So, you think you'll never find an affordable vacation package this year. Not so. There are lots and lots of affordable ideas and vacation packages just waiting for you and your suitcase.
First off, you've got to plan ahead. Break it down, deciding what will be the most expensive part of the vacation. Then plan ways in which your family can be flexible and offset costs, maybe in other areas to get the vacation package they desire.
"To cut costs, you have to identify the most expensive items on your vacation agenda: airfare, restaurants, hotel accommodations," says Annette Winn, mother of two from Coronado, CA. "Once you have identified the most expensive items, you need to determine how your family can be flexible to offset those costs."
This may mean driving to your vacation destination, rather than flying, or renting a condominium rather than paying for a pricey hotel room. A condo gives you more space and options and can help reduce costs in other areas, such as meals. Many times you can find condo's included in affordable vacation packages, providing more space than a hotel room for families to spread out, especially if their vacation is a week or more.
Valerie Garcia, of Albuquerque, N.M. also looks for deals and researches affordable vacation packages, which allow her to take five trips a year, instead of the one cruise per year her sister takes. She's found Las Vegas vacation packages that include airfare and lodging that costs less than buying only the airfare. "I'm always checking specials," says Garcia. For Christmas last year she bought affordable vacation packages for her husband and sons, rather than presents.
Others affordable vacation options include camping trips. You can go at the spur of the moment, don't have to rent a car or get a hotel. In terms of cheap, it doesn't get any better than that. If you enjoy hiking, fishing, biking, and nature this is the perfect affordable getaway.
Another important aspect of vacation planning is to make sure everyone's interests are covered. Make sure there's something for everyone. The kids maybe get to go to Disneyland, dad gets a chance to golf, mom gets to shop, and everyone spends a day or two at the beach. Just do a little research on-line and you can find many affordable vacation packages that include something for everyone.
Sharing costs with other family members or friends can also make your vacation more affordable. Maybe close family friends, an aunt and uncle, or grandparents would enjoy accompanying you and split the costs of a vacation package. Not only will the kids enjoy having Grandma or Uncle Joe around to spend time with, it also makes a vacation affordable for everyone.
Carole Terwilliger Meyers, author of Miles of Smiles: 101 Great Car Games & Activities (Carousel Press, 1992) and other travel books, says sharing a vacation is a good way to cut costs, whether you share a condo or do a home exchange. A shared vacation is to "share expenses, work, babysitting and fun," she says.
So you don't have to break the bank to go on vacation. Just do a little planning and research and you, too, can have the affordable vacation package of your dreams.
Ben Jordan an Austin, TX based x-Fortune 500 business consultant, now a direct response marketer. His true love is helping business owners, not become a 90% statistic that will fail historically. To receive a FREE travel voucher for a 3day/2night hotel stay please visit today http://www.abccallcenter.com
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1 comment:
It's true. With good planning and some creativity you can have a luxurious vacation on a backpacker’s budget. Here is one way:
I would like to invite you to become a member with our growing Home Exchange Network - www.JewettStreet.com. Membership is still free - no strings attached.
Home Exchange is not only a great way to reduce your vacation costs, it's also a great way to meet new people from all over the world and live like a local far off the beaten track.
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