| Summer is here and family getaways and vacations | | | | own kitchen will allow you not only to save but to |
| are now on the way. Some have regular places to go | | | | ensure the nutritional intake of your children. |
| while others plan a different vacation treat every | | | | No.4: Souvenir Budget. |
| year while there are those who would rather stay at | | | | Make sure you include in the family talk the budget |
| home because money has been tight. Going on | | | | for souvenirs so your children don't go overboard. |
| vacation need not be an expensive venture, but | | | | There should be a limit on how much they can spend |
| family getaways are important to give both parents | | | | for souvenirs so they choose well what they buy. |
| and children the rest and recreation they need after | | | | Also, avoid souvenirs sold in the airports and resorts |
| a grueling year in school. So where can families go | | | | as they tend to be more expensive. |
| and have a memorable vacation without breaking the | | | | No.5: Don't forget that there are other options. |
| bank? | | | | Summer vacation is a time to enjoy the summer |
| There are so many ways to enjoy a great vacation | | | | with the whole family. If the budget is not enough, |
| without draining the budget. For some it can be as | | | | then plan an activity together that does not entail a |
| simple as taking a bike ride or flying a kite or a | | | | big budget. |
| battery-operated plane in your custom t shirts and | | | | Sometimes, you just have to look deeper but these |
| shorts to better enjoy the sun. Some though loves | | | | places might just be near you. Your hometown might |
| going on a trip or a long weekend getaway with the | | | | have it too so it would be best to check it out first. |
| family. Whatever it may be, it just has to be planned | | | | Virginia State Parks, it offers a lot of programs, |
| carefully and wisely. For those who plan to take a | | | | activities and events. They have 35 parks which have |
| family get-away, here are some tips to ensure that | | | | thousands of campsites, hundreds of cabins, trails and |
| you don't drain your pockets but still enjoy a great | | | | access to Virginia's major waterways. |
| and unforgettable family vacation. | | | | |
| No. 1: Plan your vacation wisely. | | | | California State Parks, also offers a lot of vacation |
| If you are watching your budget closely, take the | | | | ideas whether camping, state beaches, natural |
| time to plan your vacation and decide destination | | | | reserves, historic sites, vehicular recreation and many |
| months ahead in order that you can avail of promos | | | | more. |
| and deals. When considering destination, choose one | | | | |
| that all the members of the family will enjoy. This is | | | | Point Mugu State Park picnicking |
| kind of hard to do when the family is big and kids are | | | | Texas Parks and Wildlife, off-road, fishing, biking, |
| of different ages. But note that experts say it is | | | | hunting, rock climbing and many other activities. |
| cheaper to visit winter tourist hot spots during | | | | |
| summer because places in the coast always cost | | | | Tennessee State Parks, horseback riding, boating, |
| more during this time. | | | | camping, fishing, gold are just but some of the things |
| No. 2: Take a shorter vacation period. | | | | you can do here. There are camping grounds, lodges, |
| You might have gotten used to a weeklong vacation | | | | park inns, and cabins to stay in. |
| and they are great but it would mean packing all | | | | |
| those Hanes t shirts your men love so much (easy | | | | Chicago Life, a guide for students on the different |
| to pack, easy to wash), the assorted paraphernalia | | | | recreation that can be found within in beyond the |
| for the sports they love, the CDs, the books, all the | | | | city limits. |
| new techie they carry around, and time just flies so | | | | |
| fast you don't have the time to recover from it. | | | | Let us not forget that family fun does not have to |
| No. 3: Stay in a place where you can cook. | | | | be an expensive activity. It just takes a little planning |
| Kids have this great idea that summer is an "eat all | | | | to come up with the perfect family activity that is |
| you can" food binge. So as not to overspend, make | | | | both memorable and fun and something that kids of |
| sure you stay in a place where you can cook so that | | | | all ages will remember and memories will last a |
| not all the food you eat is bought or catered by the | | | | lifetime, which may even become a family tradition. |
| place which will be terribly expensive. Having your | | | | |