The holidays can be the highlight of the year for many people. Who doesn’t like to get away from work, responsibilities, etc … and just relax for a bit? However, the economy may be preventing some people from indulging in retirement.
Expect to pay for attraction, food, gas, and food. There is not much you can do about the price of attractions and gas. However, food is a very expensive part of a vacation and can be changed.
On average, a family spends at least five dollars (per person) just to eat a fast food. This can not only destroy the vacation budget, but it is also very unhealthy. Ever wonder why people return from vacation with a five pound weight gain? – Fast food!
So, here are things for an easy vacation food alternative; that’s cheap, but healthy.
Find a hotel, condo, cabin, etc … With a kitchenette.
On average, you will pay about $ 10.00 more for a kitchenette. However, you can eliminate the cost of food. If there are four members on vacation, that is a minimum of $ 60.00 per day that you are eliminating.
If there is a small kitchen in the room, you can cook almost anything. This allows you to have a healthy and cheap meal. If you don’t want to struggle with a cooler on the trip, just find a local grocery store, once you reach your destination.
Many hotel rooms now have mini-fridges and in-room microwaves. These rooms usually cost no more than any other room. When you book the hotel, ask if there is a microwave and refrigerator. The refrigerator can contain milk as a breakfast cereal. Grits and oatmeal are easy holiday food, too. Lunch meat and soup can be a lunch meal. This still saves you the expense of two meals. Pick a third frugal meal and you’ll save tons of money.
Some of these breakfasts are full breakfast bars, but some are sandwiches like donuts and bagels. This will at least save you the cost of breakfast.
Do an online search for restaurants in the area.
An online hotel booking site, a city data appointment, etc. Will provide a restaurant guide. Some restaurants will have a free children’s menu, offer two for one, have a discount at the hotel, etc. Of course, this will not eliminate the cost of meals, but it can be an option for an easy and cheap meal for the holidays.
Vacation hot spots will often have vacation packages.
A vacation package is complicated. Some reduce the cost of attractions, food, and lodging by combining them. However, do some careful research. Some of these packages may be taller when packaged. Bring snacks for the trip and to take to attractions.
Snacks like peanut butter cookies, granola bars, rice cakes, etc. They travel well and fill up substantially. Also, bring your own bottle of water and soft drinks.
Whether you want to cut the cost of food, reduce the cost of food, or just find easy food for the holidays … these ideas are sure to help. Sometimes the few hundred dollars you save on food can make a difference in paying for a vacation or staying home.