Comments on: Family Summer Vacations Needed

By: Danielle

Danielle — Sun, 07 Jun 2009 02:30:10 +0000

I wish we could have a staycation! We seem to always have some kind of family reunion to go to. We are trying to get out of debt but we have to save up for these “vacations”!

By: Elliott - 21st Century Dad

Elliott - 21st Century Dad — Sun, 31 May 2009 04:45:45 +0000

Don’t underestimate the value of a long weekend a few hours drive from your home. It doesn’t have the glamour and sex appeal of a week-long vacation involving air travel, but it’s still a great way to recharge your batteries.

Frugal Dad has several reasons why a long weekend makes more sense. Some are limitations, but the proximity of the Smoky Mountains is a good reason to stay close to home. I just recently moved to East Tennessee, and it really is one of the most beautiful places I’ve ever been to on this planet!

By: Colby

Colby — Sat, 30 May 2009 16:57:36 +0000

I’m actually looking forward to a staycation summer. I am an archaeology grad student, and my field work has been in the Russian Far East (not necessarily high on anyone’s vacation destination list). I will actually be home this summer for the first time in four years, and want to do house projects, explore hiking and biking in our area (WA state), grill out and drink beer, etc. It is going to be a great summer!

By: Justin

Justin — Sat, 30 May 2009 14:40:44 +0000

In the nature of our business, staycations are much easier in the Summer as those are our busier tims. If we decide on a vacation, we shoot for the off-season and have incredible vacations at off-season price tags. This definitely allows for nice vacations at much more affordable rates.

By: Frugal Dad

Frugal Dad — Sat, 30 May 2009 12:44:04 +0000

@Frugal Bachelor: The idea of a short, regional vacation versus an international trip makes more sense for me, my wife and two kids limited to a three-day turnaround. We also need to stick close to home to help care for my mom.

As for challenging my “extravagant American existence,” I’ve been other places, and I have family who have traveled the world. There is very little more beautiful to me than the national parks in my own country, and since I’ve yet to explore them fully, I’ll start here first. Besides, I’m confident I can stay a couple days in the Smokies for less than the $425 ostrich skin shoes you were considering.

By: DDFD at DivorcedDadFrugalDad

DDFD at DivorcedDadFrugalDad — Sat, 30 May 2009 12:43:57 +0000

I like smaller, long-weekend “vacations” myself. We too have a couple of quick getaways planned this year.

By: michele

michele — Sat, 30 May 2009 11:32:11 +0000

We are going to the beach. We go after Labor Day when the rates are reduced. The big deal for us this year is that our condo is already paid! Yipee. Now we are in the process of saving the gas, food and fun money. Nothing is coming out of the regular budget. It’s all paid for with side hustle money!

By: Josh

Josh — Sat, 30 May 2009 05:38:13 +0000

@Frugal Bachelor

You seem to have a chip on your shoulder about his vacation choice. Maybe you should consider all the things that make “flying to the Andes” a bad option in this case.

He already stated he has little to no vacation time saved at work. I’m not sure how enjoyable a intercontinental trip would be if you have to squeeze it into 3 days and then be ready for work the day after you get back.

Also, I’m assuming he has at least one child to keep track of on this vacation. That’s much easier to do in a familiar area.

Finally, it seems the goal of this vacation is to just relax and unwind. Any vacation that involves flying has penalty of the “airport experience”.

You should try putting yourself in his shoes for a moment before knocking his choice. Maybe one day a trip to an exotic local will be in the cards, but this doesn’t seem like the time.

By: The Half Assed Housewife

The Half Assed Housewife — Sat, 30 May 2009 03:51:37 +0000

I am trying to be good and stick to the staycation theme (or at least cheap road trips where we can crash with family). If we can hold out one more year, I think we will be able to be able to travel when we want.

I’m a pick up and go at a moments notice kind of gal and it sure is more fun when you don’t have to worry about the money that you are spending. Hopefully all of our hard work will pay off soon and we will really be able to enjoy the freedom.

Congratulations on your vacation. Have a wonderful time with your family.

By: Christy

Christy — Sat, 30 May 2009 03:15:58 +0000

Here Here! We’ve stay-cationed he last couple of years and the kids are now old enough they would do great on a vacation. So we’re taking enough out of savings to pay for a low-key, no-frills trip to the mountains…hotel waterslides and an amusement park will seal the deal. The kids are literally besides themselves.

We have been smart and organized and I’m thrilled to be giving our family a fun break together this Aug.