Ok next year me and my now boyfriend/fiance are planning on going to Ireland, but I feel bad I feel that if I go on vacation I should take the whole family with me but I know that I can't take the kids with us to Ireland for many reasons! One being cost , but the big one being getting permission of the two non custodial fathers that have nothing to do with their kids...
But any how on to the question at hand if you have a family of five that is on a fixed income but feel that you need to go out and have a vacation in order to do some fun bonding not to mention that the kids deserve to go and have fun and I want them to have a child hood where they say yeah I went on vacation this summer, but where would you go.
Anyone know of some nice and fun but Cheap or inexpensive places to go.. I looked into myrtle beach and I know the hotel alone is going to cost $450 for three nights and I can drive it because it's only 12 hours but I would like to have some other ideas. I live in pennsylvania so something within driving distance would be nice but not a must...!
So is there anyone out there that can help me?
If so, what are you're ideas?
Thanks in advance!!!
[question posted by bellaofchaos]
responses and comments:
You could always come here and stay on my farm. We have a 4 bedroom house and only use 1 bedroom. You could help with chores, so that your room and board would be covered. OR, do you know what the cheapest vacation is? Trade with someone. They come and stay at your place and you come and stay at theirs for 2 wks or a month. Some sort of an exhange vacation. One of my neighbours did it. [AnnieOakley1]
personally tho i dont know the area where you are i imagine it will be a similar situation as where i live. MY first choice is to take kids to a KOA (Kampgrounds of America)facility. Even if you dont have your own camping gear, you can either borrow or hit the thrift stores for almost everything you need and you really dont NEED all that much. camping is a cool adventure for kids. the reason i suggest a KOA is that its great for first time campers. they even have what they call KABINS (tho you have to book them waaaaay early as they are popular) ( to give you an idea of costs===a two room Kabin in gettysburg as an example can run as low as 66 a night- i ran an example stay in april for 4 nites -tho i told the site 4 kids *if two are really little they can share a bunk) with five bigger kids it would be more or you are way better cost wise to use a tent they have everything you need on the campgrounds (real bathrooms and showers) some have an outdoor kitchen area, all have a mini barbeque on each campsite as well as a picnic table/benches, and they have activities for kids and adults. many of them have pools and you will find information for any outside the campground activities tourist sites in the general store that each campground has.. the cost of even the KABINS is less than half of the cheapest motel and a WHOLE LOT nicer... we have done this for years... we have a very good tent and will usually pick a site and stay for up to 10 days, depending on where we go. as an example: chula vista ca-- the first day we usually hit the local thrift stores and buy a couple of bags of paperback books (we do RELAXING vacations) on days we feel like it.. we will take the train (redline) to either Tijuana for the day or up to san diego (chula vista is between the 2) this way WE dont have to drive (which is awesome) in san diego we can either go to a mission, or to old downtown, or to the zoo, or sea world, or the museums near the zoo. check on the area you decide to go to-- in san diego the museums (there are a bunch all together in a large park setting very close to the zoo) have a running special thing going that on certain days of the week certain museums are free. we were able to see a visiting exhibit of RENOIR because we were there on the 'free' day. it was awesome. check this site http://www.koa.com/where/pa/ if your kids enjoy themselves you can do variations of this for YEARS. is fun. oh and a suggestion regarding souveniers... if I may.... POST CARDS.. my eldest started this when she travelled with her school band.. she was EXTREMELY limited on what she was allowed to carry and want to get some sort of souveniers... so she found post card pictures of things and sights that she and her little camera could not have gotten. they pack VERY easy (nearly no space used) and then she could scrapbook them and her photos when she got home. its been a Great way to do it and VERY easy on the budget.:) have fun [cometkatt]
Thanks for the information I really appreciate it and I didn't think about the camping thing at all since the kids all have their own sleeping bags except for the youngest to that would be nice. I'll have to check out the link that you gave me. Again thanks and have a nice one. [bellaofchaos]
I think the flights to Ireland for a family of five would cost quite a lot. Accommodation there would be fairly pricey. I suggest you read budget minded travel guide books after you have seen the likely cost of the flight. You could perhaps do a home swap with another family then you wouldn't have an accommodation costs. I think you might be able to stay in a family room in a youth hostel in Ireland. I would suggest camping might be a good option too. I think Guatemala or Nicaragua might be a lovely destination for your family. The flights might be quite reasonable and accommodation would be cheap. Good luck soring out a cheap vacation for your family. [maximax8]
Thanks for the homeswap idea.. Unfortunately I did say I would like to remain in the states since I won't be able to get passports for three kids since thier father most likely would not allow me to take them out of the country. But thanks for the lovely idea of swapping homes. [bellaofchaos]
What do they like? Beach, mountains, museums etc? I live in New Orleans and their is always something going on around here. We have a new insectarium that supposed to be one of its kind in the US. Of course we have the river boats and French Quarter which is a lot of fun. Next Tuesday is Mardi Gras which your kids would probably LOVE (and it lasts practically ahull day). My personal favorite vacation spot is St George Island, FL (not during a hurricane) and Pigeon Forge, TN. [cajuncakes]
I would love to visit New Orleans during Mardi Gras and the kids would probably have a blast. The kids love everythingand they are equally divided amoung what they like to do the boys love camping and the outdoors and the girls love museums, beaches, zoos and aquariums. Hmmm but you know what talking to you has given me a great idea I wonder if the SeaWorld in Ohio is still open and maybe I can make a weekend of taking the kids there for a couple of days. [bellaofchaos]
I don't know much about America so I possibly won't be much help, but kids just love activity holidays. Is there any such place in your country which is reasonable, or do you have a resort where you can camp or something, and join in with activity pastimes, like climbing, boating, fishing, assault courses, cycling, horseriding and such things? I'm sure they'd love that! As for Ireland... why don't you call it a honeymoon? They'll understand that, surely. Brightest Blessings, my friend. I hope that's giveing you some ideas. [Darkwing]
Yup... and they don't even know they're teaching us half the time! [Darkwing]
I live in Ireland you could stay with me lol! But serioously if you are planning on coming to Ireland, book soon, because as you know we are in a recession and Ireland is even more broke than alot of other countries so there are loads of cheap offers going on right now. For Ireland or America, I would suggest you rent a house for your holiday, because of the amount of people going. Maybe you could do a house swap or something? I booked a gorgeous villa for me and my parents and sister during the summer on www.individualtravellers.com. We are staying for 7 nights, in a villa with a pool, for 500 euro, and the house sleeps 6! You should check out the site. It took me a while to find that house but I'm sure you'll find something too! Good luck :) [lolastevens]
thanks I most likely be pming you tomorrow after I get back from the kid's soccer games. [bellaofchaos]
You could always find some place nice that is close to home, go camping (rent a cabin) or go to Disney (they have awesome deal right now). [sedel1027]
Disney would be really nie but it's a little bit out of my price range. LOL!!! My famiy is going to have to settle for some camping and muesuems and the zoo this year but next year maybe I can get us somewhere else.. LOL!! [bellaofchaos]
Hello! We are also a family of five and always in need of an affordable vacation! We do have the luxery of living in Southern California though, so each year we decide to purchase a new package. For example, last year we did SeaWorld and whenever we needed a break we would drive to San Diego and go to Seaworld and spend the day out there. This year we are doing the zoo/wild animal parks since our kids are older and can enjoy the walks and scenery. We also do the water parks and Disneyland on occasion. It may not be the full getaway, but it does provide a cheap alternative and entertainment for the kids and we can always stay and eat or stay overnight. Just getting a day of relaxation really helps! We also do roadtrips sometimes. We love just going to the beach as well. [jashley1]
Man I wish that the beach was closer to me. It would be nice. LOL!! But I think that I'm giong to go with the muesem and zoo thing this year and some camping out. LOL!!! [bellaofchaos]
When I go for a short vacation with my family, including relatives, we usuall go to travel agencies, which provide village accomodations at much cheaper expenses. The villages are friendly and meals light but with local speciality. Accommodation is acceptable with shower facilities. Traffic means will be provided to go around within a few hours ride, so that we can enjoy the nature and local fairs as well, and sometimes, a water fall or mineral water bath, etc. Whatever the choice, going out for travel is a must part of our life, young or old. [zhuhuifen46]
Yeah I get what your saying but will it be affordable for my family of five kids and two adults... LOL!!! [bellaofchaos]
I have three kids myself, and I know about being cheap. We use to take camping trips to Kings Island, but they built a Great Bear Lodge there, so we can't do that anymore. The last few years, we have stayed in the State, and have visited attractions close to home. Some of them, that we had never visited before. Camping is the cheapest route when vacationing, but not always the most comfortable. I use Hotwire.com myself when booking hotel rooms. Really nice hotels on the cheap. Google PA trips, or road trips in PA. You will be amazed at the places that are close to home. Good Luck. [avonrep1]
You know what I just realized that my title said family of five. LOL!! I really have five kids and then 2 adults so it's a family of 7 gosh I'm off my rocker.. LOL!! thanks I think that camping might be the best way to go this year. [bellaofchaos]
I can certainly understand why you wouldn't want to go on holidays without your kids. Like you, I could not obtain passports for my kids without their father signing passport forms and, quite simply, he wouldn't sign them out of spite. I wouldn't even consider leaving the country without my kids. All our holidays are within Australia. Being a single Mum, with no financial support from my ex, money is tight. I take my kids on at least two holidays per year but I manage that by driving to our destination and only having camping holidays. $450 would pay for 10 days camping ground hire so, I couldn't even consider spending that on 3 nights in an hotel. Most kids love camping and it is great to get out amongst nature and do outdoorsy things like bushwalking and canoeing. Inflatable boats aren't expensive and are a lot of fun. It is great to show your kids how to start a good campfire and, I find, being in the bush with no distractions like TV or internet, is a terrific way to bond with kids and really enjoy just talking, fishing or whatever else. A lot of camping grounds have toilets and showers and, the one we regularly go to has a terrific camp kitchen, which makes meal preparation easy. The first camping trip can be expensive in terms of buying tents, sleeping bags, air mattresses and whatever else you need to make your holiday comfortable but, after the initial trip, you have everything you need for future trips. Camping is a terrific, reasonably cheap holiday and once you have done it, you'll want to do it again and again. In your case, it could also provide an avenue for your kids and fiance to bond. [Piscesmoon]
Go on line and see what you have in state. You might be surprised how many fun and interesting things there are to do in your own backyard. I think most Chambers of Commence will send you tourist information for free. [6precious102]
Take the children to England with a tent. New England and you and BF come to ENGLAND. Like Ireland only with ENG in front instead of Ire! Or why not send them all to Aunty Cyn's! LOL. I shall die slowly and painfully won't I? [p1kef1sh]