In our recent newsletter, Netta covered some vacation ideas, or more accurately, staycation ideas. Staycations are places close to home. A few advantages of staycations are saving travel money, like airfares, gas, car rentals, and cutting down the length of stay and therefore cutting the hotel bill.
If you’re lucky and live just an hour or so away from your destination, you can cut out the hotel all together. For instance, I live just 45 minutes from Orlando and five minutes from the port. The area has many options for Orlando vacations. I can visit amusement parks, shop in city districts like Winter Park, visit restaurants I’ve always wanted to visit, and be back home in the same day.
And Orlando isn’t my only option. All I need do is a short hop skip and a jump to the Gulf Coast and I have a myriad of places to stay and adventures to be had.
So look around your area. In mountainous areas a weekend getaway can be quiet and relaxing. If you live close to a border, hop over to another country for a day or two. If you live outside a large city, spend a few days in the city. If you live in the city, spend a few days in the country.
Ways to shave a few bucks:
Rent a cabin. You’ll not only have privacy, but you’ll be able to save money by taking and preparing your own food.
Look for a quaint bed and breakfast. You’ll save on at least one meal a day.
Take your own cooler (or two). Even if you’re staying in a hotel, icing down your own drinks and snacks can save a few bucks.
Consider an extended stay. Extended stay hotels have mini kitchens. Again, you’ll save money by taking and preparing your own food at least for a fraction of your meals.
Look for discounts. If possible save your vacation for off-seasons when room rates and sometimes attractions are discounted.
Also, now is a wonderful time to take a cruise. Because of the economy, cruise lines are slashing their rates, and they offer 3-7 day cruises. Just don’t be drawn in by the “on board spending.” That’s how they make their money. Forget room service, stick to their buffet, limit your alcohol, and save your souvenir shopping for the shore excursions.
Mix family with pleasure. Nowadays, at least in the U.S. so many people live quite a distance from their relatives. Plan a trip to see family. For a few days, you’ll be able to stay with relatives. Then choose a destination along the way that you’ve always wanted to visit, and plan a two or three-day stop when you make your way back home.
When thinking about vacations, often we don’t see the forest for the trees. With all the beauty, attractions and activities each and every state and country has to offer, a great getaway is sitting unnoticed and unloved in your own backyard.
Since we've decided to rent our cabin because money was tight, we've had a lot of families from different states gathering for some good family time. It's definitely a new trend.
Thank you, Cabin rental GA. I've always loved the cabin experience. Great rentals can be found in AR and NC (and probably TN) as well. Thanks for stopping by.
lala;-)