Guest Post: Vacation Ideas

Vacation Ideas

By Amy Benedetti

If saving money this year is your goal, try:

~ Staycations

This can be a blast and allow you to spend all your funds on activities. Take a few days off from work and visit the local zoo, water park or amusement park. Find a place to swim together like a lake or the local beach, go on a hike or rent bikes and ride a local trail. Find some activities that help you relax and be together as a family.

~ Camping at a State Park

Borrow a tent and load up the family for an outdoor adventure. If you’re not familiar with camping, find a friend to tag along with to show you how to enjoy the adventure.

If you are looking at more of a $500- $1000 range, you can plan a couple of days or even just a weekend at a local resort.

~ Great Wolf Lodge or a different indoor water park/resort.

~ Airbnb Near the Water – If your family loves the beach, find a place on Airbnb near an ocean or lake that’s within driving distance. Make sure your accommodations have a kitchenette so you can eat meals in and save on food.

~ A Local Resort/Spa like: Nemacolin Woodlands, The Norwich Inn and Spa, or even an Omni Resort.

*Many of the rooms at these resorts have a small kitchen to allow you to take food and not blow the bank at restaurants. Most indoor water park stays include your passes to the amusement park and local destinations have many free family activities like hiking, biking, and swimming.

If you’ve budgeted for a “splurge” vacation this summer here are some options we love!

~Take a Cruise – Cruise ships can be extremely reasonable vacation destinations if they port at a location that’s within driving distance and you choose the right time to travel. Plus once your onboard all your food is included so there should be no extra expenses! Do your research and find a time when the prices are reasonable and maybe even score a “kids sail free” promo!

~Weekend Stay in a Big City – Find a city within driving distance that you want to explore. Saving money on airfare is huge. Choose a few places of interest to visit like a museum or aquarium. See the famous landmarks or go to a sporting event like a baseball game. Walk everywhere to save money and enjoy the views. Pack food and snacks to eat in your room to save money on expensive meals so you can do a little splurge shopping.

~Try one of Pastor Joie’s favorite spots: Waco, TX and all Chip and Joanna Gaines have to offer. Airfare should be booked soon to get better rates, but the area’s pricing is fairly reasonable for being a tourist attraction. That is, if you have the self-discipline when around her style and furniture options!