Posted in Simple and Frugal Living

Hidee Ho good Homesteaders!  I am writing to you from Savannah, Georgia.  We chose this spot for our family holiday, after we stopped here this summer on our way to Tennessee.  We were so caught up in the fun, culture, & history, we knew we had to come back and spend some time here really getting to know the place.  This brings me to some tips for frugal travel with the family.

If you have the opportunity to borrow an RV or perhaps own one, this is definitely the way to travel, especially if you have a large family.  Even when we factored in the cost of gas, it was still cheaper for us to drive.  The benefits to this are that you know where you are laying your head, you can cook your own food and pack snacks for the day, you can relax with your kids.  These are just the basics.  Most RV parks have good ammenities like pool, laundry, playground, etc.  If you don't have access to an RV, by all means rent an efficiency or hotel suite.  Even if you only have a microwave and fridge, you can save a good amount of money providing most of your meals yourself. 

Aside from accomodations, there is always the question of how to finance what to do.  ALWAYS visit the visitor's center.  Upon striking up a conversation you will find they will guide you inform you of the standard stops in the area.  However, if you pursue the conversation and ask about what is most important to see and what is frugal.  We have found that locals are more than happy to accomodate frugal families.  Make sure that you ask good and specific questions.  For example, Don 't ask, "Where is a good place to eat."  Ask; "Where do the like to eat and which places are family friendly?"  The answers will be vastly different. 

When choosing meals out, think about eating breakfast or lunch out, since they are far less expensive than eating dinner.  Depending on the time you are away, consider saving one meal for a touristy spot, if you are interested.  One of the most famous restaurants here is The Lady & Sons, rund by Paula Deene.  This restaurant only takeds reservations for 10 or more, making the average wait time to be seated 3hrs!  We opted to skip this dinning experience in lieu of eating at Clary's, the restaurant that was made famous by John Berendt's book, Midnight in the Garden of Good and Evil.  The meal was delicious and very casusal, great for a family with littletons.  Also, the price was right, and you couldn't have asked for larger portions!  Can you say el blimpo? 

We have found that asking for specific activities and sites that are child friendly are a great way to juggle what the olders are interested in with the littletons.  For example, if you are going to tour a city, it might be worth spending a bit more and taking a riding tour than walking.  However, if you have a stroller and snacks, a city walking tour will be very inexpensive way to get an overview of the place you are visiting. 

Bring comfortable shoes if your vacation involves a lot of walking.  They may not be the most fashionable, but your feet and your wallet will be thanking you later.   NEVER bring new shoes on a vacation!  I have been hobbling for days after having done this, only to eventually be forced by pain, to go to a store and buy a pair of tennerboppers.  Now, that's not frugal.

The BEST way to have a frugal and fun vacation is to plan ahead.  Call the chamber of commerce and visitors center and have them mail you info.  Check the internet for local attractions and discount coupons.  Whatevder you do, don't leave home without a budget!  The best way to do this is to take your budget in cash.  By doing this, there won't be any way for you to over spend.

Please post your frugal tips for family travel.  You can never have enough of these~

Well, until next week...

These are my thoughts.

Leslie. RV'ing Mama