Mom’s Money

Family Vacation On A Very Limited Budget

I grew up in a large family and money was  tight.  We learned how to be frugal in every aspect of our lives.  Our family could not afford to go on extreme vacations, driving across the country, visiting amusement parks or seaside resorts.  We learned how to vacation close to home.

There are many reasons, besides saving money, to explore your own corner of the world.  Often, people who have lived in one town a long time will admit they rarely visit local points of interest.  When family and friends visit, it gives me an excuse to explore my own city!  We all are guilty of not taking the opportunity to get to know our own area’s unique personality. 

You’ll want to start planning your next “Around Our Town” vacation by gathering information.  Your local Chamber of Commerce is a good place to begin.  Also, every restaurant and hotel or motel in your town will have racks full of brochures luring you to places to discover.  Sometimes, just a short drive away, you’ll discover a cave to explore, a hands-on museum, a waterfalls, a kid’s fishing day, a community festival, or any number of events that are new to you.   However, the sweetest vacation time with your family may be pitching a tent in your backyard, or renting a travel trailer and parking it at the lake.

Compare the money you would spend on just one stressful, long-distance trek across the country to vacationing in your own corner of the world,  and you’ll quickly realize the benefits of exploring your own backyard first.