My family loves to travel. The expense of planning a vacation can be daunting. I’ve included a few tips we use to help save money.
1. Ask locals for their favorite places to visit.
When I am in a new area someone usually stops me to ask “what part of the South I am from.” During these conversations I inquire about fun, low cost attractions they enjoy visiting with their family. I’ve never been disappointed yet and have discovered quirky, off the beaten path activities that I would have never found on my own.
2. Write the state convention bureau when you are planning your vacation and ask for free materials regarding places to visit.
Most of the time they have send a thick book containing “must see” sites from around the state. I mark the ones we might be interested in, depending on location, cost, and “fun factor.” During our recent trip to St. Louis we visited the Chain of Rocks Bridge, originally built to link Route 66 from Missouri to Illinois. Now a walking bridge located on Chouteau Island, the kids enjoyed our free excursion and I was able to sneak in some educational facts as well.
3. Stay off the Beaten Path.
During out recent vacation we decided to take the back roads and each pick a place to visit along the way. We had a great time finding free excursions although some choices seemed better than others. My daughter’s request to visit Wildcat Bluff, though pretty, made us realize some places should not be visited without insect repellent.
4. Try to visit one “local” restaurant while in the area.
When my husband traveled frequently, he often had people he worked with recommend their favorite restaurants. After viewing the outside of some the restaurants I’ve asked, “Are you sure they weren’t trying to trick you into getting food poisoning?” However, we’ve always had delicious meals, while sampling the local cuisine, at reasonable prices.
What are some of your favorite ways to save money while traveling?
yep, I like the whole Mom & Pop restaurants. They are usually cheaper and taste great. I do like the idea of asking locals though, thanks for that one
I like the idea of asking locals about the best places to visit. They would know about less tourist-y places and visitors would be able to get a better sense of the real “flavor” of a place than by just seeing the tourist attractions.
My toddler would love to see the Superman statue! We are in a superhero phase.
I really appreciate this post and I love the suggestion of writing to the state convention bureau as that is such an excellent tip and would have not thought to do that.
I’m always scared to stay off the Beaten Path.. too many scary movies 😉 Great tips
Love the local restaurants…some of the best kept secrets around :0)
gotta love local coupon books 🙂
Great tips! I’m all for off the beaten path myself! I love to explore when we travel, local shops, antique stores, diners and the like.