There are inexpensive summer day trips to take
As the evenings warm up, schedules wind down and we enjoy day after day of sunshine, it’s time to focus on fun family activities.
In my house, rather than concentrate on productive projects (maybe next week), my mind is instead steering toward wonderful getaways that the whole family will love and won’t break the bank. My motivation for this column came from a local reader who shared that she was in serious debt, her household going paycheck to paycheck, and she was asking me for advice on how to swing a trip to Disney. Um, ex-squeeze me? Don’t get me wrong, I adore Disneyland, Disney World, Disney movies, and all other things Disney. However, if the budget doesn’t allow for a trip of Mickey-magnitude, that’s just the way it is. With that in mind, I put out the word to our readers, asking for ideas on fun-yet-inexpensive trip ideas, and received a boatload — I love you guys!
Here are the top recommendations:
(1) Camping: I know people who count down all year to the day in which they pack up shop and head to the hills to camp in the outdoors, often for weeks at a time. I disclose to you freely that these people are far tougher than I am. That being said, my childhood memories of family camping trips were total fun, with pop-up campers, cookouts, all fabulous stuff. Best part – you honestly won’t believe how inexpensive it is! Ask family, friends and co-workers for recommendations (if they’re really good friends, ask to borrow their camper), then go online to check out campgrounds near you that best fit your needs. Personally, my only camping requirement now as an adult is to make sure there’s an easy way for me to plug in my coffeemaker. My needs are small.
(2) Dutch Wonderland: I’m right there with local readers; I adore this place! In my mind, DW has all of the benefits of Disney without the expensive travel, overpriced hotel and over-the-top pricey food. It’s Mickeyland with Amish carriages, the best of all worlds for my kids. Best of all, it’s right there in Lancaster, home of fabulous shopping and divine Amish food. It’s a frugalista’s savings trifecta! Florida, Schmorida.
(3) Washington D.C.: I have loved this town since I was a kid, especially the incredible, one-of-a-kind museums, many with free admission, including the Smithsonian Institutes. The Museum of American History, Natural History, and the Air & Space Museum are phenomenal, everyone in the family finds something to love, you can spend all day there (did I mention the high-quality, non-stop air conditioning?) and it’s all available for free. One of the best things about Washington, D.C. – not only is the Metro train system second to none (even I can manage it, and that’s saying something), but the hotels just outside the beltway are also incredibly reasonable.
(4) Downtown Philadelphia: Many of us were born in the area, yet there are literally dozens of new places, sights and events I can guarantee you’ve never even heard of (many with free admission) that await you this summer. Get onto visitphilly.com to see the events available each and every day, the vast majority with very inexpensive (or free) admission. What’s not to love?
The best thing about local summertime fun is that whatever brings you the greatest pleasure with your friends and family there are always ways you can do it for less.
Frugal On!
Kristen Hagopian is a Syndicated Radio Talk Show Host, Columnist & Author of Brilliant Frugal Living. She cohosts WCHE 1520’s Morning Show, and “Dad and Daughter Talk Real Estate” with local Keller Williams Realtor John Herreid Wednesdays at 5 p.m. (www.johnherreid.com). She was raised in Delaware County, and now resides in Chester County with her husband and kids. You can find her online at www. BrilliantFrugalLiving.com