FAMILY SPRING BREAK ON A BUDGET; INEXPENSIVE IDEAS FOR GETTING AWAY
Spring Break is almost here, but this year's vacation plans might be significantly smaller than in year's past. The fluctuating economy and current state of international turmoil has many families wondering how they can stick close to home, yet still have a fun vacation. The golden rule for saving money on travel is to plan ahead. First, determine how much cash you can realistically spend. Second, create a spending plan. Once that is established, consider one of these family-oriented ideas.
* If the open road is calling your name, consider a local road trip to
one of your state's great cities. Keep a travelogue, a photo journal
and let the kids take turns being the navigator or DJ. Go somewhere
you've always wanted to go.
* History comes alive when you realize it happened in your own backyard.
Visit historic sites, such as battlefields, forts and monuments to
uncover often surprising facts about your hometown.
* Explore nearby museums, zoos, gardens and galleries. Many museums and
zoos offer free days or evenings; find out what these times are and
plan accordingly. Factory tours can be both educational and fun.
* Camping is probably the ultimate bargain, but if you don't have the
equipment or the desire to pitch a tent, many parks offer other
options such as rental cabins or lodges. State and national parks
often offer low or no cost amenities including boating, canoeing,
horseback riding and hiking. Contact the National Park Service for
details and availability.
* For those who really want to get away, search the Internet for
last-minute travel bargains. Often package deals are a lower cost
alternative, but be sure you know exactly what is included.
* Lodging can quickly eat into your budget. Look for hotels where kids
stay free and rooms that include a kitchenette. If you are traveling
with a large family, consider renting a condo or house if your stay
will be more than three days.
* Your own home can become a vacation getaway with a little planning and
imagination. When vacationing at home you get to sleep in your own bed,
there is no packing required and no traffic to contend with. Purchase
plenty of easy to prepare foods ahead of time; set up a budget for
movie rentals; designate "no drive" days which means Mom and Dad get a
break from playing chauffeur; and designate family days when no
visitors are allowed.
Rudy Cavazos, director of corporate and media relations for Money Management International offers, "This year it is more important than ever to spend some time focusing on the good in your life and your family. Spring Break is a great time to reconnect while making memories that will be remembered for years to come. However, with any vacation or trip plan to use cash whenever possible. If credit must be utilized, be sure to payoff all charges within 30-60 days after returning from your vacation."
About Money Management International
Money Management International (MMI) is the nation's largest non-profit, full-service credit counseling agency, providing confidential financial guidance, counseling and debt management assistance to consumers for over 44 years. MMI helps consumers trim their expenses, develop a spending plan and repay debts. Counseling is available by appointment in branch offices and 24/7 by telephone and Internet. Services are available in English or Spanish. To learn more, call 800-762-2271 or visit their website at http://www.moneymanagement.org.
