6 Simple Ways to Stretch Your Vacation Dollar in 2023

PAM MOLNAR contributing writer

airplane tickets for your family and a rental car when you land. You may be surprised at the savings and the sights you see along the way.

Save Money On Meals

If you are traveling by car, pack lunch and snacks. My family stops at rest areas and picnics. Most rest stops have a playground to run out some of the sillies before getting back in the car. Look for hotels that offer free meals. Many have deals where kids eat free, or breakfast is included with your stay. During your trip, try to make lunch your big meal of the day. Lunch menus are often priced lower.

Rent A Home

Travel expenses have jumped tremendously in the past few years. In a recent search for my own vacation plans, I found the average cost per person for domestic travel ranged between $1200-$2000 per person. For a family of four, that is $4800 to $8000. As any family will tell you, there are many places to spend that money — braces, a down payment for a new car, savings for college, or a room makeover, for example.

While those may be the average range, no one said you had to spend that much to have a memorable vacation. Nor will you need to spend the week sleeping in a tent and living off the land. By following the suggestions below, you can save hundreds of dollars on your trip.

Getting There

Go on a road trip. According to a 2022 report from TravelPulse, 80% of domestic vacationers travel by car. If you have the extra time, it is often the cheaper way to travel. Compare the price of gas, the distance you are traveling, and

Visit sites like VRBO or Airbnb to find a house in the area you are visiting. The cost per night is often less than a hotel, and you have more room to spread out. Some homes allow pets so you don’t have to leave your fur babies at home (and pay for a pet sitter). If you are vacationing with friends or family, rent a house big enough for everyone and share the cost. By having a full kitchen, you can prepare your own meals instead of eating at restaurants for every meal.

SOUVENIRS

Kids naturally want to take something home as a reminder of their vacation. In high tourist areas like New York City or Orlando, look for t-shirt vendors advertising cheap shirts or hats. Unless you have a collection, stay away from expensive keychains or mugs that will end up in the bottom of the closet. Consider making a souvenir at home from things you have collected on the trip. When my family went to the United States Bureau of Engraving and Printing in Washington, D.C., we bought a bag of shredded money that we later stuffed in a glass ornament for our Christmas tree.

Use Coupons

Groupon is a great place to look for coupons in the area you are visiting. CityPASS is available in 15 United States cities including Chicago, Boston, and Atlanta. These passes offer a discount on a combination of must-see attractions over nine days. Not only do you save money, but you have the convenience of purchasing all your tickets at once.

Road Trip Survival Tips

Look For Free Things To Do

No matter where you are traveling, you can find something to do that is free. A quick online search can bring up a variety of activities from zoos to factory tours to free admission museum days. Don’t limit yourself to your destination area only. If you have access to a car on vacation, consider driving off the beaten path of tourism. You may be surprised at the interesting attractions you will find for free.

• Pack snacks that you wouldn’t normally buy at home, after all, you are on vacation! Take them out at the first sign of boredom. The kids will be a lot more content to sit for another hour in exchange for special treats.

• Watch movies and TV programs on your mobile devices by signing into Netflix, Disney+, Amazon Prime, or directly to networks with your cable password.

• Play audiobooks downloaded through Amazon’s Audible or look for familyfriendly podcasts through iTunes.

• Get new earbuds for everyone — and one to spare. Nothing ruins the purple mountain majesties faster than the sound of electronic games coming from several devices in the backseat.

• Purchase new toys for the trip. Choose smaller items like new crayons and coloring books, Matchbox cars, or craft supplies.

• Look for rest stops for a place to run off some energy. Most rest areas have a playground, but you can also pack a

Utah State Courts

Frisbee, ball, or sidewalk chalk to help everyone recharge.

• Check the dollar store for cheap dry-erase boards and markers. These are great for games like tic-tac-toe or for simply doodling.

• Find new online games to play. Even the driver can play when you download game apps like Song Pop 3, Trivia Crack, or Don’t Forget the Lyrics.

Divorce Education for Children

& teens navigate through the divorce process by offering the Divorce Education for Children Program & Teen Website To register

• Free Classes are offered online each month

• Classes for children & teens ages 6- 17 www.utcourts.gov/divorceedforchildren

• How to deal with emotions

• How to talk to parents

• How to practice self-care

Visit our website: https://www.utcourts.gov/en/self-help/case- categories/family/dived/teen -page.html