by Eileen Hughes

Created on: October 10, 2008   Last Updated: February 15, 2012

Family vacation on a budget

Whatever type of vacation or holiday you plan to have, you need to do your research before leaving home. Like the scouts motto being prepared' is the way to go although the unexpected can, and will still catch you out. We thought we had covered all bases with our vehicle. We blew up our motor before leaving and had everything else serviced and checked out. Then after driving across the Nullarbor, the gear box played up, and we had to buy another car. This could not have been predicted and an expense we didn't need.

Choosing your destination Before deciding to fly to an exotic overseas place, why not explore your own country. I am amazed how many people that I have spoken too while travelling, who have lived in the same town for twenty or more years and not visited towns even two or three hundred kilometres away from there home. They do not know what they are missing. My suggestions lean more towards to a drive, camp, or caravan holiday, although, the majority of these simple basics can be applied to any type of holiday. Here are a few ways to make your trip more enjoyable and live within a budget. Bookings Where possible avoid travelling during long weekends, school holidays and peak periods as these will cost more than normal times. Shop around on the net to find the cheapest suitable accommodation. Look for special deals, like paying for a week and have the extra day for free. Look for the Motels which include breakfast in the price of unit Clothing

Check the weather forecast. This will not guarantee perfect sunshine, so pack prepared for all temperatures. Mix and match your garments, dress them up and down for different occasions. If you wear the same top and add a scarf or jewellery it makes it look different.

Select wash and wear and non crinkle clothing where possible. You can often rinse these out and hang in your shower recess to dry overnight. Pack a good comfortable pair of walking shoes, a dressy pair of heels if you intend dining out, and sandals. First aid kit Even if you are short on space it is still a good idea to pack a few bandaids, pain killers, sunburn cream, insect repellent and a soothing antiseptic cream for emergencies. Meals and snacks For breakfast have a plate of cereal, this will give you a good start for the day. Where possible, make sandwiches and a thermos and enjoy a snack in the park. What you save will enable you to splurge on dining out in the evening.

Never buy takeaways or snacks from a roadhouse. Where possible buy drinks and nibbles from the local supermarkets and if bulk if able. This applies to alcohol; buy a carton not half cartons from liquor outlets where available. You will save heaps. Fuel Yes, we all know how this has affected travel plans. If on a driving holiday, never fuel up at the first service station you see. Quite often the one right in town will be cheaper, and could save you as much as ten cents a litre. This will make a big difference if driving several hundred kilometres.

Free Camping

By staying overnight at Free camping sites you will save a lot of money for those caravan and camping holiday makers. Check out the camp 4 books available in most tourist centres, newsagencies, or on the net. www.campsaustraliawide.com You can also go to the web site explorOz which you can join as a visitor or member. It offers all sorts of four wheel drive, camping and caravanning information. www.exploroz.com Where ever you decide to take a holiday, be happy and enjoy yourself. Appreciate and be thankful each and every day; that you are able to wake up, it sure is a bonus for everyone at any age.

Learn more about this author, Eileen Hughes.
Click here to send this author comments or questions.