We usually spend tons of $$ for a one week family vacation trip. This summer, we are planning on a "staycation"! A brilliant plan to save money as we need a small expense break so we can allocate the money for some home projects (window treatments), and for me - setting aside some cash for our big out of the country trip next year.
I got a mailer from our bank and it's like they know that we are saving money and planning to stay in our house this summer. I added my two cents and here's how we plan to cut travel expense through the staycation concept!
DINE OUT IN STYLE:
What I love about vacation is the idea of discovering exotic dining places! If you are staying at home, instead of going out to your favorite food chain, try to visit a local restaurant that you have always been meaning to try but kept delaying for the right occasion. We usually spend $70- $90 on a regular family-nite dinner at Red Robbins or Bahama Breeze but adding another $50 dollars more for a seat in a nice restaurant may be a good option. Save money and enjoy the experience with an estimate cost of $150
GO TO THE THEATER AND DISCOVER LOCAL TALENTS:
We don't have to go to New York to watch a Broadway musical. We love watching plays and musicals and fortunate for us the we have great talents playing RENT in July here in town.
Check out your local theaters and find great musicals. Usually tickets will range from $20 - $30 per person...better than the $200 seat in New York right?
Save money and enjoy the music at an estimate cost of $150
VISIT THE LOCAL MUSEUM:
We always take our local culture for granted.
We are members of BROOKS MUSEUM, sadly our busy schedule won't allow us to maximize our membership. I checked online and there are cool exhibits and movies to see - -I need to plan this in July. Estimate Cost: $25
ENJOY YOUR BACKYARD:
We have a great backyard that offers a lot of privacy. The girls asked me last night if they can plan a summer party with a couple of friends. They are thinking of a "Phantom of the Opera" party where they will start with watching DVD, followed by endless giggling and some great hamburgers! Hmmm..might as well bring out my summer dishes with matching non alcoholic margarita and decorate the patio to match their theme.
Save money and enjoy the party at an estimate cost of : $30
PLAN AN EARLY BACK TO SCHOOL SHOPPING:
I am certain that we spent more than $200 for souvenirs alone when we went to New York, California and Washington DC. My girls love shopping and might as well plan the back to school shopping early in July. However, before that date, I will plan to drop them off at the mall on their own for some crazy shopping at Hot Topic or Wet Seal with a budget of $20/each.
Save money and enjoy looking for great finds at an estimate cost of : $60
TAKE ADVANTAGE OF LOCAL CLUBS:
If you are a member of a local recreation center /club and only go there for the gym facility - - - you need to start checking out if there are monthly summer programs offered this July.
I never look at their activities and browsing at their link today, I just realize that I am missing a lot on my monthly fees as they offer a lot of activities to include classes on: spinning, pilates, kick boxing, dancing.
Estimate cost: None (included in our monthly fee)
CASH IN YOUR PERKS: If you are a member of a frequent flier, casino player card or any hotel bonus points programs - -consider cashing out some points for some free overnight stay in a hotel with dinner privileges within the state
So when you add my plans and my cost estimate, here's how I plan to save $1500 enjoying my summer just by staying at home!
WHAT'S YOUR VACATION PLAN? SHARE YOUR SAVING TIPS:
