Dear Chuck,

We were hoping to take a vacation this year, but we really can’t afford it. Any ideas on ways I can avoid disappointing the family? 

Vacation on a Limited Budget 

Dear Vacation on a Limited Budget, 

The Bible records that God rested from His work. If He needed to rest, we certainly do too! We should plan to periodically take time off to rest and reset our minds and bodies. But going into debt or creating financial stress to take a vacation is not wise. 

Several years ago, I addressed the importance of vacations. They are Biblical and can be taken without incurring debt. Many people are in the same straits as you. Emily Stewart at Business Insider says, “It’s a complicated moment for travel planning… When a lot about the world feels uncertain, there’s a comforting level of security in sticking close to home.”

Staycations Can Be Fun 

If you have not considered staying at home for your vacation, “staycations” are actually booming across the country. Many people are tired of staged vacations and tourist traps and yearn for authenticity. Rising airfare, costly hotels, and airport turmoil are several reasons to find ways to enjoy being near home.  

Some benefits of staycations include:

• Flexibility and a slower pace.
• Less expense and less stress.
• Support for local businesses.
• Discovery and appreciation for where you live.

This concept focuses on enjoying local activities and attractions without spending the night away. Imagine your home as a destination spot, and build out your agenda from there. You can discover parks, museums, historical sites, festivals, and more, usually within a short drive from your home. Take in farmers’ markets, theatres, art galleries, and sporting events. Convenient and cost-effective, staycations give you complete flexibility and the opportunity to experience your community, county, and state in a fresh new way.  

Now that our sons are grown, my wife and I often use vacation time this way. We complete projects around the house, go hiking or antique shopping, or stay overnight in the mountains just a few hours away. Some people enjoy camping or staying at a nearby cabin, hotel, or VRBO. They can afford it and find it just as fun as leaving town without the headache of driving a long distance, flying, renting a car, etc. 

Affordable Vacation Ideas

Through the years, we discovered affordable activities to do with our four sons. We fished, played tennis, and invested in yard games we could do together. Croquet, frisbee, disc golf, bocce ball, and whiffle ball are still popular entertainment with the boys and their families.  We’ve found that the most important part of the time off work is being with those you love. Entertainment can be minimal. 

Finding a way to spend time outdoors is important. If you have children, discover local, state, and national parks near you. If you have a home, consider setting up fun games like “bucket golf,” disc golf, or an obstacle course to surprise your children. 

Sometimes the weather doesn’t cooperate. This is when a collection of board games is handy. We have fun memories of Monopoly extending for days—even after the boys got married. Read great books, enjoy a classic movie, and cook together. 

Find some more great staycation ideas here. An article at Travel and Tour World also provides interesting data. 

Destination Vacations Can Be Fun—but Costly!

Some people love the adventure and thrill of traveling. The break from routine allows them to recharge. Those who travel to the same place year after year build memories of tradition. The annual trips create deep family bonds. 

However, there are some downsides to consider:

• They are expensive and can create financial stress.
• Travel delays create headaches and unexpected costs. 
• They may fail to meet expectations set by social media or advertising.
• Overcrowding is increasingly disappointing vacationers and irritating locals.

Make a Plan, and Be Cautious

A vacation takes planning. If you decide to go this route, beware of third-party scams! Sarah Hopkins at AAA says, “According to the American Hotel and Lodging Association, 23% of consumers said they were misled by third-party booking sites on the phone or on the web, translating to more than $5.7 billion in online booking scams. Customers are led to believe that they are booking through an official hotel or airline site, but they’re actually doing business with a third-party middleman. This can lead to lost reservations, incorrect accommodations, undisclosed fees, or worse.” 

A deal pops up online showing discounted flights, a beautiful rental, or a hotel at a price that’s too good to ignore. You click, book, and pay and then discover you’ve been scammed.

So how can you protect yourself?

First, book directly with the airline, hotel, or official rental website. Third-party sites can be legitimate, but they’re also where many scammers hide. Going straight to the source reduces your risk. Second, be cautious of prices that seem unusually low. Scammers use urgency and deep discounts to get quick decisions. If it feels too good to be true, pause and check before you commit. Third, verify the listing, and use secure payment methods. Double-check property listings. Sometimes scammers copy photos from legitimate sites. Avoid wiring money or using debit cards or payment apps when booking a reservation. I recommend using a credit card because of the protection it offers. Some extra diligence now can save you from a lot of stress later. 

Create Memories, Not Debt 

It’s important to reorient our hearts and minds to what really matters. Rest during time off prepares us to work as unto the Lord, no matter our vocation. So whatever you decide to do, create great memories, not financial headaches.

If credit card debt is a financial burden for your family, reach out to Christian Credit Counselors. They are a trusted partner of Crown and are able to help consolidate debt and get one on the road to financial freedom.

This article was originally published on The Christian Post on April 17, 2026.