At Club Thrifty, we talk about vacations often – and for good reason! It’s our favorite thing to do. We eagerly anticipate our trips throughout the year, and while I’m all about the planning process, my husband Greg is more laid-back and happy to go wherever the road takes us. For me, the planning is half the fun, and I love researching and figuring out every detail almost as much as I enjoy the vacation itself.
But what about you? What’s your favorite type of vacation? Here are a few of the vacation styles we usually consider:
All-Inclusive Resorts
Greg and I had our first all-inclusive resort experience last year, and it was a blast. I loved the simplicity of knowing that everything was included in one upfront price. No worrying about paying for each drink or meal (and trust me, I had a few!). We didn’t have to carry cash except for tips, and it was just so convenient. While it wasn’t the cheapest option, it was definitely one of the most relaxing, and I can see us doing it again in the future.
Oceanfront Condo Rentals
We rent oceanfront condos about once or twice a year, usually in Florida or Alabama. It’s a great way to enjoy a beach vacation without spending a fortune. We typically share the condo with my parents, which helps reduce the cost and makes it a fun family getaway. It’s also nice to cook meals at the condo, which saves on dining expenses. This year, we’ve got two condo rentals planned, one in May and another in September. It’s the perfect mix of relaxation and budget-friendly fun.
Cruises
A cruise is something we’ve considered several times, but we haven’t pulled the trigger yet. The idea of sailing on the open sea is appealing, but I’m also a bit nervous after hearing about the occasional cruise disaster stories. Plus, alcohol isn’t usually included, which means I’d probably end up doubling the cost of the trip in drinks alone. Still, it’s on my radar, and I’m still thinking about it.
Staycations
Honestly, the idea of a staycation doesn’t appeal to me at all. We’ve talked about doing it to save money, but when I’m at home, all I see are unfinished projects, dirty dishes, and laundry piles. A staycation sounds more like a punishment than a vacation, so we’ve never used any of our vacation time to stay at home. I’d much rather get away, even if it’s just for a weekend.
Traveling Abroad
One vacation I’m especially excited about is our trip to Europe in 2014. We’re going to Italy and London, and we’ll even be taking a road trip to see Stonehenge! The best part? We’re using credit card reward points to cover our flights and hotels. I can’t wait to experience new cultures and sights without breaking the bank. It’s going to be amazing!
Things We Consider When Planning a Vacation
When planning our trips, we always keep a few important factors in mind:
Cost: We budget about $6,000 each year for vacations, which includes everything – food, transportation, and accommodations. It sounds like a lot, but it’s actually pretty manageable when we take 2-3 trips annually. We like to mix one bigger trip with a few smaller, more affordable ones to balance things out.
Timing: We love planning our vacations well in advance, but we also have to consider timing. We try to avoid hurricane season or other unexpected events. Travel insurance is a great way to protect ourselves in case something comes up, and I’ve found great deals using online discount codes.
PTO: Both Greg and I get 20 days of paid time off each year, which includes sick days. We try to stretch our time off as much as possible, but it can be tricky to fit vacations into our limited days off.
Final Thoughts
So, that’s a look at the types of vacations we typically consider. What about you? What’s your favorite type of vacation? What are your travel plans for the year ahead? I’d love to hear about the trips you’re planning and any tips you might have for making the most of your vacations.
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