MY FAVORITE BUDGET TRAVEL TIPS | VACATION FRUGAL HACKS

[@FrugalFitMom]

We LOVE to travel and save money in the process, but I'm always glad to come home to my Helix mattress! Visit helixsleep.com/frugalfitmom to get up to $200 off your Helix mattress, plus two free pillows.

[@micahsmom1883]

We buy a park pass for the state we live in, there are a lot of hiking trails of various difficulties and many with waterfalls, we enjoy making a day of it. We do not buy souvenirs but take lots of pictures to hang on our walls and snacks and lunch is easily packed in a cooler, so our biggest expense right now when doing this is gas (due to the rising prices). Day trips work well at this point so that we can do remodel projects on our house, but we still feel like we have been out doing something together while still maintaining a decent budget and working on the house.

[@etsionjasait4410]

One of my best travel tips is to book hotel that offer free breakfast. We save at least 30$ per day that way. Also, I am member of some hotel chain and I accumulate points each time we book an night. That way we can get a few nights free each year. No plans for summer right now, but we are going to Mexico next week! 😄

[@FrugalFitMom]

One of my favorite tips!

[@samantha.roberts]

Me and my sister collect fridge magnets from the places we visit, every time I go to the fridge I have little memories pop into my head… it’s great 😊

[@thejennygirl727]

I'm magnets and shot glasses. I don't know why i do shot glasses too bc i don't do shots, especially at home lol

[@jmachado87]

The cheapest vacation we’ve ever been on was to DC. We stayed at an Airbnb so we could cook and pack food rather than eat out. And of course all the Smithsonian’s are free, so we spent every day exploring those. We splurged on a guided bus tour, which was amazing & worth every penny! It was great!

[@TheEmmyGomez]

When I was living in Europe in college, my friends and I planned a trip to Morocco and Southern Spain. We were all students and booked hostels instead of hotels - for Morocco however, we stayed in a traditional house-turned hostel called a riad that served traditional Moroccan breakfast every morning. We booked cheap flights and only took carry-ons. My hack from that trip is if within a group everyone wants to bring home souvenirs, split the cost of paying for a checked bag! We bought a cheap $10 market bag and stuffed it with our souvenirs and even split the cost to have it wrapped in protective plastic at the airport!

[@susan794]

You're such good parents. Your kids are having a great childhood.

[@jeanettedillard4051]

Go to hotels with continental breakfast, take baggies and grab enough food to have during the day of your fun and travels!! That's what my mom and I did in London. Saved us tons on food!!

[@tonia.5861]

Cruising to Alaska and visiting the Northwest this summer. We’ve had a Christmas “trip tree” for 31 years. It started out as a 4ft tree and we are now 7 1/2 ft that is very full! Our adult children still love to unwrap each ornament and it always leads to great memories of all our adventures. It was the best decision we ever made regarding souvenirs!

[@hopelk]

That sounds awesome!!!...You might enjoy the ~Somers in Alaska~ site...They live in North Pole, AK and have lots of info on where to visit & what to expect. Denali is one place I'd like to explore & since extended daylight will be the norm you might like going to swim at 10 or 11 pm!!! Have a terrific time & safe travel wishes!!!

[@bertholdstefanie6175]

My parents (teachers) bought a camping trailer. A trailer, meaning you don‘t buy another expensive motor, at destination you can use your car for tours and find a parking lot, and every other year the trailer would stay stationary on a big camp site by the coast as a weekend/holiday destination. Thus we saved money for next years road trip. And road trips they were, 42 nights in Spain in the 70ies, 6 weeks all up and down the Dalmatian coast and several 6 week trips round Britain and Scotland in the 80ies,surfboards and racing bikes in the camper. South of France or Toscana as 3week spring trips, Rome, French Atlantic coast, Normandy or Loire with a few days in Paris for two weeks in Autumn … My mom always said, she would rather cook us Spaghetti Napoli for weeks and us see the world than being pampered in a hotel for a few days. Oh, and every time we got to a sightseeing location we would get out of the car and she would treat us a sweet snack/bar. Thus she wouldn‘t have to buy us ice cream. Fond memories.

[@jillgott6567]

Sounds wonderful ! Great memories

[@karenpool6460]

I love that you switched it up and showed us travel money saving tips. Thanks for sharing your vacation with us!! 😎 I just love this channel and all the tips you share. ♥️ You inspire me to find ways to save $$

[@FrugalFitMom]

Yay! Thank you!

[@baconman6561]

South Dakota camping road trip for 2022. Glacier NP camping road trip was for 2021. Southwest Colorado camping trip for 2020. Our theme is tent camping and driving to help make it affordable. But really, it's an adventure and becoming a family tradition. We make a short wish list but avoid itineraries. Oh, I'm a sucker for ordering visitor's guides.

[@elliejellie22]

We just visited Annapolis, MD. Going to Adirondacks in May to stay in a cabin and take our kayaks. Camping at a PA state park in our travel trailer then later in the year we booked a modern cabin in another state park. Traveling north of Pittsburgh for a family reunion. We love the outdoors.

[@elizabethwagner7880]

My friend just treated me to a trip. I did the food. Oatmeal with hot water from the coffee pot for breakfast, sandwiches for lunch, and chicken and veggies with the air fryer I brought for dinner.

[@gilliancarnes5279]

Taking my 1.5 year old daughter to Alabama to the beach in June. 5% cash back on gas through my credit card, Airbnb, packing coolers for our food and spending a majority of our time at parks and the beach. Frugal travel is possible and honestly a ton easier!

[@nataliequisenberry8777]

My travel tip would be that if you're wanting a European vacation but are on a tight budget, look at Eastern Europe. Everything is very economical if you are coming from the states and there's plenty of old world charm. Eastern Europeans are incredibly friendly and welcoming and you can find plenty of locals in the major cities who speak English. We love traveling in Eastern Europe!

[@ricebeansrockroll882]

As a European I second this! Also _if_ you are traveling a more expensive country, hit a resturant instead of a supermarket. Most have a pretty great selection to build a hearty charcuterie board with. In many European countries it's also legal to drink in public (though being drunk and disorderly isn't), so you can easily make it quite boujee. My go to traveling is usually to pick up some granola and milk for breakfast (keep the milk in the mini fridge), and then do the charcuterie lunch, and eat out for dinner. Just act decent about it, don't leave a mess.

[@Skyesoceaneyes]

Seven kids, 2 adults, more than 40 days and more than 5,000 miles. We have an epic road trip planned from Idaho to the east coast including New York and Florida this summer. I'm excited but scared!😅

[@maryrekar2150]

Enjoy the journey

[@kimarnette9318]

Hi from Colorado. Now that my kids are 20&23 I just want to go on a vacation by myself 😂

[@mostuniquemary]

We're in Michigan (SE corner) and our state has a lot of beautiful hiking/camping areas that we're going to explore more of this year, especially in the Upper Peninsula. I definitely pack a lot of food for road trips and made a rule years ago that we only eat out once a day and it has to be a place that's not available where we live (ie: no chain restaurants).

[@heatherjohnson2511]

My daughter lives in NJ , and there are a lot of WAWA gas stations/ quick marts there, we visit her several times a year, so I bought their large thermos/ coffee mug, and a free members card, so every time we go there I get 1 free coffee, tea or soft drink..... plus WAWA is all over in nearby states, so I just use my mug when we travel....bonus, it's a great thermos to just use every day too....... if you go somewhere fairly often, pick up a members mug or gas card, and you can save $$ by using it when you travel. Also if you go to area attractions, like museums, or local art exhibits, sometimes they have souvenir brochures that are really nice, and have beautiful pictures of the state that you don't see any where else & & make great coffee table decor that people actually like looking at..... plus you have been there! Very cool, free is always better! ( hotels sometimes have them as well, if you ask)

[@tobythomas3413]

Something we started when my daughter was young was collecting those souvenir pennies. You squish them yourself and it embosses the penny with whatever attraction you’re visiting. We are well into our second penny collection book, and we act like total geeks when we see a penny pressing machine! Lol! It’s fun, doesn’t take up room in luggage, and only 51 cents. There are lots more out there than you think there are!

[@DHass64]

I do this also!!

[@wildshadowstar]

Whenever my family went on vacations, we always packed coolers to take as much food with us as possible to save on money.

[@lisapaulsen2504]

We love Tybee Island, Georgia! We are a family of 7. We have went twice now and stayed at whispering palms with mermaid cottages rental service. It’s a big beautiful southern house that was actually moved from another part of the island and placed on a lot that is a five minute walk to the beach. We split the cost of it with my parents and my siblings and their families. We leave our vehicles parked and rent golf carts to explore the island with. It’s a blast!

[@tammymyer5347]

Love this! Kids will not remember not getting a money wasting souvenir that will most likely eventually end up getting thrown away, but they will remember having the best time on family vacations. The experiences vs things. ❤️

[@jessicapilbro9766]

Anywhere in the Outerbanks in NC.. Going there first a week in the summer with extended family & rented a big house 500 feet from the ocean.. Can't wait!

[@hopelk]

One of our favorite vacas was to the FL Keys...we stayed with friends in Tavenier and traveled to Islemadora( I got to go on Ernest Hemingway's boat, sat at his desk & typed on his typewriter!)...when we traveled back North we stopped at Key Largo & took the glass bottomed boat over the reef...awesome!...we were unable to go to Everglades as there were wildfires preventing thru traffic but 2 out of 3 terrific experiences were had!!!

[@pauletteschirmer4906]

Biggest travel savings - make meals at "home" or hotel when traveling. Meals get expensive fast but going to the local grocery or farmers market can save a lot of money without reducing the experience of the location.

[@carolinschenk2568]

We're going to Maui this year. My husbands brother and wife moved there last year, so we're going to visit them, but also to visit the place where we got engaged 3 years ago! But them living there makes the trip especially cheap when all we have to pay for is our plane tickets and food. Since they're letting us use their 2nd car and stay in their cottage they have on their property.

[@jonniethorgeirson8360]

This is perfect timing! We are getting ready to go on a trip 6 hours away next week and even though we are going for medical reasons we want to have fun without breaking the bank.

[@laughingalltheway8399]

Turo is FABULOUS!!! And sooooo much easier than dealing with a rental car. Just make sure you take LOTS of really good photos when you return the car in case you get a less-than-honest owner. Also, try to avoid anything that is more than a couple years old. I've heard horror stories of poor maintenance, etc. even though Turo has a maintenance policy. I would also recommend seeking out a local property manager who handles vacation rentals. They know the area and their properties and can make recommendations and are often significantly cheaper for the exact same properties because they don't have to pay the website fees on their end. Usually you wind up paying just a flat nightly price plus a refundable damage deposit. And you will be contributing directly to a local business.

[@LisaofHopewell]

Do a lot of byo food, but eat out at locally owned places to see what's in the area. Vary the meal you eat "at home" or "from home" so you can try stuff popular there. Fast food you don't have at home can be fun, too. Look for gift card deals too. Pack lite & hit a laundry mat or pick a motel with a w/d. Doing a few chores can save a lot of leg room in the car. I used to love buying college t-shirts where ever I went. Fun souvenir and you can keep using it. Also fun is a scratch off map or picture photo frame of the USA showing where you've been.

[@amysheffield9583]

Your family makes vacationing looks so much fun and inviting. I want to travel with you!

[@ashleywagner7417]

Love these tips.. one thing my husband is that annoying finance guy at a car dealership… but he sees credit scores and deal with them daily… he said it actually negatively affects your credit when you close a credit a card. So if your trying to build credit don’t do. So we have done the get a card for the benefits! But closing a card changes your revolving credit limit vs utilization percentage and works against you. The percentage is a factor. Take that at face value I personally don’t know that’s what he told me. Also I got my son a cc under my account at like 13 when he was traveling alone to see family and it actually built up his credit. I didn’t know that! He just turned 18 and I pushed him to get a card to build credit. Note!!!! I taught him and he knows buy on the card and pay off the next day! Don’t spend money you don’t have! But his credit was in the high 700’s to start off at. My card built his credit! My husband said it does weigh a little different when making big purchases but it’s definitely a plus.

[@mariayelruh]

Weekends can be a good compromise. We used to go to DC for a 'weekend' but drive down early Saturday morning. We'd stay at an inexpensive hotel/motel overnight and then sight see all day Sunday and drive home. You are able to fit a lot of stuff into two days with just one hotel cost. Packing lunches and dinner is really doable for just a weekend. If it was summer we'd buy ice cream as a treat. During the winter it would be sodas and chips which we didn't usually have.

[@AshleyH3]

Great tips! Thank you! We live in the Pac NW, but have never been to Utah, so we are going to Zion to do the Narrows, Bryce Canyon, Arches...

[@sheilapearson3270]

We started collecting Christmas ornament souvenirs on our first vacation in the 90's. We've been married 28 years and have amassed quite the collection. It's so fun to look at them every Christmas.

[@stuckinmopro8533]

We now live in the Midwest but this summer we are going home to Rhode Island. Beautiful beaches, historical places, Newport or Block Island. A fantastic trip and even a short drive to Boston!

[@helenboddy4801]

Go city passes are great options if you are going somewhere you want to visit a lot of tourist attractions. I’ve used them in NY and will be using one in Honolulu. It’s an affordable way to get entrance fees, and often no lines, when visiting top tourist venues.

[@SauerPatchGardening]

We always research the area we are going for specials ( museums, site seeing restaraunts,etc) then make a list of most to least we want to do and what we are willing to spend to see or do something. Some things are less expensive when you purchase tix on line ahead of time. Like trolley tours and tix for things you want to see. We make an itinerary that is adjustable and try to purchase tix that can be used for more than one day in case we need to change something due to weather. Also ask local people questions, we have found some really fun things to do over the years just by asking once we get to our destination. Some fun local events like music, art fairs and farmers market info aren't always available on line, especially when you are doing research months in advance.

[@kellyshults6590]

We save monthly for our family vacation. We try to extend our work trip and stay a few more days so part of the rip is paid by our employee. We stay in hotels with breakfast, we pack sandwiches for lunch and we would pay only one meal/day. Going do Savannah, GA and then work conference in Orlando in the summer, flying back and forth from CA for free!!

[@melodieschellenberg906]

Definitely travel visa plans, always bring snacks even on plane rides, staying with family has been my favourite especially for the connection made, hostels some have family rooms.

[@emxoxox3]

I’m currently in the midst of planning a summer train trip! Amtrak rail pass is not for the faint of heart but it’s an awesome, affordable way to see the country

[@jlbnerdy]

This sounds like a dream of mine! Chicago to Cali...sigh 😍🥰

[@sarahdefelice2285]

I just saw that rail pass is $100 off. Curious to know more about how it works!

[@celeshite6433]

I want to do this!!

[@lisapop5219]

We have a travel ornament tradition too! I also buy a cheap fridge magnet collection from gas stations

[@momsgonefrugal2016]

We are doing 2 trips this summer, both visiting family. We will be staying with family during both trips. One of those is in a touristy area so we will have plenty to do. The other is in a mountain area so lots of free outdoor time and hiking. I love taking advantage of free activities. New park for the kids, hiking, picnics, sight seeing, scavenger hunts, farmers markets, swimming in lakes instead of going to the pool. The possibilities are endless. Saving money on these things let's us surge on a meal out for us to take our hosts out. Or a fun paid activity for us to enjoy as a family.

[@allisonsigler8051]

I'm going to Spain this summer for a dance holiday. My first time back in over 5 years and I'm looking forward to the food and the relaxing culture.

[@Godwinpounds4333]

Hello 👋dear, how are you doing?

[@janabuchheit3389]

Always enjoy your videos. I already implement lots of the things you talk about. I find when going on a vacation/trip having an itinerary helps. We treasure the experiences much more than the dining out. A fine dining is great, but my kids remember the weenie roast and smores by the campfire as the highlight. Thank you for highlighting the fun with family as what's important!

[@jL-se4eq]

My husband and I like to go to Hawaii, and we do it very much on the cheap--free hotel (with points and free nights), cheap airfare (with sales and companion fares or points), cheap food (we pack some food, do a bulk costco shop when we arrive, and cook our own food), cheap entertainment(we pack our own beach chairs, beach tent and umbrella and hang out at the free beautiful beaches all day). This last trip, we packed a small foldable bbq grill, small air fryer, and a few kitchen utensils and cooked our own food in a hotel room that just had a microwave and mini-fridge. We ate very well having steak, kabobs, burgers, chicken etc (and unlimited adult beverages) for dinners on our patio with a beautiful ocean view, I packed our picnic lunches for the beaches, and we ate better than if we had gone out to eat at restaurants. Best of all--after 11 days we came home not owing anything.

[@debiwillis9045]

But they are crowded. Over priced and don't have all the monkeys. Birds etc... that Costa Rica has. Couldn't pay me to go! And Costa Rica has ALL the beauty and waterfalls.

[@jL-se4eq]

@@debiwillis9045 no need to be rude. My husband and I have been fortunate to have been able to travel all over the world. We have seen our share of monkeys, birds and waterfalls in many countries. I was simply sharing an example of how we do Hawaii. I am sorry you experienced crowded beaches. As we visit the Hawaiian islands at least three times each year I can tell you there are many secluded beaches, birds, and waterfalls. Happy travels.

[@heatherncasey2004]

We have decided our new way to hit the beach is to tent beach camp! We make most of our food, and we save money because we don’t do any extras, we only hit the beach. It’s simple and wonderful, and my kids love it and look forward to it.

[@thriftymama3786]

We are going to Florida next month. Driving there from the Midwest but still cheaper than flying, using airbnb for 5 people and cooking there while eating out maybe once a day. Hoping to have lots of fun, hang out on the beach and do a little sight seeing.

[@orchardhillshomestead]

We’re doing the “Castles of the Rhine” cruise this summer! So excited for this trip! Been planning it for over a year already, so the whole family is hyped! ❤️

[@piggywings-hr3lv]

I love watching your travels! It's so worth buying clearance and generic stuff to be able to live life on vacation! Thanks for all of your tips!!!

[@lisamartin3346]

Great tips as usual! Never thought about some of them like budget cars - or even cooking at home and taking with you, as you’ve shown before. Keep up the good tips.

[@joannereynolds69]

Great tips Christine. I live in the UK - we are going to Sri Lanka for our summer holiday this year - we have booked an all inclusive package which means the only spending money we will require is for the trips we want to do - not exactly a budget option but good when travelling with kids xx

[@firequeen2194]

I have a camper van. Instead of booking flights, hotels, etc I spent $130 to update and make even more comfortable. Even with gas prices escalating, I can still get out every weekend and explore the amusing, historical, or just plain odd sites in my state.

[@allisonspeer6837]

We are going to Charlestown SC. I already bought low price tickets and have accommodations already arranged. We will Uber from airport and we are right in historic downtown so we can walk everywhere and take a tour or two. My sister and family will be driving in from Florida. Our accommodations include a kitchenette so I will have InstaCart delivery some food and we will only eat out for our evening meals. When we drive to vacations I always get accommodations with at least a kitchenette so we can save money on food. I also bring my crockpot because who feels like cooking dinner after being out enjoying yourself all day... Not me. Also take snacks/water with you during the day in your backpack so that you aren't tempted to stop and pick up something which will likely be expensive in tourist areas. Don't let yourself get hungry and then "give in". Plan ahead. Love your videos.

[@christie724]

Camping can be a cheap way to vacation. Obviously only if you are driving. But I have tent camped many places and it is an affordable way to get to go places and see new things. I have tent camped on the beach, in state park, outside of DC near cherry hill and was able to drive a few miles to a metro station to catch the metro into DC and explore all the museums and everything our capital has to offer. If bear are not an issue, a Crockpot at your electric camp site to throw dinner in before you head out for the day and you have a nice cooked meal when you get back to your tent. Now a days as I get up in years, I am more of a motel girl...but for most of my life I would camp every where I went. I even had an air conditioner I took to cool my tent in the really hot months 🤗

[@janedoe9421]

Great idea, I love camping! 👍👍

[@nataliequisenberry8777]

I agree! We were able to visit 43 states before our kids flew the nest by camping and cooking at the campsite! And if you ask them now (ages 23, 24, and 27) what they remember most about family vacations, it's not the destination - it's the campsite experiences! That's where the memories were made.

[@janedoe9421]

@@nataliequisenberry8777 totally!!!

[@Michelle-by9fp]

We are taking our kids to the Great Wolf Lodge this summer

[@carmarasmussen8118]

Heading for NYC tonight with my daughter's high school choir! Then we have Disneyland in June, our family retreat in Bear Lake over Labor Day and then a cruise for hubby and I along the Eastern seaboard in October. We have been saving and planning for these things since last year.

[@angelahawkins8069]

You must of read my mind! I have mulling over just a weekend vacation for my son and me. Just a trip to Osage Beach, MO not that far away but it's economical for me to do. It helps to get refreshed, and we will be packing snacks and food to limit eating out as much. Love your tips and tricks for travel! Thank you!

[@Godwinpounds4333]

Hi 👋 dear, how are you doing?

[@JulsB63]

Key chains work great as a Christmas ornament, I've even turned tickets into an ornament.

[@llnrs4ever6023]

Wilmington North Carolina is so cool. Small, but cool downtown area. Airline Gardens, and the Cape fear river walk is a must. My tip....use the koa for their cabins. Dry cabin is the cheapest...you get to use their shower house for all your bathroom needs. While being able to cook your meals outside on the grill. I'm sure there are dry cabins offered at other places, than a koa. It was a great deal$$$!!!

[@jamiecook9952]

We buy magnets to put on our fridge as a souvenir of our travels. We don't take long vacations during the summer but plan a trip to Myrtle Beach every Christmas. We usually take a mini road trip around North Carolina during the summer, usually visiting my brother in the mountains of WNC and sometimes we will take a day or weekend trip to the Outer Banks.

[@melissaginn503]

I always contact the chamber of commerce a few months in advance where we are traveling to. I have gotten many discount coupons, free show or museum tickets , and free ideas/things to do in the area!

[@peachygirl2374]

We make (and smuggle) lunch from the breakfast buffet (we always book with free breakfast!) We take a backpack and some ziplock bags!

[@FrugalLifeThriftyWife]

Love travel hacks! I have a few of my own that I’ll be sharing in an upcoming video. Thanks Christine! ❤️

[@melissawright4040]

Love the memories you guys are making

[@jonisnyder6011]

One practical souvenir I've gotten before is a beach towel. It's useful on vacation, and then it is cool to take your Hawaii Aloha towel to the pool when you are back home. Obviously this wouldn't be something you would get on EVERY trip!

[@elizabethloper1870]

I just got back from a bike trip to Missouri. I got to bike the whole Katy trail. I would recommend it for your family. It's an old rail bed and flat. We took the camper with us so we spent very little on sleeping accommodations but gas was expensive.

[@shelleykucharski2518]

I just booked a trip to Costa Rica! So excited!

[@debiwillis9045]

My favorite place in the world!!! Enjoy!!!

[@alisawainscott2692]

Aww...we have a travel tree!! We've traveled from Alaska to Florida and always pick up an ornament or key chain for the tree. Our kids are in college now and still love decorating the travel tree every year!

[@jenniferjaquay8036]

We are going to Myrtle beach. Since our youngest graduates in May-we are to go off season after school starts (going beginning of September). Got house on beach for cheap! Extended family going and sharing cost.

[@LisaofHopewell]

Another thing: look for free stuff in the area you are staying. If you are religious, go to church and ask for suggestions. Or visit the public library and ask them for suggestions. Take something with you like a puzzle --(roll it up in felt fabric so it can be done as you go) or a new board game, too.

[@jkhaiih]

Used the southwest points to pay for 3 people for a trip from Dallas to New York in July! Always pack snacks in my carry-on for the plane ride and the trip to avoid the hanger moments.

[@heatherruble3177]

I love seeing your vacay videos! We are headed to Disney World this summer (again). We love Disney and go once a year. This year we will be celebrating my youngest daughter's high school graduation. My middle daughter is active duty Air Force so we stay at the military resort and get military discounts on park tickets. Disney is expensive but this saves us a little money and the memories are priceless!!

[@jlbnerdy]

Love my trip ornaments! They do bring back so many awesome memories. We recently did a short trip to Asheville, NC & loved it & are planning on going back in late summer or fall & I'm going on a girls trip to Disney World in May & love realizing how much cheaper it is to go without the hubs (no kids here yet)! Makes it even easier to fly instead of drive when it's a bit cheaper! 😍

[@aledabrothers1695]

We’re planning a trip to Lake Michigan this year. I know that’s probably not very exciting to most people but I’ve never been and neither has my husband. He’s from California so he’s seen most of the west and I’m from Kentucky and I’ve been to most of the southeastern states and a few northern but never Michigan.

[@jessicawszalek5667]

We're taking our 3 girls to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina for spring break! Driving from Syracuse, NY so pray for us lol!

[@ginnieashmore988]

I just booked our Spring trip yesterday, We will be spending a week visiting State Parks in the Bemidji area of Northern MN. We picked that time for a variety of reasons but the big one being since its before Memorial Day hotel prices are much much cheaper, especially if going thru a site like Priceline or Hotels. Also since school isn't out yet there are fewer crowds, the weather is much more cooperative and the wildflowers are in bloom. We also pick hotels that have a nice breakfast so we eat big in the morning, maybe have a lite snack in the afternoon then we will have our dinner out so we are only buying a meal a day. My husband is a t-shirt and hat junkie so he has to feed that addiction but for the most part as a souvniner we have a refrigerator magnet collection. So for $4-7 we have a nice remembrance of a place weve been too that we see all day long. We did 2 similar trips like this last year for less than 1000/e. It is just 2 of us so that helps but a larger family could do something like this just as budget friendly. We are going to do a bigger trip to Rome this fall, we booked plane tickets early when they were cheap, and there is extended family going so we have reserved a large Air BnB to split the cost, and will probably by any tickets to attractions early to save money and time not having to stand in line.

[@suzmj2]

Taking a spring and a fall trip. Going on a cruise 🛳 in a couple weeks to the Caribbean. This fall, going to spend some time in a little cabin in the Smoky Mountains that I snagged for half off last Christmas. And Great Smoky National Park is the only National Park that is 100% free! Lots of hiking and biking trails in the park.

[@lypipherap899]

Research the place you are going. Find historical info and make up something for the kids to do on the way there, so they also learn something about the place you are visiting. We will be going to the center of the universe again this year. We enjoyed the food, the walking and the gold and silver tours.

[@ChaoticAeris]

We were invited to go for a week to Cabo Mexico with our friends family this year. It's a fishing trip with local exploration and activities. We didn't have a hand in the financial choices, so it's more expensive than if we'd looked for budget friendly options I'm sure. We are excited for our first international trip though while also sad to leave our young children home for this one. Disney World is the plan for 2024.

[@kerrybernard6865]

Home exchanges are an amazing way to save money. I’ve done it all throughout Europe without any problems.

[@eilishfitzgerald7475]

Next Thursday-Sunday I'm going to Annapolis. At the end of June, my mom and I are going to St Louis. My friend and I are talking about going to Virgina Beach for New Years, but that's up in the air right now

[@angelrosa4538]

U.P. of Michigan! My family and I stay at hotels when it makes sense (mainly an overnight stay) and Airbnb/VRBO for longer stays. They are way more spacious and are perfect for relaxing after a fun day exploring whatever area we are in. I also look for a rental with laundry facilities, so we can do laundry and don't have to pack clothes for every day. Last year we took a two week road trip and brought most of our food, along with my pressure cooker for some hotel cooking. We got a lot of looks hauling it all in to each hotel and one gentleman wanted to join us for dinner while his family went out to eat (he didn't, but it was funny). We save SO much by cooking most of our meals. I completely agree, save your money for the fun stuff! We also get a Christmas Ornament on each vacation, it's fun to see them all lined up on the tree. I can't wait to see where you go next!!

[@laurencraig4063]

I’m going to Seattle this summer and I’m so excited! Also a northern minnesota camping trip :)

[@meandFrodo]

Going into Autumn here in Australia, but I've been working on the Shoalhaven 100 challenge. Visiting the 100 beaches in the area. I'm up to 22. 😂

[@jenniferpierson4723]

Thank you so much for sharing your beautiful trip and the awesome budgeting tips!

[@arinslogar7360]

I love going to museums. If you have a Bank of America card they have a pretty long list of museums that you can go to for free. Anytime we visit a new city I check online if there is one close.

[@frugalforthefuture]

Omg I do the same with the ornament I started on our honeymoon and have done it since I love it. Thanks for putting this video together ive been wanting this for a while

[@kathychester8794]

Check online for the state park pass. Sometimes it is cheaper to buy the year pass instead of the fees that you would pay on your vacation.

[@lindamanning4193]

We are going to Lake Winnipesaukee in July. We are looking into taking a train ride in the mountains and maybe a dinner cruise. In August we rent a house on cape cod Ma. It will be year 6 and all the kids go and grandchildren. It’s a great week.

[@donnamullins2089]

Beautiful vacation pictures and good tips. If your going to a seafood area take a small jar of Tony Chachere's or favorite seasoning and a roll of aluminum foil. Make instant container for shrimp or fish small fire on the beach or state park. Yummy Take care

[@FocusingOnChrist]

Go grocery shopping while there. You can get prepared foods so there’s little to no cooking time but way cheaper than a restaurant.

[@sweetsmiles1081]

We collect magnets. My fridge is a collage of traveling.

[@jenniferbeeman3737]

i love the canoeing clips!! so pretty

[@kaleightompkins2362]

My mother, sister and her boyfriend, and myself are going to Universal Studios. We live in Florida so we will driving and booking an Airbnb. We will more than likely end up eating lunch in the park (preferably The Leaky Cauldron and the Three Broomstick’s in the Harry Potter park) but cooking and eating dinner back at the Airbnb.

[@jillgott6567]

Why not each take a small back pack ? Pack a lunch that doesn't need to stay cold such as a Hummus Sandwich , carry your own drinks, box of raisin or an Apple and a drink. Alot less expensive , not heavy to carry, and minimum of fuss.

[@kaleightompkins2362]

@@jillgott6567 We definitely could do that, and may do that for snacks and probably take our own water bottles. But we are super huge fans of Harry Potter and want to try the two. 🙂

[@jillgott6567]

Sounds like a fun lunch at both places. Hope you have a good time

[@angelajanson4357]

Going on a mother daughter criuse in June ♥️🚢

[@ashleypaul3448]

We are planning on Camping and hiking at pikes peak in Iowa and going to effigy mounds for our family vacation this year. It's only a couple hours from where we live but it will be great experience with our kids and we are going to go geocatching too.

[@aderynthomson5763]

We’re going to Lake Texoma for spring break and doing a Striper fishing tour. I’ve wanted to do this for years and it’s finally happening.

[@allisonwalker191]

We have had a Christmas travel tree for years, it is my favorite! We are going g to the Lake of the Ozark’s this summer, renting a AirBandB with family.