would suggest booking and arranging your own vacation. Cutting out the middle man can sometimes save you dollars. Consider going to Latin American or Asian countries where the dollar is strong and you can really stretch your money. Stay in places that have good traveler ratings but are also affordable.
One of my favorite vacations was to Costa Rica, we stayed on the Caribbean side, in a little town called Puerto Viejo
We found a little lodge called La Costa De Papito for about $69/night it was across the street from the beach and breakfast was included. While it was an adventure to get to this tiny secluded spot, the place was remarkable, romantic and fun for the kids. We saw tree sloths, a leather back turtle lay eggs and snorkeled in exotic waters just steps from our door.
