Where do you vacation when your on a tight budget?
Sep 21st, 2004, 09:50 PM
#21
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We started a tradition for our anniversary of a weekend trip in-state(in addition to any other vacations). First year we went to Telluride, then Estes Park for the 2nd (and we alternate each year which one plans the trip as a surprise). This year we had to skip it entirely because we are building a new house and have no spare money. Usually we spend probably less than $1,000 for the trip and we stay in pretty nice accomodations. We have lots of great mountain towns to visit in Colorado so it's fun and still a getaway for us.
Sep 23rd, 2004, 06:20 PM
#23
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Actually, when things are tight, we go to Florida. The beauty of Florida is that you can go resort 5 star or on a budget and still have a great time. We used to use the Entertainment book a lot to get 50% off on room rates and free dinners. In Fort Lauderdale, you can still get an oceanfront room for a reasonable price.
Sep 23rd, 2004, 07:26 PM
#24
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When we are on a tight budget I hit on my wife's parents for extended weekends (without my wife). After the first day you can get past all the yapping and gilt trips. When you take over the TV remote you have complete control. The parting gifts and invitations to return next year are wonderful just in case you need a place to crash again.
Sep 24th, 2004, 03:12 AM
#25
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A cottage on a lake, as others have said, is always a good budget option. Small towns are the best, and cheapest. Look for places that aren't on the regular tourist route, like Erie, PA (lots of lake cottages) or Conneaut Lake, PA or Chautauqua, NY, or Findley Lake, NY.
Sep 24th, 2004, 04:19 AM
#26
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Its actually a good thing to vacation cheap reminds of the corners you should try to cut even when you don't have to. When I am on a tight budget I remember the college days of travel and look for either pensions in Europe or bid for travel hotels in the U.S. Last November on Venere.com I found an 11 century palace in Florence, Italy that was converted to a B&B. It was only $45 a night. Now this place was far from a palace in the 21century but it reminded me that I was not entirely above lodging that primarily basic, clean and safe.
Sep 24th, 2004, 04:27 AM
#27
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P.S that trip to Italy took place in the off season so the airfares will coinside with the hotel breaks. I think I paid $480 last November. After November 2 everything in Italy comes down in price in the hospitality industry. You can take your savings and some pasta with truffles as they will be in season
.
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Sep 24th, 2004, 10:09 AM
#28
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Depends on what you want to do on your vacation. For beach vacations on a budget, the Yucatan peninsula of Mexico represents a great value compared to other Caribbean destinations. Take a look at Isla Mujeres or Playa Del Carmen. Canada can also be a bargain. I don't know where you are but for us from the west coast, we like to go to British Columbia. Flights to Vancouver are usually pretty cheap and with a favorable exchange rate, your vacation dollars go farther. Within the U.S., maybe a road trip to visit national parks?
Sep 25th, 2004, 04:17 PM
#30
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We always stayed at my parents' summer house near Cashiers, NC. We still spend a month there almost every summer. We live in Fl and the kids would rather vacation in NC than just about anywhere. There are also very nice rentals throughout that area that are affordable.
Sep 30th, 2004, 10:07 AM
#34
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Here today gone to Mauai. I think it was the Medici 2 star on venere.com. Not certain though will reference business card later. Aldini at venere also comes highly regarded and most likely a step up from the hotel I suggest. Room five was nice where I stayed some rooms need work and are very basic. Will come on later running out the door.
www.venere.com
www.venere.com
Sep 30th, 2004, 10:22 AM
#35
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This past spring I was looking for a budget-minded girls' trip for myself, my mom & my sister. Discovered the Gulf Islands, off the coast of Vancouver Island. They are just north of the San Juans, but less developed and less expense (esp. with Canadian exchange rate). We rented a lovely 3 bedroom cottage ON the ocean for $700 U.S. for 7 nights, but there were many nice places for even less. This was off season, but summer rates were also quite reasonable. Search "gulf islands" on the Canadian forum.
Sep 30th, 2004, 02:06 PM
#36
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Once, we decided we didn't have enough time to go away, but really needed a break.
My husband took a couple of days off for a long weekend and "vacationed" in our hometown. The rules were: no household chores of any kind could be done (I arranged for the cleaning lady to come back for an extra day over the weekend)and no meals could be cooked. Only plastic cups, plates and flatwear were used, and we basically did all the things around town that we never got a chance to do, went to dinner, to the movies, long walks on the beach, etc. We even took a cab one night to dinner so we could both have a few drinks and not worry about driving home.
It turned out to be the most relaxing and defnitely the cheapest vacation we've ever had!
My husband took a couple of days off for a long weekend and "vacationed" in our hometown. The rules were: no household chores of any kind could be done (I arranged for the cleaning lady to come back for an extra day over the weekend)and no meals could be cooked. Only plastic cups, plates and flatwear were used, and we basically did all the things around town that we never got a chance to do, went to dinner, to the movies, long walks on the beach, etc. We even took a cab one night to dinner so we could both have a few drinks and not worry about driving home.
It turned out to be the most relaxing and defnitely the cheapest vacation we've ever had!
Jun 5th, 2006, 09:25 PM
#37
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Hi, I love swiss watches, and I went to the 'International Watches Expo' in Geneva recently and thanks god, I've found a nice cheap hotel in there!. www.thehotelsaver.com just made things easier, I was really in hurry. 
- I love Geneva! Just a little problem, it is very expensive city, I mean, you see your dollars gone very quickly, but it is ok, you enjoy it.
- I love Geneva! Just a little problem, it is very expensive city, I mean, you see your dollars gone very quickly, but it is ok, you enjoy it.
Jun 6th, 2006, 03:30 PM
#40
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It's interesting to see how some of these places are no longer budget destinations though.
I remember when Playa del Carmen really was dirt cheap, but now that it's been discovered, it's no longer the bargain it was just 3 or 4 years ago....
I remember when Playa del Carmen really was dirt cheap, but now that it's been discovered, it's no longer the bargain it was just 3 or 4 years ago....
