It’s only February, but spring break is almost here. As a parent, I know how excited my kids get about this week-long break. Waiting until the last minute can be expensive, but over the years, I’ve found a few ways to keep costs down.
STAYCATION:
The simplest way to save money is by not traveling at all. Opt for a staycation with local activities, which can be much cheaper. We’ve discovered a lot of fun things to do nearby that don’t cost much.
MUSEUMS:
In our area, there are several free museums we love to visit. Some of these museums are part of the ASTC passport program. If you’re a member of one participating museum, you can get into all the others for free. Check out which museums are in the program and visit as many as you can within a reasonable driving distance.
EXPERIMENTING IN THE KITCHEN:
Our kitchen is a great place for the kids to experiment with cooking. It’s a fantastic way to spend time during spring break. If you have more than one child, it can be even more fun as they work together to create recipes, present their dishes, and then clean up.
PERFORMING AT HOME:
Putting on a show is another fun way to keep the kids entertained. Have them pick a favorite book or movie and turn it into a live performance. In our house, one child usually directs while the others act, create costumes, and build sets. This can keep them busy all day, and they love preparing snacks for everyone to enjoy during the show.
EXPLORING LOCALLY:
We love exploring our local area whenever we have free time. Pack some snacks and water, and go discover new places nearby. You’d be surprised at what you can find close to home without spending much beyond some gas money.
BUDGET TRAVELING:
If you decide to travel, there are ways to keep it affordable:
– If you’re flying, look for deals early. Tuesdays often have the best prices. Websites like Matrix Airfare Search, AirFare Watchdog, Fare Compare, Kayak, Priceline, and Skyscanner can help you find good deals.
– Driving to a nearby destination can also save money. The journey itself can be an adventure.
– Accommodation can be pricey, but websites like Hotels.com, Trivago, Expedia, and Travelocity offer good deals. Cashback programs like Ebates can save you even more.
– Consider house sitting for free accommodation. TrustedHousesitters.com is a great resource for this.
There are plenty of ways to have a memorable spring break without breaking the bank. Which option will make this spring break the best one for your family? When do you start planning to save the most? What are some of your favorite budget-friendly spring break experiences?