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A Frugal Spring Break
Family-oriented Ideas That Won't Break the Bank
Spring Break is almost here, but this year's vacation plans might be significantly smaller than in years past. The fluctuating economy and current state of international turmoil has many families wondering how they can stick close to home, yet still have a fun vacation.
The golden rule for saving money on travel is to plan ahead. First, determine how much cash you can realistically spend. Second, create a spending plan. Once that is established, consider one of these family-oriented ideas.
- If the open road is calling your name, consider a local road trip to one of your state's great cities. Keep a travelogue, a photo journal and let the kids take turns being the navigator or DJ. Go somewhere you've always wanted to go.
- History comes alive when you realize it happened in your own backyard. Visit historic sites, such as battlefields, forts and monuments, to uncover often surprising facts about your hometown.
- Explore nearby museums, zoos, gardens and galleries. Many museums and zoos offer free days or evenings; find out what these times are and plan accordingly. Factory tours can be both educational and fun.
- Camping is probably the ultimate bargain, but if you don't have the equipment or the desire to pitch a tent, many parks offer other options such as rental cabins or lodges. State and national parks often offer low- or no-cost amenities including boating, canoeing, horseback riding and hiking. Contact the National Park Service for details and availability.
