Holiday at Home

Summer Vacation Ideas for the Budget Conscious

As gas and food prices rise, many consumers are putting their hot weather holiday plans on ice. A recent study found that 57 percent of Americans say there is less room in their household budget to spend on a vacation as compared to last year. With credit card debt at an all-time high and the value of the dollar sliding, people are looking for ways to have fun without going broke. Our Consumer Credit Counseling Services (CCCS) agency offers consumers a few ideas on how to enjoy the heat in a cool economy:

• Don't charge it! – The relaxed feeling you get from taking a break will evaporate when you receive your credit card bill. Stay chilled by saving for your holiday and paying with cash. When the money is all gone, it's time to come home!
• Make a vacation budget – Put a damper on the temptation to overspend by doing some advanced planning. Be sure to leave room in your budget for unexpected expenses and emergencies. Then, stick to your guns.
• Find freebies – Search your local Chamber of Commerce website for vacation suggestions and links to recreational facilities in your city.
• Schedule on the cheap – If you do plan on traveling further afield, do it off season. Prices are usually lower, and you'll avoid the crowds.
• Chunk it up – Why waste all your time off on a two-week excursion? Plan a series of long weekends or mid-week days off and get to know your own community.
• Spurn fees – Dodge surcharges and fees by paying attention to the incidentals that can really add up:
  • Hotel room phone charges.
  • Useless souvenirs that will end up gathering dust.
• Brown bag it – You can save a ton of time and money by packing meals and snacks to take with you. Plan to treat yourself to one nice dinner, but take along a box of cereal and some UHT milk for breakfast in bed, and apples, crackers and peanut butter for lunches on the go. When you do eat out, split entrees and say no to dessert and drinks. Also, check your local visitor's center or online for budget saving coupons.
• Transport yourself – Public transit is in vogue. Holiday in a walkable city that offers a good bus service, and you'll save on gas and parking. If you are driving, make sure to service your car before you hit the road, or rent or borrow a smaller vehicle to save on gas costs.

Consider these free or low-cost hot spots to cool your heels:

• Museums
• Historical sites
• Local theatre or concerts
• State parks
• Festivals
• Campgrounds
• Rivers or beaches
• Water parks

Mini breaks in your own backyard:

• Pamper yourself – Instead of traveling, indulge in a spa treatment, massage or facial at a fraction of the cost of a weekend trip.
• Get involved – Take the opportunity to volunteer for a local organization during your time off. That way, your budget restrictions work for you, you'll make new friends, and feel great about yourself.

Just think how good you'll feel this summer knowing that you can manage your debt while taking a break from it all. For more suggestions on household budgeting or budgeting for vacations, contact the expert credit counselors at our Consumer Credit Counseling Services (CCCS) agency.