It’s summer, and your kids can’t wait to trade the rigors of everyday
life for adventure. Are you looking for ways to take advantage of the
summer months? Don’t
wake up in September and wonder where the weeks have gone!
Make this time off from school a time on for creating lifetime memories.
What will you do? Where will you go? And how will you afford any of it?
Create lifetime memories.
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Within Your Grasp
No matter what your financial situation, a fabulous adventure can become a
possible
dream by keeping these steps in mind:
1. Brainstorm. Sit down with your kids and list parts of the country you
want to see. Don’t shoot down any ideas, make it a dreaming session.
2. Get materials. Go to your favorite search engine and plug in the state
you would like information on. The main tourist site should list first. Have
the
kids help put in your name and address, request brochures and then start checking
your mailbox.
3. Find low-budget lodging. The International/American Youth Hostels have
bargain-basement prices for dorm arrangements and private rooms, both nationally
and internationally.
4. Barter your talents. If you’re a writer, ask hotels, airlines, resorts
or theme parks about creating a news or magazine article in exchange for reduced
rates or complimentary services. If you’re an expert in fields such as
real estate, cooking, money management or decorating, offer your speaking services
to a resort or cruise ship entertainment director. Maybe you can get a free
or discounted vacation for your family.
5. Travel with another adult. It’s cheaper to rent a whole beach house
and split the cost than to pay for daily motel rates. If you can’t find
a traveling companion, challenge places with “rates based on double occupancy,” as
this policy penalizes single parents.
6. Check out cheap getaways. Local parks and recreation departments
often offer inexpensive adventures for the whole family. Investigate deals
through your
church, school or any organization to which you belong. If you’re a city
dweller, ask travel agents, county chambers or farm cooperatives about spending
your vacation
on a farm in exchange for picking vegetables and milking cows.
7. Volunteer as a chaperone. Is your son in scouting? Offer to be a group leader
for an excursion to the beach or mountains.
8. Take mini-vacations. Visit museums, art galleries, parks and other attractions
within a few hours’ drive. Go canoeing or check out some colleges you
or your child are considering.
9. Set goals for next year. What do your kids want to be good at a year from
now? Investigate camps that will help your child learn a new skill.
10. Keep your mind active. Frequent the library. Books can help you travel
through history and into the future.
Go for It
Youth should be enjoyed, and your children will grow up before you know it.
Like this single-parent family, take advantage of opportunities to give your
children
lots of good experiences. Even if you can’t travel, there are other ways
to enjoy cheap summer fun. If you have to work through most of the summer months,
try some creative daycare options. Whatever you do, teach your children to laugh
and enjoy their summer — with and without you!
