Family travel 5: Budget trips
A family vacation doesn’t have to be a budget buster. Here are five ideas to consider.
Take a National Park value vacation
If you have your heart set on a National Park holiday, it’s possible without breaking the bank! But this may be the year to think about it differently. To keep costs in check, start by choosing a less popular park and look for ways to make the most of the stay. Consider nearby campgrounds, motels or vacation rentals rather than the pricier lodging and dining options inside the gates. Take advantage of hiking trails, biking and ranger talks to learn about what makes the park special. Be on the lookout for wildlife and ask about NPS astronomy programs that might be available. Dial into local festivals and farmers markets and plan on picnicking along the way. Parks like North Cascades National Park in Washington, often called the “American Alps,” is remarkably uncrowded compared to nearby Olympic or Mount Rainier. Other considerations include Great Basin National Park in eastern Nevada or the spacious Big Bend National Park in southwestern Texas.
For more: www.nps.gov
Go collegiate
If you have kids or grandkids who will soon be university bound, this strategy could pay double dividends. Choose to visit a lively college town during the summer months when crowds have thinned out and lodging will be cheaper. Stroll on campus, browse the library, rent bikes and check out the off-campus scene. Poll locals to uncover the favorite eateries (sure to be budget friendly ) of the students. Float nearby rivers, hike the local trails and picnic in the parks. Possibilities include Madison, Wisconsin; Ann Arbor, Michigan; Columbus, Ohio; and Athens, Georgia.
Bet on a beach week
Kids love building sand castles, testing their toes in the waves and searching for special rocks and seashells. Skip the marquee beach names and opt for quieter spots with many of the same benefits. (Think sun, sand and relaxation.) Consider a nearby rental and ask about family-style diners, fish shacks and local favorites in the area. A well-priced hotel with a pool would be a bonus. Ride bikes, play games and visit the local farmer’s market and parks. Consider Tybee Island, Georgia, the Gulf Shores region of Alabama or Michigan’s Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore.
Trade houses
Find a friend or family member who might share your sense of adventure and desire for an economic change of scenery. Think about it: new toys in the closet, bikes in the garage, play sets in the back yard and snacks in the cupboard. (Agree up front on what is included in the deal.) Trade information about local walking and bike paths, museums, festivals, restaurants and movie theaters. Are there free local concerts or library programs for the kids? Then settle in and enjoy the new view.
Burrow into the backcountry
For a pure connection to nature and quality family time, make your way off the beaten path. Hike, paddle or float into a pristine location where your family can learn or hone wilderness skills. During the hottest months, consider a location at a higher altitude to take advantage of cooler temperatures. At the same time, make sure it’s a destination suitable for the ages and abilities of your crew. Encourage each person to take responsibility for the adventure, whether that be early research, carrying a small pack, collecting kindling or serving as master storyteller around the fire. For the youngest set, consider a practice round in the backyard or nearby park. That way, if weather or unforeseen forces create a kink in your plans, warm and dry shelter is nearby.
For more: backcountry.com; nps.gov: www.thedyrt.com
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