Do Summer Vacations Leave You Broke? Here’s an Idea

Q: My family usually takes a summer vacation, away from home. And while we have a lot of fun, we usually come home broke, exhausted and not ready to go back to work. I’ve heard a little about “stay-cations” and that they’re good for my budget.

A: Vacations away from home can cost a lot of money and energy. Stay-cations have recently become very popular because of the downturn in the economy and the higher cost of gas during the summer. A stay-cation is a vacation where you and your family get to relax at home and enjoy day trips close to home.

You have the opportunity to visit local parks, museums, festivals and attractions. You save money on accommodations because you can sleep in your own bed every night. You save time and money on transportation because you can ride, walk or cycle to local attractions. You can also save on your food costs by having breakfast at home, packing picnic lunches and enjoying dinner at home. One way to save even more is to look for deals at local attractions, such as two-for-one discounts; children get in free; or package deals.

Your stay-cation could include a BBQ, relaxing on your deck, or having a party at the local pool. You could check out a sports game, a concert or outdoor theatre, spend a day at the beach or a nearby lake. You may even want to check out your local farmer’s market for fresh summer produce and cook a gourmet meal with wine from a local winery.

A stay-cation is a great way to enjoy your family, the local scenery and the savings in your wallet! And best of all, you won’t hear the dreaded words “Are we there yet?”

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