Frugal Vacation Plan – Part 1

Do you need some rest?

When I was a boy, my parents allowed me to go to Disneyland with a family of six and one pet chihuahua who drove from Texas to California in a station wagon! It was one of those classic vehicles with a rear-facing seat that popped up in the storage area. To save money, we stayed at KOA campgrounds along the way. The low-budget trip in a crowded car is a memory I cherish—not just the theme park, but the entire experience.

My wife and I skipped theme parks with our children because we preferred being out in nature and exploring different cultures. The key is taking time to rest and reconnect with loved ones. Determine how much you can realistically afford for a vacation. Then resolve to stay within that amount or a little under, so you’re prepared for the unexpected, and if you need some extra funds, work together as a family to exercise some cost-cutting and income-producing measures. Weeks before making the trip, stop eating out, cut some streaming services, have a garage sale, or sell items on Facebook Marketplace. Eat what’s in the pantry and prep frugal meals to save money.

Working ahead of time enables you to find deals, avoid debt, and ultimately find more pleasure in the trip! Bring your children into the effort. It’ll help them appreciate the commitment you’re making to spend time together. Plan to visit family, friends, State or National Parks. Time spent resting with those you love will create lasting memories, and if you like theme parks, go for it!

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