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Thursday, August 5, 2010

TRAVEL WITH SERENA-- FAMILY VACATIONS THAT DON’T BREAK THE BANK

Travel editor Serena Brower has a great suggestion today for a relatively inexpensive vacation that doesn’t involve camping. -- AP

A cheap vacation with the kids usually means camping, but what if like Anastasia, you’re camping-averse? I know for a fact that Anastasia absolutely hates camping. Tents and out-houses and no hot running water are just not her thing. I can’t blame her. I’m the same way. Let’s face it, some people just don’t like camping and would rather stay home than rough it. Tell that to the kids, though. They want a summer vacation, but family finances won’t stretch as far as a trip to Disneyworld or a family cruise.

Here’s a little secret: Many state and national parks offer cabins and lodge facilities. These facilities can range from very rustic to downright luxurious. Of course, the more amenities, the more expensive the fees, but you’ll still be paying a lot less than staying at a hotel, and you’ll have more creature comforts than staying in a tent.

Check out the parks in your state or states within a day’s drive of home. All the state and national parks have websites that give information on accommodations, costs, and the reservation process.

Here’s another tip: If you’ve never gone camping but think you’d like to, before spending a fortune on camping equipment that you might never use again, borrow or rent equipment for your first camping experience. You may be one of the many tens of thousands who love roughing it, or you may find you’re like Anastasia and me. Better to find out before you spend megabucks.

Great tip, Serena. And you know me so well! My idea of a vacation is not having more work than I have when I’m home. How about the rest of you? Do you like roughing it, or do you like your creature comforts? Let's hear from you. Everyone who comments this week is entered in the drawing for a book from our Book Club Friday guest author. -- AP

1 comment:

Morgan Mandel said...

Yes, you can find cabins at many of the camp grounds and they have facilities also!

We used to go that route, but after a bit, we just broke down and bought our own cottage. That was about 20 years ago, I think. It's hard to keep track. (g)

Morgan Mandel
http://morganmandel.blogspot.com
http://facebook.com/morgan.mandel