Even families on tight budgets deserve to get away from time to time and enjoy each other’s company. Is there some place your family would really love to go? Do not assume you have to say no. Do the research and find out exactly how much the trip would cost your family. Figure in the cost of the venue, transportation, meals, lodging and the other costs associated with the trip. See if the venue you want to visit has annual special deals or other discounts. Find the lowest price possible for travel. Plan meals and accommodations that are inexpensive. See how low you can get that bottom line.
Once you have a total price for the vacation, begin to save up for it. Make a commitment as a family to cut expenses and save money to go toward your family vacation so you won’t have to take out a pay advance. Start a special savings account at your bank and compete to see how much each family can add to your family vacation savings plan. Small changes can make a big difference in utility bills. Could you bump the thermostat up or down a few degrees to save on the power bill? Would the family agree to cut out a few cable or satellite channels for a few months to help fund the family vacation? See what sacrifices the gang is willing to make for the trip.
It will not be long until the vacation savings account starts getting closer to the cost of the trip. Then it is time to book your reservations. If you are a few dollars short, consider a pay advance to help make up the difference.
