In some cases, limited finances just won't allow a vacation at all. But a summer vacation can probably still be saved. Here are tips:
Start a Spare Bill Jar to Save the Vacation
One way to get money for a vacation that might be more effective than you think is to start a spare bill jar. Even with as little as cash is used these days, throwing in an extra dollar bill or $5 bill in a big jar on the kitchen counter can accumulate pretty quickly (especially if you don't make it a slush fund).
Now that we use less cash in general, also consider opening a savings account online that is connected to your checking. Every time you notice you have even $5, $10 or $20 extra, forego the latte or the lunch out and transfer it to your travel savings fund.
Go Camping to Save the Vacation
Camping is both family-friendly and inexpensive. Even if some people in the family aren't the camping types, there are many ways to keep camping affordable while making it less rugged. For example, many campgrounds rent out cabins or RVs so that you have a real roof on your head, have a bathroom, have running water and power, all the basics.
Beyond that, however, there are often many fun activities to do right at the campground, especially for the kids.
Watch for Hot Deals to Save the Vacation
The one positive for travel during a bad economy is that you can find some unbelievable deals on everything from airfare to hotels to getaway packages to attraction tickets (some will even allow you to upgrade to an annual pass for next to nothing, something to consider if it's a frequent destination). Sign up on popular travel deal sites to get email notifications when a hot deal surfaces.
Visit Family or Friends to Save the Vacation
Visiting family or friends can save you hundreds on lodging and food (even if you buy some groceries to contribute to the food, since home-cooked food is much cheaper than restaurant and hotel room service food). If you visit family or friends near a fun destination, all of you can do some sightseeing just like any vacation.
Beyond that, it can be even more fun that traveling to a strange place where you know no one as a family. You will have free local tour guides, for one thing. You'll also have hosts to take you where the tourists don't know to go, such as undiscovered attractions and wonderful restaurants.
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