Today's family vacations are necessary in today's hurry-up world. It's a time for families to reconnect and some of the most memorable moments are NOT spent standing in line at a crowded theme park attraction, they are spent enjoying a simple unhurried dinner together or taking early-evening walks to nowhere. After all, kids treasure moments, not places or days.
Although these tips all start with the word limit, they go a long way to ensure limitless fun and enjoyment on a limited budget.
Limit Big Ticket Attractions
Parents with limited funds should not feel like they have to "do it all" in one trip. Try choosing just one theme park, purchase multi-day tickets, and leave the other theme park visits for another time.Plan plenty of downtime in your schedule. Use the left over days to take advantage of the hotel swimming pool, take leisurely strolls on the beach, check out nearby shops, visit a museum, collect seashells or build a sandcastle, and enjoy the sunsets.
After all, the idea of a vacation is to be somewhere with a pleasant environment – somewhere comfortable and intriguing – yet be able to relax and enjoy your children; and, for your children to realize that their parents are interesting companions and not just bossy grown-ups. Slow down, listen, and learn to see the world through your children's eyes.
Limit Restaurant Meals
Many savvy traveling parents never eat breakfast in a restaurant, and some don't eat lunch in one either. Do they skip these meals? Absolutely not! But, they do plan ahead by packing a few familiar items – cereal, fresh fruit, juices, peanut butter, bread and crackers, and plenty of snacks. It's not only less expensive, but it makes sense; and, modern hotel rooms that are now commonly outfitted with refrigerators and microwaves make it possible.
Other budget-conscience meal-time ideas:
