Vacations for the Frugal-Minded

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We all need a break from the grind of daily life now and then. Stress can build up, work can become a bit too much and we just need to have a vacation. Sometimes, though, just the prospect of planning out that vacation and the effort and money that goes towards it can be just as anxiety-inducing as anything that comes up during the work day. So let’s take a look at a couple of ways to alleviate the stress and get you on the way to your ideal vacation.

The first mistake that many individuals make when planning their vacation is selecting a destination strictly based on the name of the city, or the exclusiveness of the area. When you do that, you’re just asking to pay more than you need to. Instead, try selecting a vacation spot similar to that ideal spot, maybe even within the same area, that’s a little lesser known. It’s a guaranteed way to save a great deal of cash, and while you may not get the exact same perks that you would be paying hundreds of dollars more for at that big-name resort down the beach, the piece of mind you keep is beyond value.

Now, the next vacation suggestion can only be pulled off if you’re willing to do it the right way….Vegas. The city that never sleeps can be an amazingly inexpensive vacation spot as long as you stay away from the gambling tables and the slot machines. The city is literally filled with free attractions, such as the fountains in front of the Bellagio, the volcano in front of the Mirage, and the street performers in front of the Venetian. In addition to those freebies, Las Vegas features some of the best eats in the country for the price. The buffets at spots like the Luxor are very inexpensive, the food selection is enormous, and it’s tastier than a lot of the food you’d spend way more money on at a restaurant in your home town. The list goes on and on, but like I previously stated, the gambling areas have to be (save maybe a hand of blackjack or two) off-limits. Going to Vegas during a typically slow part of the tourist season can save you hundreds on your hotel stay as well. As always, book in advance!

Camping, done right, can be the most inexpensive and rewarding experience that you and your family can have together. On a previous blog, we spoke about a couple of different ways to save you money on your trip, but here we’ll just reiterate. Camping should be, by definition, inexpensive. If your camping trip costs you more than a roundtrip ticket to Paris, you’re doing something wrong. Tent, sleeping bags, some wood to start a fire, and some food is really all you need. You’re not going camping because you want to see what it’s like to watch high-definition television in front of a forested backdrop, you’re doing it to spend time in nature and connect with the ones that you love. So do it!

Any other ideas, Frugal followers? We’d love to hear them! See you tomorrow!

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