Some cheap summer vacation ideas are obvious, but others might even surprise you. Having a cheap vacation does not mean you must sacrifice fun or even quality. You can even have a pretty luxurious family summer vacation on a budget.
Last-Minute Cheap Summer Vacation
The nice thing about summer? For many, it is a more flexible time to take an impromptu vacation. If you have an employer who is pretty relaxed plus children out of school for the summer, why get married to the idea that your summer vacation (or vacations) has to be scheduled.
Keep an eye out for last-minute summer vacation deals, which can range from a steal on a hotel booking to a deep discount on an entire vacation package for the family. There are many resources to find last minute deals, but a must-watch site is the TravelZoo Last Minute page. Also sign up for email alerts from major travel sites, airlines and hotel chains.
Family Hostel Vacation
Don't cringe! Hostels have come a long way from the backpacker havens of Europe's back streets. There are some nice hostels that specifically cater to families, in fact.
A stay at a hostel is dramatically less expensive than a typical hotel stay, and you can still get many of the amenities found at hotels (wi-fi, pools and so on). It's hard to argue with the savings at family hostels: the rates start as low as $20 per night.
Family Camping Summer Vacation
Even those who don't care for camping can truly enjoy a camping vacation. Ways to upgrade that camping vacation while still staying on a budget: find an upscale campground or one in an exotic, indulgent destination. There are campgrounds with some pretty amazing amenities, especially at beaches or in Europe (yes, a camping vacation in Europe can be affordable). Another way to upgrade is to rent a cabin, yurt or RV. Or simply be sure to get water and electricity for your tent site.
There are many reasons that camping vacations make great summer vacations on a budget. There are usually free activities for the kids, as well as several other kids around so they can play. You can also save your cash on the overnight accommodations and splurge on nice dinners or attraction tickets to get the most bang for your buck.
Tweak Your Desired Summer Vacation Plans
Beyond all of the suggestions above, you can also have the summer vacation you originally wanted... probably. Sometimes a few minor changes (staying at a different hotel, changing the dates to weekdays, shortening your vacation by two days, driving instead of flying, etc.) can save hundreds. Take a hard look at the summer vacation you had in mind before budget came into play, and look for ways to make it cheaper.
Just because money is tight doesn't mean a great summer vacation is out of reach. In tough times, it's all the more important to get quality time and experiences with the family.
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