Spring is on the horizon and we’ve just waved the holiday season goodbye–it could be the perfect time to start organizing a spring break getaway that the whole family will savor. But let’s face it, holidays can put quite a dent in the wallet, and for some families, the high costs make vacations seem unattainable. The good news is families don’t have to break the bank to enjoy a memorable holiday. I remember looking forward to our family vacations as a kid, most of which were exciting, budget-friendly trips by road, thanks to my parents’ inventive planning.
So, if you’re under the impression that a memorable family getaway is out of your budget for this spring break, there are some ideas you might want to consider:
1. ROAD TRIP:
Excluding airfare is a fantastic way to make your family’s spring break adventure affordable. A tank of gas may be all it takes to travel with the whole family, a cost that pales in comparison to individual airline tickets. How about plotting a course to a place your family agrees upon? Whether you use your family car or opt for a camper rental, the road trip possibilities are endless. As an example, I know families who’ve embarked on road trips from California to Florida for a magical spring break getaway to Walt Disney World, or a delightful journey up the coast from Southern California to San Francisco. Some even trekked from Los Angeles to Yellowstone National Park in Wyoming.
2. CAMPING:
Following airfare, accommodation can be the second-largest expense during vacations, and camping is an ideal solution to this cost. Not only can you get there by car, but space rentals tend to be reasonably priced and perfectly suited for a spring break family holiday. Word of caution, however, is to reserve your spot well in advance as popular campgrounds fill up fast. Camping affords the luxury of bringing and cooking your own food, a significant saving over dining out. Plus, entertainment is virtually free, it includes swimming, hiking, playing card games, and making S’mores around a cozy campfire.
3. AIRBNB:
If camping isn’t your family’s cup of tea for a vacation, consider booking through Airbnb. Often, you can rent an entire house for the same cost as a hotel room! Airbnb provides a range of options – houses, condos, apartments, rooms within a residence – offered out by homeowners across the country. More often than not, it’s cheaper than traditional hotel/motel stays, making it ideal for a budget-friendly spring break getaway. The convenience of having a kitchen and laundry facilities, especially when traveling with kids, can account for substantial savings.
4. STAYCATION:
If the other options don’t appeal to you, a staycation can be a refreshing change. Whether you “camp” in your backyard or rent a neighborhood hotel for a couple of nights, a staycation can be just as enjoyable as a vacation. I recall a summer when my parents booked a local hotel for a night. Swimsuits packed, we spent all day at the pool and ordered takeout for a room dinner, capping off the night with a family movie. Despite it being a short weekend, it felt thoroughly refreshing, proving that great vacations don’t always require grand plans.
The bottom line is that everyone deserves a holiday, and there are many ways to fit one into more modest budgets. We’d love to hear about the budget-friendly, family spring breaks that you’ve enjoyed. Which of the suggestions here do you like best? Do you have any spring break plans this year?
