Family Vacations That Are Budget Friendly

My dear friend Emma shared this budget friendly vacation with me today and I am excited to pass this idea along to all of you to try. They are a family with three children. Their little girl has a hard time traveling long distances so they came up with a clever idea to spend their holiday close to home.  They traveled exactly 20 min. down the road to their mother-in law's home. They used her home as their accommodations while she was away vacationing elsewhere. It allowed Emma's mother-in-law to have someone watch over her home while she was gone and gave their little family of 5, a budget friendly safe place to stay with their 3 little children. Not having to pay for travel or hotel accommodations meant that they could spend more of their money on fun things with the kids instead. They visited all the local pools, zoos, museums, beaches and attractions. Being so close to home also meant that they could pack light and if they forgot anything they could easily drive 20 min. down the road to get it. I love this idea.

When I was single I was often referred by friends to their friends to house sit for them and this sometimes  included watching their animals and children while they were away too. It was so wonderful to get a new change of scenery for my own little mini vacation and away from my own home life. I am so glad Emma was able to take advantage of a similar situation and turn it into a lovely vacation for their family to enjoy together. So next time a family member or friend mentions they are going out of town and need a house sitter you can turn it into an opportunity to get away yourself or turn it into a family vacation. Thanks Emma! :)

My parents have also taken advantage of budget friendly vacations over the years by staying in some really nice and affordable hostels that looked like 5 star bed and breakfast inns and camp sites near wonderful quiet beaches. There are so many local, historical and natural attractions everywhere that mini vacations for  families on a tight budget are perfect. I have even had friends that have set up their tents in the back garden of their home as a mini vacation for their children. Family fun doesn't need to come with a big price tag attached to it! I hope this will spark some wonderful family vacation ideas for everyone on a budget.