Brilliant Ways to Save on Summer Family Vacations

The summer school break can come and go quickly, and suddenly you realize you still haven’t planned a great family summer vacation. Here are last-minute summer vacation ideas.

Even if you don’t have a lot of money or time (or even any vacation time off from work), you can still work in a last-minute summer vacation over a long weekend or even just a weekend.

LAST MINUTE SUMMER VACATION IDEAS

Hit Your Nearest Theme Park

A day at a theme park can be so full of activities and things for the kids to do, it can actually feel like a long vacation. In fact, with the costs of theme park tickets, families can often only afford a day or two of entry passes anyway.

There are so many theme parks around you probably have one maybe a gas-tank away. Book a room or a spot at a campground, and go!

Visit Your Nearest City

Very few people live far from a major city or even two cities. Pick one, book a room, get an attraction or metro pass, and go.

If the city is within an hour, you can even head straight there (and against the rush hour) after work on Friday and come back Sunday night.

For Labor Day, you can take advantage of the three-day weekend for a longer trip.

Go to the Country

On the reverse side, it can be fun and relaxing to get away from it all by going more rural. Hit the mountains or the countryside for a retreat before school starts.

Bring some fun board games for the family, and rent a cabin or go camping.

Take a Day-Trip

Hey, if you really are short on money or time, that’s no reason to waste your precious last summer weekends sitting on the couch at home watching TV.

All you need is enough money to gas up the car to go on a day trip somewhere within 30 minutes to an hour or so away. You’ll save on lodging, and you still get the fun and adventure of travel with the expense.

Have a Summer Vacation at Home

Put up a tent in the back yard, grill out for dinner, put out a blow-up pool for some splashing, and roast some marshmallows to make s’ mores.

You don’t have to go anywhere to get that summer vacation atmosphere at home.

Be sure you stay up late and tell ghost stories, too. Your kids will never mind that they aren’t in another town.

Take Your Vacation After School Starts

Hey, summer isn’t technically over until late September. You can find great deals for many popular summer attractions, such as the beach if you visit after Labor Day.

You’ll also avoid all the lines at popular family attractions. It’s also a nice way to inject a last summer fling for kids who are down about getting back into the school schedule.

SUMMER VACATIONS THAT SAVE GAS

Don’t let skyrocketing gas prices keep you from taking a great family summer vacation!

Here are tips to save gas on your summer vacation, and still have lots of fun.

With gas prices in the USA, many families are struggling now to determine how to afford a family summer vacation that is still fun for everyone.

It doesn’t help that the economy is hovering close to recession, so budgets for many families are already tight.

It’s just in stressful times like these that a vacation is all the more important. Use these tactics to save gas and cash on your summer vacation.

Take a One Gas Tank Trip

This may not be the summer to rent a big RV and do the cross-country thing. Think, instead, of looking within a 100-mile radius or look for one-take trips.

When it can cost $50-plus for each fill-up, you can devour a summer vacation budget hopping several states.

You also might be surprised at the many great options with a tank of gas driving distance. Here are some tips for finding a great trip within a tank of gas:

*Check your local newspaper. Many times, the weekly travel section has a one-tank feature every week. Even if it doesn’t, they are likely to regularly feature destinations that are nearby.

*Ask around. Lots of people have favorite short trips or day trips from their home, and you might find out about a gem you never knew was so close.

*Get a map. Use the key to draw out 100 miles in the distance, and draw a circle with a 100-mile radius. This is a nice learning experience for the kids. Then see what falls inside the circle.

Use this handy dandy tool to add up your trip fuel cost!

Conserve Gas on Your Trip

Another method is to simply be sure you use as little has as possible. Here are some tips for reducing your gas consumption regardless of the distance you travel:

*Consider renting a fuel-efficient car or even a hybrid. This won’t be cost-effective for many trips, but do the math if you’ll be taking a longer trip and don’t need a lot of space for luggage.

If you can get a good car rental deal and save more than you’ll spend on the rental in gas, it’s worth it. Plus, you’ll save the wear and maintenance on your car.

*Get your car a tune-up or at least, on a budget, do your own oil change and check the tire pressure. A few little maintenance items can make a big difference in gas mileage.

*Don’t get higher octane (and pricier) gas! Unless you are driving certain cars that require it (check your manual if you aren’t sure), it’s a complete waste of money.

Buying 94 level gas does NOT give you better gas mileage than buying the 87, as some people believe.

If your family is on a tight budget, or you can’t travel right now, a staycation can be another great way to save tons of money and enjoy a vacation with your family without ever leaving your home.

Staycations might not sound like the perfect vacation, but they are a great way for travel lovers to vacation on a budget!

Here is why every travel lover should take a staycation.

Staycations Allow You to See All Your City Has to Offer

Whether you have lived in the same city your whole life, or you just moved there, there are plenty of things to do in your city. Staycations will allow both you and your kids to experience everything your city has to offer.

Take the time to try that new restaurant down the street, or take a walking tour of your own city. You may be shocked to find that there were several places you didn’t even think to visit.

Staycations Can Help You Save Up for Larger Trips

Travel can get pretty expensive, especially if you are planning a more extended trip. Traveling with a family of four could run you a few thousand dollars for just the plane tickets alone!

If you are looking to save up for a larger trip, staycations can help you still enjoy vacations while you’re saving!

If you have a big trip planned, then use staycations to help you escape from work and keep your sanity until you can travel again.

Staycations are Perfect for Last Minute Vacations

Last-minute trips are costly. If you are traveling to a popular destination, you will pay a lot for last minute flights, accommodations, and you likely won’t be able to take advantage of many discounts since your options are so limited.

However, a staycation is perfect for those last-minute trips! You don’t need to plan for your accommodations because you can always stay right at home!

You may even be able to take advantage of local discounts to help you enjoy your staycation and save some money!

Staycations Can Be FREE Vacations

Not having the money to travel or take a vacation is no longer a problem when you staycation! If your family is on a tight budget, use staycations to create your own free vacation at home!

You can relax as a family and take a break from the housework for a weekend. You’ll be surprised how big of a difference a vacation mindset can make for your staycation.

Leaving the house to explore is excellent! But, it doesn’t have to cost you a dime! You can visit parks, see firework shows, and more without paying anything out of pocket.

Look for local events on Facebook or on your community’s website for a list of events happening in your area.

You don’t have to hop on a plane to take a great vacation! Your favorite vacation as a family might start right in your own city!

We have provided many great ways to save on your family’s summer vacations!

Let us know how your family saves when planning summer vacations in the comments below. We’d love to hear from you.

Related topics:

How To Plan An Economical Family Vacation

10 Terrific Ways For Surviving A Vacation With Teenagers