My Vacation Challenge

[mom2scs]

Ok, so we are working on getting out of debt and trying to reduce our grocery budget, but there are 2 vacations that we feel strongly we should take this year. So, my challenge is to take the best vacation on the least amount of money possible.

This is where you all come in. . .I need help coming up with cheap ways to vacation.

So far here is the plan.

The first vacation we will be taking is a weekend getaway for me and dh. We did this for the first time in 10 years of marriage last year and it was such a benefit to our marriage. We will be driving 3 hours to Grandma's house to drop off at least 4 out of the 5 kiddos. Then we will spend 2 nights in a hotel (nothing fancy, something along the lines of Best Western or Holiday Inn Express).

The second vacation will be around July 4 to my dh's family reunion in Dallas, TX. The big reason we are going is because dh's grandparents are over 90, and we don't think we are going to have very many more opportunities to see them. We will need to drive about 7 hours to get there and spend 3-4 nights in a hotel (with 5 kids).

So far, here is my plan to do this as cheaply as possible. 1) Keep back some of the snackie items that I get free or cheap to keep everyone taken care of for most snacks and as part of some meals. 2) Get a hotel that has a small fridge and microwave in the room (as well as free breakfast) so that we can eat 2 meals each day in the hotel room. I know we will want to eat out for some meals.

What other ways can I save money while taking these vacations?

Thanks for your ideas,
Annie

[2mnyteens]

Watch ebay for gift cards / certs for restaurants and fast food. I got some a few years ago and got them for about 50% of their worth. I was aiming for 50% or less and if an auction went over that, I kept on shopping. I was able to take about $80 worth of fast food $ with us to the beach. It was nice not to have to cook some meals. You might even find some for the hotel you plan on staying at.

Julie

[littlereddeer1]

Sign up for mypoints and earn gift cards to pay for gas and groceries.