Family vacations, while meant to be relaxing and enjoyable often turn out to be a painstaking process and can end up being just another trip in a cramped minivan listening to National Public Radio with no air conditioning. If this scene seems familiar then it’s time to rethink how to go about the whole vacation business. For many couples and families a vacation can put a huge strain on not only your patience but also your wallet. Here are a few ways to make the time spent with your loved ones a little more enjoyable.
1. Plan Ahead
Don’t wait until the last minute to book your flight or reserve your hotel room. When you know that you are going to be going on vacation, start planning ahead as to what you want to do with your time and how you want to travel to get there. With most airlines, the earlier you can get your tickets, the cheaper it will be. Also, don’t just limit yourself to flying. Taking the train can be a great addition to any get away. True, that it’s not as fast as going by air, but you have a chance to see some of the countries most beautiful landscapes.
2. Ask About Discounts
Don’t be afraid to be “that guy” who asks about what discounts a place has to offer. Often times a hotel or entertainment venue will offer discounted prices for children and senior citizens as well as special group rates if you happen to be going with friends. In fact, most people don’t know about these reduced prices until they ask. This can save you money, especially when trying to find a decently priced hotel to stay at.
3. Get Back To Nature
The best way to enjoy some peace and quiet on your time off from your crazy and hectic life is to just spend a nice weekend in the great outdoors. Most camp sites are relatively cheap and offer lots of things to do, such as hiking, swimming, fishing, etc. You can also make it a group outing and go with friends. This way you won’t have to be alone and you can split the cost of the campsite. Plus, nothing makes you feel younger than sitting around a campfire telling stories.
4. Look Around You
If you really want to save some cash on your vacation time, take a look at what you can do locally. Take a day trip and go to a museum or art gallery. Check out famous historical sites in your area. Doing this can be both fun and educational and you can impress your friends at the next cocktail party by spouting off everything you learned. You can also grab a friend or two and head off to go shopping in one of the larger metropolitan cities nearby.
Vacations are meant to be relaxing and enjoyable for everyone involved. Don’t let your finances be the reason for your stress levels and blood pressure to sky rocket. Following these guidelines can help to make your vacation that much more rewarding.
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