| Cabin fever is on the rise. Families everywhere | | | | picnic to cut the cost of fast food, and the |
| are coming down with it and there is even talk of | | | | scenery and open spaces to stretch the legs |
| a new, more anxious strain. It's an epidemic! If | | | | cannot be overstated when children are present. |
| you need a break from the daily grind, the family | | | | Letting the kids blow off some of that energy |
| vacation is the cure. But you need to plan for it if | | | | has been known to put them to sleep when you |
| you are on a budget. The additional expenses for | | | | need to keep your attention on the road. |
| those out-of-the-way adventures can eat your | | | | For the air traveling family, remember that many |
| wallet before you realize how much you've spent. | | | | flight destinations can be reached in one or two |
| Planning for it can relieve you of your cabin fever, | | | | hours on a plane, rather than a tiresome, day-long |
| and help reign in those unneeded expenses. | | | | drive. And last-minute holiday deals can |
| When you plan to get out of town you might | | | | sometimes cut your costs substantially. Booking |
| consider booking a bed and breakfast, instead of | | | | flights in the middle of the week can also snag |
| a local hotel at your destination. Bed and | | | | some great deals for the budget conscious. |
| breakfasts can save a bundle over the more | | | | Back-up plans and an alternate itinerary can be an |
| traditional hotel room, and they have benefits all | | | | invaluable tool for the family on a budget. If your |
| their own apart from the cost savings. The | | | | destination is closed or the weather doesn't |
| service is often second to none, and the personal | | | | cooperate, you can still save the day by attending |
| attention is incomparable. And the local B&B | | | | cultural events, museums, local theater, and even |
| can be an invaluable source of local getaways that | | | | a family oriented play at the local playhouse. And |
| are off the beaten path, and its more familiar | | | | those indoor events that specifically cater to |
| family setting can also calm the nerves of | | | | families can be fun and rewarding, but you do |
| younger travelers. | | | | have to plan for them ahead of time. You can |
| You don't have to travel with the latest in | | | | visit the local visitor's bureau to plan for that |
| high-tech gear if you want to travel by car to | | | | alternate itinerary once you get there, or you can |
| your destination. Keeping the kids busy can be | | | | visit their web site to check into alternate choices. |
| done with a few easy tips for that long drive. | | | | Family vacations on a budget can be planned |
| Coloring books and crayons may well be the | | | | within hours if you know where to look, and the |
| answer, and don't forget to bring the colored | | | | budget getaway can save a dreary weekend |
| pencils for the artful finer touch. For the longer | | | | during the vacation months. Plan ahead and you |
| drive, you might even consider planning a roadside | | | | will share a memory that will last a lifetime. |