Budget Vacations

“Vacation is what you take when you can't take what you've been taking any longer.”

A friend and frequent reader of this blog, “SwedishMom”, has her own blog called “A Stranger Here”. Her family, with several young children, has traveled on some impressive vacations this summer while on a shoestring budget. She shares her tips for Vacations on a budget.

1. Plan & Prioritize
2. Take advantage of free attractions
3. Stay at hotels with continental breakfasts
4. Use the internet to find the best bargains for hotels and tickets
5. In big cities, consider leaving your car at the hotel and using public transportation. Find a hotel close to a subway/metro stop.
6. Look for specials and deals online (like free days or package deals)
7. Try a walking tour
8. Take advantage of recriprocal memberships at zoos and museums.
9. Look for interesting attractions close to home.

Bottom Line

I can personally confirm may of these tips. My wife & I recently joined friends for a Sunday brunch and spent just over $10 a person for a disappointing breakfast. That adds up fast on a trip. My wife works as a docent so many musuems will let us in for free when we ask. It never hurts to ask if a place will recognize your membership cards.