Budget Travel Doesn't Always Mean Cheap Travel

Most of us assume that when someone says they are 'on a budget' that they need to get something cheap. Traveling with a budget may well involve finding cheaper motels or flights - but it also makes the planning stage more important then ever. Here's a couple reasons why.

Suppose you are taking a family vacation to a Theme Park like Six Flags, MarineWorld, Disneyland or DisneyWorld. The vast majority of families will look for discount motel options and take late night flights to save enough money to actually enjoy the Park. And the first thing they do is race straight to the gates in the morning. And what is the first stop for the kids? Overpriced and unhealthy food! Buying corn dogs, sodas and snacks will set you back at least $25 for a family of four and you haven't even hit noon yet!

Here's a better plan. Stop for breakfast at a chain and fill their tummies with pancakes or French Toast. It'll take hours of walking and rides until they are longing for a snack. And by then they will likely only want soda and an ice cream or cotton candy instead armfuls of fries and hot dogs. Your exit strategy should be somewhat similar. Don't load up on greasy food at 5pm and then assume anyone will be hungry for a decent dinner at 8. Either plan on

eating in the room by finding a convenience or grocery store nearby, or ordering a pizza to be delivered. There is no point to spending $50-60 on food that no one is hungry for. Better to save THAT meal for another night when everyone is starved.

Your exit strategy for souvenirs? Don't flood the gift stores throughout the park and end up carrying 3 foot Dumbo's with you all day. Wait until you LEAVE and opt for the gift stores near the exits. Then, don't just let the kids loose with a "What do you want to get" and then spend the next 20 minutes breaking their hearts when they find out they can't get anything and everything. Make them responsible for what they choose by giving them $25 each instead. If they choose a t-shirt and water bottle and calendar or a refrigerator magnet and stuffed animal, it will be THEIR choice and there will be no need for you to repeat "NO" over and over.

Thinking ahead and planning smartly can help stretch your travel budget without making you appear to be a cheapskate.