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Frugal From Experience - Spring Break Road Trip

March 24, 2008

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We’ve just returned from Breckenridge, Colorado on our first extended road trip as a family. The trip was great and did not break the bank.  Here’s why.

  1. We drove.  While I am one of the few people who still really enjoys flying, when you multiply the cost of a plane ticket by 4 and add a rental car, driving is inevitably cheaper. I dreaded the thought of 14 hours in the car, but the trip was easy, considering my husband drove the entire way and our boys were entertained with DVDs and video games in the back seat. 
  2. We packed snacks for the road.  I actually planned ahead and stocked the car with food.  A few favorites included sliced apples, grapes, cheese cubes, pepperoni, trail mix, and granola bars.  We also stuck water bottles and a box of Capri Suns under the seats.  Aside from saving money, if you are driving to Colorado from Northwest Arkansas, a well stocked car is a necessity.  Once you pass Topeka, the exits become few and far between. 
  3. We stayed in a condo with a kitchen.  Having dinner in the condo was probably the single biggest money saver of the trip.  Eating out every night as a party of 11 would not be feasible or fun, so I am very glad the other families planned ahead and served dinner each night.
  4. We borrowed kids’ ski gear.  Outfitting an entire family for a ski trip can be expensive, especially when you know the kids will outgrow the gear by next season.  Used clothing and consignment stores are great places to find children’s ski gear. Or, see if any of your friends have gear you can use. We borrowed a ski bib and jacket from friends for our older son, and our younger son wore his brother’s from a previous ski trip. 

How did you save money on travel this Spring Break?

This post is part of the Frugal Life+Kids Week brought to you by Once Upon a Child — the best place to find gently used kids’ stuff in Fayetteville.

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Posted by Terri Chadick | Filed Under Blog, The Frugal Life+Kids Week 

Comments

2 Responses to “Frugal From Experience - Spring Break Road Trip”

  1. Rebecca on March 25th, 2008 12:55 pm

    Good reminders! I always like to take a book of puzzles, coloring books, and maybe a Frisbee or other active toy to play with on car stops, too. With enough snacks and amusements, you can limit stops and avoid souvenir hunting, and keep costs down that way, too.

  2. Terri on March 25th, 2008 5:07 pm

    Rebecca, you are right. The dollar store is an excellent place to fill a travel bag with new “treasures” to occupy little hands!

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