Vacation Smarter, Not More Expensive

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Summer vacation is right around the corner, and that means family vacations are too. Road trips and vacations are important for creating memories and spending quality time together, but they can get expensive quickly. Find out how to save money and still enjoy your vacation!Budget Before AnythingAlways start by setting a rough budget for your overall vacation. It can be easy for things to quickly get out of hand, but if you set strict standards, you won’t go overboard. Start with a preliminary target for your top-limit budget; set aside 10% to cover any unplanned expenses. Pack SnacksFood can get very expensive on vacation. Decide how many nights and meals you’re willing to eat out, and then buy groceries and snacks to cover the rest of your food. When you do eat out, make sure to choose restaurants that offer a kids menu; it’ll be much more affordable! Where to StayRather than staying in expensive hotels, look into renting a home through VRBO or Airbnb, or even go camping if your family enjoys spending time outdoors. If you have to stay in hotels, choose ones that include breakfast so you can save money — or only book at one hotel chain. This way, you can take advantage of rewards programs and reduce costs on future trips.ZoosThere are a large number of free zoos throughout the US; take advantage of them on your trip! If you have a membership at the local, find out if you have access to “reciprocity” on admission fees at other zoos in the country. Oftentimes, you’ll get free admission or 50% off.MuseumsSimilar to zoos, there are many free museums throughout the country, and the same reciprocity rule applies. If you have a membership at a local museum, find out if you can get discounts at others!PlaygroundsIf you’re going on vacation with younger children, playgrounds are an amazing (and free) stop. All it takes is a little bit of time on Google to find the best playgrounds in any state!Avoid SouvenirsSouvenirs are expensive, and often, they get lost or collect dust on the shelf. Instead of purchasing pricey SOMETHING and stuffed animals your children will forget about, opt for taking lots of pictures. You can get your favorites printed for a minimal cost, and then your children can look forward to crafting vacation collages when you get home.At private schools in Lakeland, FL, we foster an atmosphere of care and an environment of high expectations and effective discipline. To learn more about what makes us different, contact us at 407-246-4800.

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