Vacations can be the highlight of the year for many people. Who doesn't like to get away from work, responsibilities, etc... And just relax for a while? However, economics may be holding some people back from indulging in a retreat.
You expect to pay for attraction, board, gas, and food. There isn't much you can do about the price of attraction's and gas. However, food is a very expensive part of the vacation, and is changeable.
On average, a family spends at least five dollar's (per person) just to eat a single fast food meal. This can not only destroy a vacation budget, but it also is very unhealthy. Ever wonder why people come back from vacations with a five pound weight gain? - Junk food!
So, here are things for an easy vacation food alternative; that is cheap, but still healthy.
Look for a hotel, condo, cabin, etc... With a kitchenette.
On average, you will pay about .00 more for a kitchenette. However, you can eliminate the cost of food. If there are four vacation members, that is a minimum of .00 a day that you are eliminating.
If there is a kitchenette in the room, you can cook pretty much anything. This allows you to have a healthy and cheap meal. If you don't want to struggle with a cooler on the trip, just look for a local grocery store, once you get to your destination.
Many hotel rooms have mini fridges and microwave's in the room now. Typically, these rooms do not cost more than any other room. When booking the hotel, just ask if there is a microwave and fridge. The fridge can hold milk for breakfast cereal. Grits and oatmeal also make for an easy vacation food. Lunch meat and soup can be a lunch meal. This still save's you the expense of two meals. Make a frugal third meal choice and it save's tons of money.When booking a hotel ask if they provide a complimentary breakfast.
Some of these breakfasts are full breakfast bars, but some are finger food like donut and bagel. This will at least save you the cost of breakfast.
Do an online search for restaurants in the area.
An online hotel booking site, city data cite, etc... Will provide a restaurant guide. Some restaurants will have a kid's eat free menu, offer two for one deal's, have a hotel discount, etc... Of course, this will not eliminate the cost of meals, but it can be an option for easy cheap vacation food.
Vacation hot spots will often have vacation packages.
A vacation package is tricky. Some do lower the cost of attractions, food, and lodging, by combining them. However, do careful research. Some of these package's can actually be higher when bundled. Bring snacks with you for the drive and to carry to attractions.
Snacks like peanut butter crackers, granola bars, rice cakes, etc... Travel well and are substantially filling. Also, bring your own bottled water and soda's.
Whether you want to eliminate the cost of food, lower the cost of food, or just find easy vacation food....these idea's are sure to help you out. Sometimes, the few hundred dollars saved in food, could be the difference in affording a vacation, or staying home.
