Fun and Inexpensive Summer Vacation Ideas
Ways to Stay Close to Home for a Family Summer Trip
May 12, 2009
With many other financial necessities tugging at our pocketbooks during these difficult economic times, one thing doesn’t have to cut a hole into the family budget. Summer vacations don’t have to be over-planned or over-spent.
The whole point of a family vacation during summer is to take advantage of well-earned time together, no matter what’s on the agenda or wherever the destination may be. Family vacations can once again be something to look forward to, rather than feeling dread at the sign of school being out.
Mapping Out a Plan
The two major questions that all families must keep in mind when planning a vacation are: “What do we want to do?” and “How much money do we want to spend?” This will create the proper guideline to follow and help families keep in mind how much money can be spent for the vacation and what the family will be doing together.
One of the best and easiest decisions to make may in fact be to stay close to home. Find activities and attractions that the family would all enjoy within a short distance from home by researching the city's visitors and tourism bureau Web site or other related site.
Staying close to home not only allows families to spend less time on the road or in the air, but it also allows more time for family to spend together. It also saves money and gives the family an opportunity to enjoy and appreciate somewhere close to home.
For the Great Outdoors Family
Find a park that the family enjoys or hasn’t visited before, and plan a camping or hiking trip. This can also be a great option for a quick day trip, if the park is located close by.
Take the grill and some food and drinks, and cook your family’s favorite meals. Sit around the campfire and tell stories or play games, and allow the kids to make s’mores or roast hot dogs.
Need a few picnic-friendly recipes for the family? Try these easy and affordable picnic dishes, like chicken salad sandwiches with croissants and dilly dip potato salad.
Bring bicycles along to the park, and ride bike trails outside or go hiking together on trails. Take nature books along and identify plants and native species to the area, teaching kids about the great outdoors and how to appreciate its beauty.
For the Family Seeking Entertainment
Summer vacations don’t have to mean big, expensive theme parks and shopping malls galore. For a more economical vacation that doesn’t have to empty the pocket books, research nearby museums, galleries, music venues, and other areas of interest.
Research a local children's museum or petting zoo, or try out the aquarium and botanical garden, which everyone, both young and old, can find appealing. Many of these places can cost very little and offer an entire day of thrilling information and enjoyment.
Make a list of popular restaurants that the family has never visited, including several international cuisines, and you will feel as though you’ve stepped into another country. Sample new dishes and share with members of your family, being sure to try something fun and new together.
Have Fun and Make Memories
The most important part of it all is to just have fun and make memories with family. These are the moments that the kids will cherish most and look back upon with a smile. Make good memories, and remember to keep it inexpensively fun.
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