Guest Author - Cate Brizzell

Is a family vacation part of your budget? Think you can't afford to go away every year?

Think again. You can enjoy a great vacation every year with just a little bit of planning and some creativity.

Create a vacation budget and save towards it with every paycheck. It's a lot harder to come up with $1500 for a vacation all at once than it is to set aside $58 after a biweekly paycheck. Come up with an amount that works for your family and then save in small increments. Chances are you won't even miss it. Make sure the money is kept in a special account, one that isn't co-mingled with regular spending cash or used to cover unexpected expenses. Otherwise you'll be tempted to spend it.

Choose a vacation period just one or two weeks before or after peak season. In our case, we like to rent southeastern U.S. oceanfront homes the last week in August or early in September. Prices drop almost in half. Same house, same opportunities--just a lot less money!

Split your lodging with friends or family. A four-bedroom, four-bath oceanfront home runs us around $1500 a week. Split two or three ways that price is practically unbeatable! Only one caveat: make sure you're compatible. A lot of drama or conflict will defeat the purpose of a vacation. Discuss schedules, plans, finances and expectations ahead of time. Make sure everyone is clear on who brings what and who sleeps where. Be flexible and recognize the fact that everyone deserves to do what they enjoy on vacation. Last but not least, set aside time for folks to go their separate ways. Too much togetherness may not always be a good thing!

Look for lodgings with a full kitchen and a washer/dryer. You'll save a ton of money by cooking your own food and packing light. Who needs four or five bathing suits when you can bring just two--or one--and wash and wear? Even if your idea of vacation is eating dinner out every night, you can have breakfast foods and lunch goodies on hand for quick meals or delicious picnics. The savings really add up. Best of all, you can really relax--we always look forward to waking up and going right from bed to beach. Just grab a cup of coffee and a bowl of cereal. No need to go out!

Scour the internet for coupons and bargains. One of the things we enjoy doing on vacation is golf. We discovered a great money-saving opportunity while browsing for bargains one day. Our favorite vacation spot features many family golf tournaments, where kids golf free as long as they play with a paying adult. We can play 18 holes of golf, including cart, for only $30 per person--on some of the nicest courses around! Check out welcome centers and hotel lobbies for coupon books, free passes and restaurant bargains. Many times resorts will partner with local attractions and eateries to provide discount services.

Ask the locals. After you arrive, look for stores or spots where tourists aren't likely to shop. Ask patrons or clerks to give you advice on the "best" places to go for food, fun and shopping. Our experience shows folks love to talk about their hometown! Locals know where the best deals are--and if you ask, they'll be happy to share the secret.

Know your budget and stick to it. Before you leave, know how much you have to spend. Decide ahead of time what you'll set aside for souvenirs, attractions and dining out. If you stick to your budget you'll go home with a lot less debt--and stress.

There are lots of ways to enjoy inexpensive vacations, but before you plan, make sure you're doing what you really enjoy. Camping in a tent is cheaper than staying in a hotel, but if it's not your idea of fun, you're just wasting your money.

Plan ahead and take a break. Your family will thank you for it.