6 Steps to enjoying a fun holiday on a shoestring budget
You can still enjoy an exhilarating break without breaking the wallet.
By Linda Hoeksma
We all dream of the ultimate holiday. A cruise to the Bahamas, skiing in the Alps, or an African Safari. Reality for most of us though, is that many of us simply cannot afford holidays like this. Following these simple steps you are ensured of a holiday you never even dreamed of!
Step 1: Decide your spend.
This is a biggie. Everything revolves around this one. If you don’t get this initial step right, everything has the potential (and they usually will), go pear shaped. There is a saying “money makes the world go round,” and it certainly is true today. Hence the more reason to carefully plan your holiday. Decide what you would be able to put away every month until your holiday. Even if it is just R100/month. A R100 over 12 months is R1200 you can spend on a holiday you would otherwise not be able to enjoy.
Step 2: Do your research.
Decide on your destination. Work out what the following costs would be:
· transportation
· accommodation
· spending money
· meals
· overnight stay
· activities
· extras you might need for the trip
· toiletries
If you find that visiting a popular holiday destination would be too expensive, consider looking locally or a neighboring town. You’ll be amazed at what fun opportunities might be right under your nose.
Step 3: Stay healthy.
If someone is sick when it is time to go on holiday, chances are everybody else’s holiday will be ruined as well. Keep the kids healthy during the year, as well as yourself. Build their immune systems so that they won’t pick up any diseases just before or while on holiday.
Step 4: Be creative
This is where the real fun starts. No we go back to Step 2, only this time we are going to look at it differently. If you can’t afford staying at a B&B for a couple of nights, you might consider camping. Even if it means just camping in your own backyard. Get your tents (it will definitely work out a lot cheaper than 3 nights’ accommodation at a guest house!), pull the mattresses & blankets in and voila, you have your own personal campsite without all the expense plus all the conveniences you have at home.
Consider day trips and work out a schedule for your holiday period. You might want to visit the local conservancy for the day, take a short hike, visit local museums, interesting shops, have a picnic at a good local spot. It is a fun way to get to know your own town, and you’ll be saving a ton too! If you need to stock up on groceries to save costs, start early. We used to do that a lot as part of the monthly budget, and it certainly helped stretch the vacation budget. If you can organize a projector or you have the tech tools to do that kind of thing, use a house wall as an impromptu “theater” under the stars and have a movie night “out.” Teach your kids the games you used to play as a child. Do an educational trip, and perhaps schedule an environmental trip, cleaning up a nearby park and do something positive for the environment. The thing is, you’re all doing it together — and that’s the key. Make sure you are able to cater for everyone’s favorite activities as much as is possible within your holiday budget.
Step 5: Be organized.
I personally find it much easier to work according to lists, e.g. what to pack, what to buy, when and where to do what. Less chance of leaving something behind and having to spend money you’ve allocated for something else.
Step 6: Involve the whole family.
Make it exciting for the kids, even if you just camp out in the backyard. Ban all phones for the holiday and just keep one for emergency calls. Spend the time with your kids and spouse. You don’t know what tomorrow brings, and for all you know it might be your last opportunity. Take the time to bond with your difficult teenager — you’ll be glad you did. If you are doing the backyard camping gig, let the kids help prepare the campsite. Involve them in the preparations as much as possible.
A simple family holiday like this is sure to evoke fond memories for years to come! And you’ll be well-rested without the additional emotional stress of extra debt to pay off. A bargain holiday indeed.
