Time to Start Thinking About Summer Vacation

It is March, yep March, just like that. It always amazes me how fast time goes by, I don’t care how cliche it sounds. So, here we are – March!

I love when it starts getting lighter each morning, the birds chirping, bulbs starting to pop through the cold ground. Before we know it we will be half way into Summer!

Now is a perfect time to start planning your family vacation(s). Some families like to save up for 1 big trip. Others, like us, like to take several short getaways. Lately, though, I must admit that the thought of 7-10 days away gets me thinking and gets me excited!

I would love to do the Disney vacay, or a trip to Mt. Rushmore, maybe head up to a ranch in Montana or Idaho, or how about NYC with a road trip up to Boston.

I have started to do research on affordable, fun, family vacations. I would like to share my results with you. These are my top 10 tips for getting away with great family travel deals and saving money:

1. The dream vacation almost everyone wants to take – Disneyland, how to go on a budget? The sooner you book, the better deal you will get. Also, travel before school let’s out and we are talking big savings. Right now SouthWest Airlines has packages priced at up to 30% OFF if you book by March 19th.

2. Take a drive to Mt. Rushmore. Rent a car, Alamo gives you 10% OFF if you pre-pay for your rental, also now through the end of the year – a FREE upgrade! Mt. Rushmore has plenty of accommodations around but have you thought about camping?! Fun, adventurous, inexpensive.

3. Rocky Mountain National Park provides the most breath-taking scenery in America! Drive on the highest paved road in America, see more wildlife than you can imagine. If you stay in Grand Lake, Granby, or Estates Park you are sure to find nicely priced cabins, condos, campgrounds and hotels. Hiking, picnics, sightseeing, wildlife watching – can’t beat it! You can also pick up the Rocky Card to get additional discounts on meals to local restaurants.

4. Book a stay at a Water Park Hotel. These are popping up all over the country. Stay and play right there at the resort. Rent a car to see local sites, fun and inexpensive. What a perfect opportunity to visit a city you would have never considered before. If you book in advance most let kids stay free! Also, check their website and sign up for emails, most will send you coupons.

5. Head on down to Texas partner. Texas is FUN! BIG FUN! So much to do, so many different big cities to see. Take in city life or head to the country for a little dude ranching, maybe even the beach! You will not find a friendlier set of people.

If you have a destination but want to save money while you are there:

1. Try to book accomodations that provide a kitchen. Whether you stay in a condo/townhome, cabin or a Suites-type hotel this is sure to save you a ton of money. We buy groceries and make our breakfasts and dinners. Plus snacks are great to have on hand to resist trips to the convenience store or vending area.

2. Do your research before hand. Get on the web and hunt for local coupons, there is so much out if you just look.

3. Plan days, this will allow you to budget. Then you will see everything you wanted to see and stay on track with your money. Resist the temptation to pull out your cash at every corner.

4. Try a home swapping site. Most have a comments and rating system so you are not stuck with any surprises. This can be fun, adventurous and cheap! www.HomeExchange.com OR at couchsurfing.org you can find a place to stay almost anywhere in the world. Look carefully though because not all can accommodate more than 3 people.

5. Ultimately, if you do not have a lot of money. Stay in your parts and look from a different perspective. Go and see things you never thought you would. Go to your local Visitors Bureau, bet you will be surprised.

Whatever you do, do it with joy! Take time to enjoy your family, don’t get caught up in expectations. Enjoy the moment! Happy planning!