do u go on vacation if ur poor??

[dana1003]

hello everyone..i am the OP and i want to thank all of u for taking time to respond..it looks like more of u are saying yes to a vacation..my hubby and i camped once for daytona bike week and it was horrible. it was our first time and we were not prepared. i know better now and the camping might be an option..in a cabin though..cant do the tent thing and have no bathroom ..kids are still young and getting up to go. the jersey shore is fun but can be pricey with food and games..plus really dont want any of my girls running into the jersey shore cast..theyre all over the place down there! has anyone ever done boston or niagara falls on the US side? checked out knoebels in pa.but do the rides add up?? i have 2 girls who would probably wanna ride things a couple of times..any been to dutch wonderland? and i know someone mentioned amish..would like that if its inexpensive..

 

[robin09]

hello everyone..i am the OP and i want to thank all of u for taking time to respond..it looks like more of u are saying yes to a vacation..my hubby and i camped once for daytona bike week and it was horrible. it was our first time and we were not prepared. i know better now and the camping might be an option..in a cabin though..cant do the tent thing and have no bathroom ..kids are still young and getting up to go. the jersey shore is fun but can be pricey with food and games..plus really dont want any of my girls running into the jersey shore cast..theyre all over the place down there! has anyone ever done boston or niagara falls on the US side? checked out knoebels in pa.but do the rides add up?? i have 2 girls who would probably wanna ride things a couple of times..any been to dutch wonderland? and i know someone mentioned amish..would like that if its inexpensive..

Hi! I was one of the people that suggested Knoebels.... I find them to be extremely reasonable on their ticket prices. Go to their website at www.knoebels.com. there you will find a price list for thier rides.. It ranges from 75 cents and up ... I usually don't spend anything more than $20 or $25. Their food is also reasonable and good. Plenty of trees to go under, shade... and they have picnic tables where you can bring your own food. NO Parking fees and no admission prices... Really wonderful family park!

 

[java]

hello everyone..i am the OP and i want to thank all of u for taking time to respond..it looks like more of u are saying yes to a vacation..my hubby and i camped once for daytona bike week and it was horrible. it was our first time and we were not prepared. i know better now and the camping might be an option..in a cabin though..cant do the tent thing and have no bathroom ..kids are still young and getting up to go. the jersey shore is fun but can be pricey with food and games..plus really dont want any of my girls running into the jersey shore cast..theyre all over the place down there! has anyone ever done boston or niagara falls on the US side? checked out knoebels in pa.but do the rides add up?? i have 2 girls who would probably wanna ride things a couple of times..any been to dutch wonderland? and i know someone mentioned amish..would like that if its inexpensive..

Knoebel's also has POP days, you can just wrist things for the kids to ride whatever they want over and over and over. Dutch wonderland isn't that great and rather expensive IMHO. If I was going to try to stretch a kneobels trip I would check out camel beach.

 

[MrsPete]

But for many, *starting middle school AND being with our kids* might be an oxymoron. Doesn't mean the kids are awful; they're just at the stage of pulling away, starting to separate from their parents, esentially growing up.

I can't relate at all. We're very close to our kids, and they love to do stuff together as a family. Don't get me wrong: They also want time with their friends, and our oldest is very excited about going away to college in a year and a half, but I don't have the "don't wanna be seen with the folks" kids. In fact, as my oldest and I talk about college plans, one thing she's asked us is whether we'll still take her on all our trips. We've told her that she's always going to be welcome, but that her college schedule /living away from home might exclude her from some of our long-weekend type things. She sounded relieved that she'd still be "in" on the big summer trips.

But the OP's question wasn't about an expensive vacation, it was about the camping/frugal variety. And the reality for many people is that delaying travel until all debts are paid and all the future savings are fully funded is to not travel at all while the children are still at home. Just using median figures a typical American household has an income of around 50K; paying off a mortgage and fully funding college and retirement before taking vacation just isn't possible for most people.

We weren't making much over 50K combined at the point we paid off our house, so this is quite possible. Also, I wouldn't say that people should follow our example to the letter -- but if you're describing yourself as "poor", the question is already answered. If you can't live comfortably day-to-day, where's the money for extras like vacations to be found?

BTW - Where did you do the buffalo safari? We're experimenting with actually closing up DH's business for a week this summer to be able to travel in warmer weather for a change. If it works out we're going to be doing more "see the USA" roadtrips and that sounds like it would be a really cool experience!

We did a roadtrip like that in the summer of 2009, and it was great. Our kids were 11 and 15 -- old enough to endure long drives between stops and old enough to appreciate /remember the things they saw. We saw so much and learned so much!

Anyway, in answer to your question, we did the Buffalo Safari at Custer State Park in South Dakota. It's an incredible park not far from Mt. Rushmore (and many other attractions -- I could easily spend two weeks in that area). It rivals the national parks, and I highly recommend it! Our guide left us with a very healthy respect for those creatures. We were there in July, which was beautiful, but if I could go back I'd like to go in September. A park this size is able to support 1000 buffalo well, and in spring/summer the population soars too high. So they bring in cowboys to herd the animals into the "September pasture", which has been kept closed off all summer. The animals are happy to go in because the grass is plentiful and untouched. They brand all the new calves with the year (so 2011 calves are branded 1, 2012 calves will be branded 2), and they separate out the 10-year old calves to be sold for meat, for zoos, or whatever. (I have a crazy relative who drove out there and brought 5 buffalo back here to the East Coast in a school bus he 'specially converted for the trip. He's trying to establish a buffalo farm here.) They have buffalo chili cook-offs and other celebrations. I think I'd like to go then.

 

[allison443]

. the jersey shore is fun but can be pricey with food and games..plus really dont want any of my girls running into the jersey shore cast..theyre all over the place down there! .

You're kidding about the Jersey Shore cast, right? Just stay out of Seaside. There are plenty of (nicer) places to go at the Jersey Shore and you will never run into them.

 

[Arkansan]

You're kidding about the Jersey Shore cast, right? Just stay out of Seaside. There are plenty of (nicer) places to go at the Jersey Shore and you will never run into them.

I agree! Ocean City is dry, Avalon/Stone Harbor is COMPLETELY family friendly. In Stone Harbor there is only 1 liquor store (plus in the grocery) and most restaurants are dry or BYOB. Any you don't have to go to the boardwalk every day or night. We always stayed in Stone Harbor and just spent one day at the OC Boardwalk. The carnival rides don't even open until about noon and the tickets never expire. I believe you can buy tickets online for a discount. At the time we had season tickets to HersheyPark so the kids rode rides often, but we have done this at other places, too. We just told them--we have x amount of tickets and we'll ride rides until they are gone and then we'll do something else. They weren't always thrilled, but we never had major issues. If they pouted, they wouldn't ride at all.

It is your vacation, so no biggie if you don't want the Shore, but it really doesn't have to be expensive. And you don't need to worry about exposing your kids to things you'd rather not have them see! Our kids remember these trips very fondly and I hope we get back East soon so we can go many more times.

 

[disneychic2]

I'm of the Dave Ramsey school of thought. His entire philosophy is "Live like no one else, so later you can live like no one else". In other words, being disciplined and denying yourself for a while will enable you to do much more later on. Get one of his books from the library and read it and see if there are some ways you can make tiny changes that will pay off big over time. You seem like such a wonderful person and I know you want to be diligent with your money as well as give memories and much needed down time to your family. I think cabin camping may be the way to go since you can control so much more of the food expenses. Canoeing is fairly cheap and State parks are also. Whatever you decide about vacation, still read Dave Ramsey. It will change your life if you let it. I've seen it work over and over. Good luck!

 

[disneydreamersx4]

We vacation with debt but we won't go to WDW then, we would go for day trips or a weekend somewhere. We have been to the Pennsylvania Amish and stayed at the Econo Lodge. I forget what street it's on but your room faced an Amish farm

We have never been to Knoebel's but it looks pretty cool to be able to camp there!

If you decide to go to the Jersey shore, you can get ride tickets cheaper for Point Pleasant boardwalk on Easter Weekend. The books are buy one get one free! Go to Jenkinson's.com. There's also a campground nearby which we want to try out this summer called Cedar Creek. Much more affordable than a hotel and we are just going to have our breakfast at the campground and pack a lunch from our cooler then eat dinner out.

OP, I hope you get some time to relax and have fun as a family now to make memories. That's what we do

 

[Soarin_04]

You're kidding about the Jersey Shore cast, right? Just stay out of Seaside. There are plenty of (nicer) places to go at the Jersey Shore and you will never run into them.

Ditto. We spend time in Wildwood Crest -- Wildwood is kind of 'wild' but the crest is 'mild.' We've never encountered any of those freaks, thanks.

We get an efficiency and make almost all of our meals. If the kids want to go to the boardwalk, they know in advance that they'll have to pay for games and such themselves with their allowances that they've saved all year (and since they've saved it and it's their money, guess where we HAVEN'T gone in about five years! Woo hoo! ).

Camping down there, from what I've heard, is even more cost effective...and odds are, you ain't gonna catch Snookie anywhere NEAR a camp ground!!!

And OP -- I was the one who'd PMed you re. Lancaster County, Dutch Wonderland, etc. For others who may be interested -- My husband took our sons on a "guys trip" a few years back (I think they were maybe 5-7 yrs.?). Dutch Wonderland had this option back then -- still do I think -- where if you pay to enter the park after 5 PM, you ride that night plus the next day. Not a bad deal. DW isn't great for older kids but for younger ones, it's quaint in a Knoebel's kind of way.

And if you're down there -- hit Jennie's Diner in Ronks (right outside Lancaster). OMG -- pancakes the size of your head! Food is incredibly reasonable and delish!

 

[Liberty Belle]

I think vacations are important. Some people will say that you shouldn't go on a vacation until you have a healthy emergency fund. We went without an emergency fund for years and went on many vacations - but I suppose it's a gamble.

If you look on priceline.com you can get a motel room pretty cheap, but be sure to read all the reviews.

It looks like you might have kids - I really, really think vacation time with family is important to them. But, of course, if you have no extra money, you have no extra money.

 

[Liberty Belle]

dave ramsey? i will look that up..and moving has come up many times but we would have no family near us. we ve thought of school but with trying to work and make ends meet theres no time. im not making excuses. I feel we will one day make it out of the hole. it would just be nice for once to buy the rose instead of just being able to smell it and good point on the emergency on vacation..never thought of that? 29$ a nite!! if u remember the name please pass it on. I looked at some hotels and they wanted like 500 for 4 days. not do-able. this is all still up in the air but the comments help. thank you.

There are some education programs that take up very little of your time (you can take classes online) and will help you to earn a nice income when you're finished. If you really don't have that much income, you probably would be eligible for a pell grant, but if not, there are student loans.

If I were you, I'd get a babysitter and you and your DH/DP go to the nearest community college and talk to someone there - see what they have to offer.

 

[Dismom55]

I do not pretend to know your situation, but here are my thoughts. I do not care how much money you have you are intitled to some sort of family vacation. Something more than a day trip. If that means you have to save and do without some other extras, then that is what you do. Maybe you tell the kids they get less for Christmas, you don't give to others like you would otherwise, you make the car last one more year. What ever it takes. If you can not afford another car, can you rent one for the trip. Clip coupons, clip rebates, have a garage/yard sale, shop at goodwill for school clothes, put the savings in a special vacation account. When there is enough...TAKE A VACATION. The memories are well worth the sacrifices.

I grew up poor, but somehow my parents managed to take us to the local lake camping each year for a family vacation. Those memories are priceless to me and my brothers. I would not trade them for a new school coat, other than hand me downs school clothes or that new barbie doll for anything.

 

[gracie1]

Were going to Hershey pa the first weekend of April and staying in Harrisburg (2 nights with tax $175) and were going to do the chocolate factory tour on Saturday. We are mainly going for disney on ice, but decided to do the chocolate factory and make a weekend out of it so we have a little vacation! Maybe look into doing that?

 

[Liberty Belle]

hello everyone..i am the OP and i want to thank all of u for taking time to respond..it looks like more of u are saying yes to a vacation..my hubby and i camped once for daytona bike week and it was horrible. it was our first time and we were not prepared. i know better now and the camping might be an option..in a cabin though..cant do the tent thing and have no bathroom ..kids are still young and getting up to go. the jersey shore is fun but can be pricey with food and games..plus really dont want any of my girls running into the jersey shore cast..theyre all over the place down there! has anyone ever done boston or niagara falls on the US side? checked out knoebels in pa.but do the rides add up?? i have 2 girls who would probably wanna ride things a couple of times..any been to dutch wonderland? and i know someone mentioned amish..would like that if its inexpensive..

Cabins can be as much or more than a hotel room, so be careful with that. You can request a tent site near the restrooms. We've camped with ours from age 1 up.

 

[Dashzap]

In financial hard times, we vacation at home.

• Prepare for a real vacation! Block out the days, and turn on the answering machine. Plan to put all the mail in a box to look at end the end of the vacation. Get everyone in the family onboard with treating it as a true vacation.
• Get your house ready. Clean in advance or spring for a house cleaning if you have gotten too far behind. It's not a relaxing vacation if you can't relax.
• Pick up some new lovely shampoo, soap, and lotion, like you were staying in a nice hotel. If you really need new towels, this is the time.
• Pick out a bunch of fun movies from your local library.
• Put aside work and obligations, possibly telling others you are away on vacation if necessary.
• Plan some fun outings in your area: a local waterpark, an art museum, a play, etc. Maybe take a one day road trip with your cameras. Allow yourself to get a little souvenir, too.
• Have some special meals at home (low effort though!), with a food you don't normally spring for like a lobster.
• Whatever you like best at a resort, try to find a version of it at home.

The idea is to make home very relaxing and pleasant, and take advantage of things in your area that you don't normally do.

This isn't free, but it is significantly cheaper than traveling anywhere!

Costs:
$100 house cleaning
$100 new towels and spa soaps
$200 for luxury foods
$200-300 admission to water park/museum
$75 extra gasoline

So done very nicely you spend about $800 more than a usual week at home. If you and your family can commit to treating it as a vacation, and spending time together, it can be a wonderful vacation.

 

[kayrosek]

I say go for it. We have vacationed even in really tough times and have some amazing family memories from those vacations even though they were always very very budget friendly, often short and never to anywhere notable. We have camped in federal or state parks or KOA's but we've also found cheap clean motels with pools. For our children the pool alone made it a vacation I have always been creative when it came to vacations and some of those creative vacations have been the most memorable. Look for somewhere close to home that has something unique and inexpensive to do and go from there. For example my kids love to vacation at a unique campground with cabins that is only an hours drive from our house. The campground has a huge jumping pillow, nice pool, great wooded grounds to explore, pedal go karts for rent cheap and planned free or very cheap (a few dollars) activities for kids. We spend almost all of our time at the campground and never spend more than 20 dollars a day on activities (usually not even that. We cook most of our food on a grill so food cost is pretty close to the same as what it would be at home. We spend very little money and have a lot of time together and make great memories. We've also done more expensive vacations (WDW, cruises etc) and when I suggested a trip to the local campground this year my kids were so excited it was laughable. I don't think it matters where you go just that you have fun together and make it an experience none of you will forget. Some of mine and (my childrens) fondest memories are of simple cheap trips we took when times were hard. It was nice for all of us to get away from the stresses of our daily lives, my children needed it as much as my husband and I did. They could tell that times were tough and we were stressed and it affected them too. Those simple trips included "luxuries" (daily swimming, cheap souvinear shopping, a few kid freindly meals out, etc.) that hey weren't used to so it seemed even more special also we usually plan those little trips around a festival, parade or fireworks display in the town we are going too it makes it seem like even more of an event. It's great to be budget concious but I woulden't trade the memories I've made with my children on our budget trips for anything.

 

[kaywoody]

For example my kids love to vacation at a unique campground with cabins that is only an hours drive from our house. The campground has a huge jumping pillow, nice pool, great wooded grounds to explore, pedal go karts for rent cheap and planned free or very cheap (a few dollars) activities for kids. We spend almost all of our time at the campground and never spend more than 20 dollars a day on activities (usually not even that. We cook most of our food on a grill so food cost is pretty close to the same as what it would be at home. We spend very little money and have a lot of time together and make great memories.

Would that be the Yogi Bear camp at Canyon Lake near San Antonio? It sounds like it. We made reservations to go there during Spring Break in a couple of weeks. I hope we have as much fun as your family had.

 

[FINFAN]

We're poor because we go on vacation
In all honesty, over almost 25 years of marriage we have gone when we shouldn't have at times, and stayed home when we could have gone at times. It pretty much balanced out. We are saving now for our DD's cooege graduation May of '12. We have to travel from Chicago to Sarasota and normally would drive, but can only allow 3 days since we have to get DS back for his high school finals..so it is really an extra trip. Knowing we have to do that means no trip this summer, well, nothing over $750..which doesn't cover much these days, especially GAS!

 

[kayrosek]

Would that be the Yogi Bear camp at Canyon Lake near San Antonio? It sounds like it. We made reservations to go there during Spring Break in a couple of weeks. I hope we have as much fun as your family had.

Not San Antonio. We are in MO. but it is a Yogi Bear campground. I'm sure your family will have fun. A few tips: ours has flashlight candy hunts (seems fairly common at Yogis) you might want to check if they do that so you can bring extra flaslights and empty pillowcases. Also I always bring glow sticks when we go to the campgrounds. The kids love them and I can see them when we are walking to the bathrooms or back from outdoor movies or campfire sing a longs.

 

[dustysky]

I am the queen of low budget trips we can not afford. Simply put my family time is important. We are the family that is always "robbing peter to pay paul".

When we take our yearly trip back to our home state we can never afford it but we juggle and make it work. We drive instead of fly, we stay with family instead of hotels.

10 years from now when my husbands parents are no longer alive (his dad has health issues) I am sure that we will be happy to look back and say "remember on that trip, when we _________". I would rather be saying that then "hey remember when we tucked aside that extra $1, 000. that eventually ended up being used to pay yet another bill to some bloated company".

This is just ME and yes it does hurt us to do the things we do not only yearly but weekly, still I have memories and enjoy every minute I can.

Bills will ALWAYS be there so if your waiting for them to go away before you enjoy a reward for yourself and your family you will be waiting for a long time.