Money may be tight, but smart choices are getting families through
The cost of everyday items continues to strain many people's budgets, even as financial experts note that inflation is calming. When people feel a pinch in their wallets, non-essential things, like vacations, often get pushed aside. But it may not be obligatory.
After remaining below 3% for a long time, the US consumer price index began to rise in 2021, eventually reaching 9.1% in June 2022 (it has since fallen to more manageable levels, reaching 3. 5% in May 2024), according to Forbes. . The rise in prices is exacerbated by the fact that the cost of living still exceeds what people take home.
Families who are watching their money but still want to vacation may want to explore the following ways to travel without breaking the bank.
Visit a national park
National parks are located throughout the country and the world. The United States National Park Service says entry to many of these parks is free, and those that aren't charge much lower entry fees than a typical family.
attractions like theme parks. State parks are also a wonderful resource for day trips and overnight camping. Learn more about those in New York at parks.ny.gov.
Be a visitor in your own city (or nearby)
Who says you have to travel far to have a good time? Enjoy sites closer to home that you may never have seen. Some day trips to attractions within driving distance can reduce costs when a family travels together.
Splitting the Cost of a Rental Home
Rental sites like Airbnb and VRBO give you plenty of options when traveling. It may be more cost-effective to rent a large house in a particular destination with several bedrooms or sleeping areas and take a vacation with extended family or friends to spread the costs.
Buy or rent an RV
The RV lifestyle has grown by leaps and bounds. While it's still a popular way to tour the country, interest in RVing exploded during the pandemic, when people were looking for safer options to get away. A campervan is essentially a hotel on wheels, so the opportunities for an affordable vacation are endless once the initial investment in the campervan is made. Additionally, people who purchased an RV during the height of the COVID-19 pandemic may be looking to unload their relatively new vehicles at discounted prices.
Tailor-made madness
If you want to splurge on a more expensive vacation, cut back on other luxuries, like limiting the number of meals you eat out or the number of new vacation outfits you buy. Invest money in the most important elements of the trip.
