Coming up with a dream family vacation is often something that many families are hesitant to put much effort into due to limited financial resources. While nearly everyone fantasizes from time to time about taking their family away for a luxurious, adventurous and fun-filled vacation, limited budgets can dim the reality and make a great vacation seem like nothing more than a remote dream. However, with careful planning and smart budgeting actions, many families can turn their dreams for a wonderful family vacation into an amazing reality that the entire family will remember for a lifetime.
Exceptional and Affordable Vacation Options for Families
The first thing a family can do to being preparations for a dream vacation is to consider their options for vacation destinations. The destination and the number of people traveling with have a significant impact on how much money will be needed for the trip. Being able to document a few different price figures for vacations can help individuals to narrow down their options and then begin a savings plan to meet the financial needs of the vacation.
Resort Vacations
Ideal vacations for adults and children include charter vacations to resorts where all-inclusive hotel and dining options are available. Many people find that they spend a lot of money on dining out when they go on vacation to a resort area. Utilizing all-inclusive packages and scheduling a trip during an off-peak season will help to save a significant amount of money on travel costs, hotel accommodations and on eating expenses.
Ranching Vacations
Adults with children may also consider dude ranch vacations that are located in the Western and Midwestern states. Arizona, Wyoming, Colorado and Montana are just a few states that have family-oriented dude ranches. These particular types of ranches cater specifically to individuals who want to get involved in a work and play setting on an action-packed livestock and horse ranch. People can participate in trail rides, cattle round ups, scenic rafting float trips and fishing and nature photography expeditions. These types of vacations offer something unique to families who live in the city and children and adults alike get to experience affordable, authentic cowboy action while enjoying breathtaking surroundings and a rugged, natural environment.
Budgeting for a Family Dream Vacation
Depending on the cost of a vacation that is being planned and on a family’s income and expenses, it may be necessary to begin saving several months in advance for a vacation. A few tips families can use to make their money stretch further so they can set aside money for a vacation include using coupons and cutting back on entertainment expenses.
Use Coupons to Reduce Expenses
Using coupons provides people with a way to save up to fifty percent or more on their average grocery bills. Coupons can also reduce purchase prices for health and beauty products and cleaning supplies. Over a period of a month’s time, it is possible for a family of four people to save up to $300 on their grocery bill. Free coupons can be printed online through manufacturing grocery sites, mom blogs, couponing blogs and consumer savings sites.
Cutting Back on Entertainment
If a family is in a habit of going out to eat twice a month, cutting this dining out option back to once every two months can help people to put more money aside for their vacation. Reducing video game purchases and movie purchases also can help to pad the vacation savings fund.
Photo by: David Corral Gadea
