How Can You Possibly Take a Vacation in a Recession?
The recession in the U.S. economy affects every aspect of the family budget to include the decision to take or cancel the family vacation. Cancelling the vacation is always the first reaction from the one controlling the budget in the middle of a recession. However you should reconsider before you cancel. You and your family need this time together. Families are so busy these days running around to school, activities, and work. These one or two vacation weeks will be what memories are built on. Remember that your kids are only young once and then they grow up. Whatever you do, find some way to have this time of recreation with your family. Even in a recession you still need to take some time off and do what you like to do—just affordably. Here are some ways you can still take a vacation in spite of a recession.
Cut corners when visiting theme parks. During a recession, some theme parks might have discount promotions. Don’t buy food inside the park as it is very expensive. You might be able to exit the park to eat lunch somewhere else and return. Or, you might avoid eating until after you leave the park for the evening. Do you really want a theme park souvenir? Try going to one of the drug stores around the park and you might find souvenirs at half the price. Remember that the entire family back home does not need a souvenir.
Go during the off season. Do a little research and find out when the peak times are for your vacation destination. Don’t go around holidays and oftentimes it is better to visit your destination any day but Saturday and Sunday.
Sometimes the simple things are the best. You will be surprised at just how much fun your small children will have just going on a picnic in the mountains or spending a day at the beach on your vacation. Children still appreciate the simplicity of life and they really just want to be with their parents. Plus, the simple things take your mind from recession worries.
Weigh flying versus driving. Don’t automatically think that it will cost less to drive to your destination than to fly. You already know this but gasoline is very expensive. And, some destinations take more than one day to reach meaning that you will need to stay in a motel. Look for the specials offered by the discount no-frills airlines as there may be a few during the recession.
Don’t disregard the value of your tent. Many theme parks have recreational vehicle (RV) parks in close proximity. Some RV parks have tent setup sites complete with shower and washroom facilities. Your kids will love camping out and you will save from having to stay in those expensive tourist hotels.
Use the grocery store. You will save quite a bit by just going to the grocery store instead of the fast food restaurants during your trip. You can pack a cooler with items to make sandwiches or even to cook on an open fire if you are camping. You also save on not having to provide tips at restaurants.