One of the questions I get asked often is "How can you afford to travel." When traveling, it is easy to end up in the "tourist trap" areas. These are the most fun-packed "looking" areas and they always have some of the most exciting things to do. I have enjoyed some of these places and would even go back to some of them. I am not saying to never go to any of these places. What I would suggest is finding the places you really want to see. Make sure it is something you would be interested in completely and then pick a few of those places depending on your budget and enjoy. I would never recommend that you go to all the fancy locations in that area. I would not even suggest you do over three. The reason is that these places are made to please the senses and look pretty, have interesting things, and even encourage you to up your packages to see 5 other things. I personally have found that this can be tiring and also way over what I really wanted to spend. I also have found that some of the places I would not have spent the money if I had researched a little more. You do not want to spend your vacation or travel time extremely tired because you are trying to see it all. So keep that in mind. If there is more that you really wish to see. Make sure you allow time for another trip and enjoy the one you have for now.
What we do is search the area and surrounding areas for free or cheaper things to do. I have found I enjoy the $3 museum just as much as the $35 museum. I also am amazed at how little people know about what is in your backyard. So make sure you also check what is around you for day trips. I would recommend you research these places as well. I also search for the most interesting places to visit or unusual places to visit in the area. I was amazed by how much you learn about history, nature, and companies by just visiting these places. I also have found some amazing little quaint things that are surely unique. I love finding these places and it feels sort of like a scavenger hunt.
Some days when we just want to get out of the house, I will search for an area for free places to visit, museums in the area, most visited places, unusual or unique places. I do not stop here. I look for signs along the way. I also search for town as I get close to them while traveling. We have stopped at so many places along the way to find some really cool places. Every place we have found along the way has not been amazing but they all have been interesting. I also make a note of places that sound really cool. I may want to visit them soon.
As I write, I can think of so many places I would say to visit if you are in that area. I have memories of my favorite, of course. This is is why I have to say some of the most exciting places were actually accidents or just a sudden stop. So, I would always ask people that have visited the area. Ask me and I will see what I can find or if I have been there and share with you. I also do not mind telling you of some of my favorites.
As far as food, Make sure you take snacks and food with you in a cooler. If you have room stick it in the back seat or on the floor. It prevents spending money along the way. Food is a big thing in this family. lol So having food on hand is a lot cheaper than stopping at a gas station or out to eat every time you are hungry. We have taken everything from sandwiches to fried chicken. We take snacks such as apples, cheese, nuts, and chips. Be creative here as well. If it is for traveling that day, it will last in a cooler for the day and as long as it is on ice, it will last longer. Ziplock bags are amazing but so are containers. Use these to keep water from getting on your items if you are placing them in the cooler.
For kids, I always had a Mary Poppins bag. lol, At least that is what my kids called it. The reason it got that name is, it had everything in it. I purchase Dollar Tree craft sets. Make sure they are ones you do not mind in your car. There is some scratch and reveal kits, stickers, and coloring items to choose from. I also got other things like mini-games and cars. Anything they like to play with. Other stores have items that are cheap as well. So look and stock up. I never had play-doh but I did allow glue sticks, balloons and lots of crayons. This all depends on age and what you allow in your car of course. I also would tell my kids to hand glue sticks back to me to make sure lids were on or so I knew where it went. Playing games as you go is good too. There are always ipads and some form of electronic but I wanted my kid's mind to be creative. So we had other things to entertain as well. For older kids. Books, games and some crafts work as well. You know your kid. Pick accordingly.
I always look at finding these places as an adventure. Finding places reasonable makes the trip fun and relaxing. Ask away if there i thoughts and ideas that you would like to know about.
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