Affordable Summer Travel

by Patrick Larkin
Scripps Howard News Service

Ah, summer. This is the time to head off on vacation and leave all those cares behind. Just make sure they aren't waiting when you return home in the form of credit card bills.

The average family of four spends $1,491 on a one-week vacation, putting most of the tab on credit cards. If you can't pay off those card balances when the bills arrive, the interest charges can make that trip a whole lot more expensive.

First determine what vacation you can afford.

Then, do some detective work. Get on the Internet or visit the library and learn about the places you can afford to visit. Find out what the likely costs are and where you might be able to skimp and still have a good time.

Remember, with rising gas prices, traveling across the country in the van is going to cost a lot more this summer than in years past. As an alternative, consider a series of long weekends to visit attractions that are a few hours from home rather than driving all the way to a beach across the country.

Sometimes these nearby attractions are places we always mean to visit, but never manage to get around to. And you might be pleasantly surprised at how much fun you can have after just a few hours drive. Do this two or three times during the summer and you might find you spent less money, had more fun, and got more rest than when you pack up and fly off for a week or two.

Once you've settled on a destination, call the local visitors bureau or chamber of commerce for publications about the area. These often point out some places you might otherwise miss and contain coupons you can use.

Then set a budget and do your best to keep to it. Buy film, batteries and other items every tourist needs before you leave home rather than waiting until you get where you're going.

Take in some culture. Museums and zoos tend to be less expensive than the usual places tourists frequent.

One thing is a must. In your travel budget, be sure to include a fixed amount for souvenirs and stick to it.