Travel in Budget

Paul Hata asked:


When it comes to enjoying a vacation on a limited budget, it is difficult to beat the appeal of the good old camping trip. After all, it costs next to nothing to pitch your tent in the back country wilderness of your favorite state or national park.

A week long camping trip can often cost less than a day or two in a big city or tourist hot spot, while giving the entire family time to bond and enjoy being together.

As a matter of fact, camping is one of the most popular family activities, and many families enjoy camping together, sharing stories around a roaring fire, roasting marshmallows, swimming, fishing and all the other great things that come with a camping trip.

For many, camping brings back memories from childhood, and many parents want to give their children a taste of what their own childhood was like, back when things were so much simpler.

Another great thing about camping is that once the initial expenses are paid, there is little in the way of ongoing expenses.

Unlike a traditional vacation, in which the money you spend on that great hotel is gone for good, with camping you buy your hotel room (also known as your tent) outright, and you own it forever.

After you have bought all the essential items, like the tent, a couple of good camping lanterns, a good camp stove, sleeping bags and the like, your only expenses may be the food for the trip and the gas it takes to get there.

And camping provides plenty for all members of the family to do. Dad may enjoy fishing in his favorite spot, or boating around the lake, while mom and the kids may enjoy a beautiful hike and bird watching trip. There are even campgrounds that feature movies, swimming pools and other amenities for those who prefer a level of comfort to their journey.

As a matter of fact, there are many ways to camp, from rough camping in the back country to cabins at campgrounds to even RV camping. The level is entirely up to you, and that is one thing that makes camping so attractive to budget travelers and families alike.

There is nothing quite like vacationing in the great outdoors to get back in touch with nature. From watching the wildlife to watching the stars, there is plenty to do on the average camping trip.

Stargazing is particularly popular with city dwellers, who may never have seen the Milky Way in all its glory before. Getting away from the glare of city lights and see nature as it truly is.

We know that camping is one of the least expensive of all vacations, but lets take a quick look at the expenses associated with this type of budget travel. The centerpiece of the camping trip, of course, is the tent.

Unless you plan to camp in an RV or rent a cabin, which is more expensive, you will need a sturdy, high quality tent. It is important that the tent be waterproof and that it close easily.

Be sure the tent features a high quality zipper or other closure that is easy for every member of the family to operate. Test the zipper several times, and be sure you know how to set up the tent before you get to the woods.

Most campers will also want to invest in a few high quality sleeping bags. It is a good idea to choose a sleeping bag that is insulated, and to pick one that will be good for several seasons. Many sleeping bags are designed with removable liners and insulation. These are a good choice, since they can be used in cold weather and warm.

It is also a good idea to buy a couple of camp lanterns. These portable lights are great for lighting your way around in the dark. A cooler for drinks and food is a good idea as well, as is a portable charcoal grill or camp stove.

If you are camping at a campground, however, you may be able to leave the camp stove and grill at home, since many campgrounds provide grills for their guests to use free of charge. It is important to find out what amenities each campground offers before you head out.



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Stuart S. Travel asked:


Of course you can travel just about anywhere with your kids on a budget. Like any travel experience on a budget you need to research and plan well to make the most of your travel dollar. Many places, however, are family or kid friendly and will throw in added extras for the children. So whether you intend traveling at home or abroad, look for places that will cater to your family’s needs.

 

RV trips are a great way to travel on a budget. In fact, traveling with a car is almost essential for families. It is usually cheaper than buying rail passes or catching taxis everywhere. But more importantly, it gives you that ‘door to door’ freedom that is necessary when traveling with kids.

 

If you are traveling overseas, have you considered staying in a hostel with your family? This is a much cheaper option than staying in hotels and many hostels are family friendly and have no age limit (except in Bavaria where you can’t be older than twenty six). You can request a room with enough bunk beds to accommodate your family and you can cook your meals in the communal kitchen. Huge savings to be made!

 

In the USA there are many places to travel with your family on a budget. Consider these options:

1. Camping. The cheapest option around for any travel adventure. Many campsites have activities for kids and if you don’t like the idea of staying in a tent, many places have cabins to rent that are still cheaper than a hotel room. Camping gets you up close and personal with nature and gets the kids outside and running around.

2. What about spending some time at a Working Farm or Dude Ranch? Look around for reasonably priced holidays at these destinations and you will find plenty of activities and atmosphere for kids and adults alike.

3. Head to Disneyland in off peak season for big savings.

4. The same can be said for traveling to Hawaii. Check the packages available in low season and see how affordable it is.

5. You’ll also find some excellent deals in traveling to Mexico. Go for all-inclusive resorts, especially in the low season.

 

What about if you want to travel overseas? Where are some good places to take the kids on a budget?

* Although Australia is a long way away and can be a bit pricey to get there, it is a very child-friendly place with lots of cost saving adventures to be had for the kids. Australian off peak is different from North America so do some research. 

* Europe can be done on a budget with kids. Pick your destinations with the kids in mind. Get them involved in your itinerary. Stay in hostels and travel by car. You’ll be amazed at how much you save and how much you see.

* Some island resorts are very child friendly. In Fiji there are resorts where children under twelve stay and eat for free. Do your research!

* How about a family cruise? Cruises are great because they are all-inclusive, cater for families and you get to explore lots of places. There are some good family package deals to be found with most cruise companies.

 

So get planning and get packed. Plan your family vacation and check out the deals available. Going off peak is the best way to save money. If you are going to take the kids out of school buy them a journal so they can record their experiences. It’s amazing how much they’ll learn by traveling with their family.

 

This article is brought to you by: Stuart S. Travel – Your Online Travel Guru

www.stuartstravel.com



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Joseph Jordan asked:


It can be tough to travel on a budget if you aren’t used to it. But there is no reason why you should stay home just because you don’t have scads of money! So, grab that battered, second hand Lonely Planet Guide and get going with these useful budget travel tips!

- Stay close to home. Instead of a family vacation to Disney World, why not scout out a fun location closer to where you live? There are plenty of other theme parks to consider that won’t require airfare and staying in some of the country’s more expensive hotels.

- Do your research. Start looking online for travel deals at least three months ahead of time if possible. That’s how you find special deals. Also, booking ahead saves you money since airlines and hotels charge premium rates for last minute travelers. You can often find deals for entrance tickets to places like Disney World and other popular attractions online.

- Be flexible and book extra time off are two very good travel tips. If you don’t necessarily have to go to Acapulco, why not check out airfare to other parts of Mexico? Also, being flexible with travel dates is ideal since certain days tend to be cheaper to fly on (like Tuesdays).

- Eat in travel tips: Find a hotel that includes breakfast and you save at least $6-15 per person on food a day! If you are traveling near home, try packing your own food. Or ask for a kitchenette and hit the local supermarket once you arrive. Preparing meals in your hotel room can drastically cut costs.

- To save money, follow these travel tips. If you are driving across the country, why not check out that free opal museum in Arizona or the World’s Largest Ball of String? These sights are free, but they are still interesting and can provide topics of conversation on the long drive to the real destination!

- Look online for coupons for anything. There are coupons for just about everything if you really look. Print some out for shows in Las Vegas or to get 2 for 1 entry to a museum. You can also find travel tips online.

- Don’t rent a car. If you are going somewhere like New York, just ask your hotel desk clerk about the subways or buses. And if you happen to be in California, check that the hotel you are thinking of booking offers a free shuttle to Disneyland or anywhere else. Most hotels offer free or cheap shuttle service to and from the airport as well.

- Some good food travel tips: when eating out, eat a big meal for lunch and go small for dinner. Lunch menus tend to be just as filling as dinner, but far cheaper in most restaurants. Look for a menu of the day, as well. These can be special offers that include an entire meal, soup, entree, drink and dessert for a set price. For supper, split an entree between two people or just order appetizers as your meal. Asking for just water is a good way to knock about $5-6 off each person’s tab!

You can travel on the cheap, and it is worth a try, even if you do have a bit of cash to spend. Just follow the travel tips above!



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