Spring Break on a Shoestring

Are you looking for a spring break vacation? Try camping this year!

There are numerous ways to go on vacation while also on a budget. One option is to go somewhere local to you, and have a camp out.

Do you live in an area accessible to a lake, forest or ocean? A great place is simply away from your home and general responsibilities. Gather the whole family and discuss your plans for camping, some members of your family might not think that camping will be fun, but it can be as long as you plan ahead.

• Step One: Getting There

Where are you going, how long will it take to get there and where will you stay?
Tent camping is the most inexpensive and can be fun for the whole family, even the teenagers! Pack small and remember the warm clothes as well as the swimwear, it gets colder in the evenings and you might need to bundle up around the fire. Plan ahead for travel time and cost of gas for your camping adventure, pack accordingly and service your vehicle before taking off.

• Step Two: Food

There are no McDonalds in the woods, or lakeside. Pack your food with two meals day in mind. A hearty ‘camp’ breakfast and a dinner, snacking throughout the day is often the best part of the trip! Snack foods that don’t require refrigeration, such as trail mix, chips, power bars and plenty of bottled juices and water.

• Step Three: Activities

Planning a successful camping vacation for all family members is the easiest part! If you are at a ‘campground’ they supply a lot of entertainment, with playgrounds, water parks, and many other activities around the campground. If you are more adventurous and your campsite is located out in nature- fishing, hiking and bird watching will pass the hours away. Bring a deck of cards and a good book, get ready to relax and have fun.

Not an Outdoorsy Family? No Problem

If vacationing locally doesn’t appeal to you or isn’t a viable option for your family, then go online and begin your search for a shoestring spring break. Look for package deals with online travel sites, check restrictions and limitations prior to booking. When you bundle a travel package, you combine airfare, rental car and hotel rooms in one low rate and is sometimes not only the cheapest option but stress free as well.

• Step One: Getting There

Airline restrictions and costs are confusing as well as time consuming, being prepared ahead of time will make air travel less of a hassle and actually fun! Pack a ‘carry-on’ instead of checked baggage. Check with your particular airlines requirements as far as size of acceptable carryon luggage. Pack your children’s bags as well as your own; make sure there is nothing in their bag that might hold you or them up at the airport. The guidelines for prohibited items are published online as well as in the airport itself.

• Step Two: Food

Probably the most expensive portion of your trip, especially with small children while travelling. When you arrive at your destination look for a supermarket, you can buy snack packs of healthy snacks for the kids and keep them in your hotel room. Buying small packages of snackable foods can also keep children quiet while waiting in lines and traffic!

• Step Three: Activities

Choosing your destination will dictate your activities, if you are going to a beach town, head to the beach! Kids love to play in the sand, surf and parents can safely watch from a distance while relaxing as well. If you are going for a resort vacation, look online for deals or coupons prior to going, buying entrance tickets in advance is a great way to cut costs. Also, check with your hotel, do they offer a package discount to the local area attractions, most do.

Not interested in Air Travel? Ride the Rails!

If you’re not crazy about the idea of flying find your local train station and search for a bargain departure. Trains are almost an obsolete form of travel in our ‘go-go’ society. The magic of a train ride is in the kids face when they watch the landscape go speeding by, the windows on the trains are there for sight seeing and it is an experience that will not be forgotten. Also, a good book or a simple deck of cards will make the trip memorable and enjoyable for the whole family.

• Step One: Getting There

Train travel is more comfortable, and many times more economical, than travel by air. You can find a round trip fare for less than you would spend flying, always be on the lookout for deals and coupons with the train retailer and online resources. Discounts are out there you just need to look!

• Step Two: Food

Long-distance trains offer food service in the dining car, or you can bring your own food. With smaller children pack their favorite snack foods and juice boxes so they aren’t tempted to beg for the overpriced food available on the train. You can also supplement the train food for what you already brought with you.

• Step Three: Activities

With train travel most activities are done in close quarters and those are the best! Play video games together, card games, even travel sized board games. Watch the scenery and enjoy telling your kids about the history of the area if you know it, don’t worry there are brochures on the train itself that will help you with the tough questions. When you get to your destination, talk about the trip there as you are more than likely going to be heading back the same way, creating excitement about train travel makes it a memorable experience for the whole family.

Family vacations don’t need to be expensive, extravagant or even far away. Being together throughout the planning, packing and activities are what makes the memories for your entire family. Take lots of pictures, enjoy the time together, remember relax and have FUN!