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Budgeting for the Best Family-Friendly Hotels
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The right deal will get your family flying
School’s out for summer and parents everywhere are gearing up for some quality time with their kids.
According to an Auto Club of America survey, almost one-quarter of polled travelers said they plan to spend less money on summer trips this year than they did last year, citing concern about the economy, reduced income, and worry about job stability.
Combine tightened budgets with a bad case of cabin fever, and most families are more in need of a vacation than ever before; This year, every dollar counts. While some hotels may advertise kid-friendly amenities, those offers can be misleading. Referrals from trusted sources and thorough searches for the web’s very deals are absolute must-do’s. But where to begin?
Oyster Hotel Reviews sent a team of award-winning journalists to join the kids clubs, determine which hotels offered the best amenities for families such as entertainment options, games and activities, and compile a list of the top family friendly resorts in the Dominican Republic, Jamaica and Miami.
Formed by two Microsoft alumni--Andy Laucius and Eytan Seidman--Oyster.com is the first and only company dedicated to publishing objective, in-depth reviews, written by trained journalists, of the world's hotels and never accepts compensation or incentives from hotels, paying for all travel expenses. “Our reporters realize that a hotel can make or break a family vacation,” said Elie Seidman, CEO of Oyster.com. “We all remember our own childhood family vacations and want parents and kids to have a relaxing, stress-free vacation.”
Savvy would-be travelers can also uncover hidden surprise sales, promotions and deals for airfare, hotel, and vacation packages at Voyij.com, an aggregate of hundreds of the web’s best discount travel websites. Renee Blodgett, founder of the unique travel commentary site WeBlogTheWorld.com, says, “Think of Voyij as the Macys Bargain Basement for travel sales and deals. It has the most number of travel deals and sales under one roof on the web today.” Staying in town? Use Voyij to search a hotel close to home; Below it will appear a comprehensive list of things to do within walking distance of the hotel and your home!
We want to go on vacation, but how do we pay for it?
Certified Financial Planner Julie Casserly warns families to avoid going into debt and later on having to pay for past choices. “No one likes having what I call a ‘spending hangover’. It takes all the fun out of going on vacation in the first place," Ms. Casserly says. “It’s all about what is right for you and your family, there is no right or wrong. It’s about what you have chosen as your financial priorities and making sure that you create a positive energy flow by spending on a cash basis.”
Ms. Casserly offers these tips for making your vacation memorable without paying for it until next summer:
Last Minute Deals- We live in a world where there are so many things to do and many, many options. Decide specifically how much you will spend, then visit discount websites for all-inclusive package deals, so you don’t overextend yourself. Buy in bulk; Get airfare, hotel, and car from one vendor. The exciting part is that you are leaving yourself open to trying a new adventure or a new place.
Look At The End, First- Steven Covey says, “Begin with the end in mind”. I couldn’t agree more. Decide what are your priorities for your vacation, what amount your will choose to spend, then build your plan out from there.
Choose the Day- Choose to travel on cheaper air fare days, for instance, Tuesday – Saturday where you can name your own price. I have tried a 30% lower price than the market price and most times I am successful.
Name Your Price- Rent your car, hotel, or your airfare through www.priceline.com, and never exceed your intended budget.
Pack the Snacks- If you’re taking a road trip, pack a cooler!!! No need to spend extra money on those high cost, high calorie snacks.
Locals Know Best- Talk to the locals once you get somewhere. Go to the restaurants where the locals eat; They’re not higher-priced tourist traps, and often times are better quality.
Set the Plan and Open an Account- If you don’t have a vacation planned, set those financial intentions by opening up a separate savings account that is only to be used for your vacations. Set aside a portion of every paycheck in that account, and watch it grow. I’ve met so many people who want to go on vacation, but they don’t because they don’t plan on it….this is a really easy thing to do to go have some fun in life!
For more info:
Check out these tried-and-true family vacation spots in California!
Check out these tried-and-true family vacation spots in California!
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