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Just because there is bit of a cash crunch, doesn't mean you can't have the vacation you have dreamed of. And don’t let your tax return burn a hole in your Bermuda shorts before you can squeeze every cent possible into that travel fund you’ve been dreaming of. Here are some great tips on budgeting for your next vacation.

Planning, planning, planning.

The key to traveling on a budget is to plan ahead. Family trips or well-deserved breaks are often dampened by the reality of the expenditure and budgeting effort required to make it happen. However, planning and making sure that you spend your every travel dollar wisely should be the primary priority for you and your family. The best way to do this is curb spending and expenses, but still enjoy your vacation time to the hilt. With a little bit of careful spending, your pocketbook and family will both be happy.

Once the main components of your travel have been purchased (airline tickets, hotel/motel, rail tickets, car rental) you will still need to budget for the expenses you will incur once your arrive at your vacation destination. It's important to set up a daily budget to cover the following costs: Meals, excursions and of course...shopping!

Meal tips

It's just a reality of life that a lot of the time meals in vacation spots are more expensive than at home. Do a little online research and see if you can find discount coupons for restaurants in the area you will be vacationing.

For example: http://www.restaurant.com is a Web site that sells discount coupons and food certificates for many U.S. cities. You can purchase a $25 food certificate for $10, and a 50 percent off coupon for $3. Sign up on the site and you will be notified when they are having a 50 percent off sale (about once a month) that allows you to purchase the $25 certificate for $5, and the 50 percent off coupon for only $1.50.

Also, many hotels and motels are now offering a free buffet or continental breakfast with their rooms. For a large family this can really add up to big savings.
If all-inclusive meal plans are your style, be sure to inquire ahead of time if the provider will be able to accommodate any special dietary needs, or you may eat up any potential savings with additional costs — or worse – be one of the few who actually lose weight on vacation.

Excursions, Activities and Day Trips

Effective budgeting requires research in advance. If possible always try to pre-purchase your excursions prior to your vacation departure. Let the family know that you have a schedule for activities and that anything that you do outside of the planned activities will need to be free — or close to free.

Encourage family members to do some research on their own to find free adventures just in case you end up with some extra time. Be sure to schedule in rest and relaxation days with activities that are...free!

If you should decide to participate in a  sales presentation in exchange for free activities, make sure you know exactly what you will be getting in exchange for your valuable vacation time. If you have no intention of buying-in, don’t be shy. Make it clear from the start that you’re only there for the free booze cruise, helicopter ride, or other “free” activities. This will help to minimize your time spent listening to sales pitches and maximize your fun.

Shopping: Create memories, not bills

Give each person a spending budget in advance of the trip. This way they know how much they can spend for the entire trip. Encourage children and teens to pace themselves, and if possible “window shop” in the early days of the trip in order to avoid them spending it all on day one or two, then end up begging for more throughout the trip.

If you plan a budget in advance that is well suited to your trip — and your family’s needs and likes, you will set yourself up for a most enjoyable vacation. Otherwise you run the risk of feeling like your family sees you as an endless stream of money, and the stress can build and suck the life out of your vacation...and you.
Budgeting your travel dollars takes a team effort

Budgeting your travel dollars takes a team effort.

Traveling on a budget calls for team play. You and your family should work as a single unit, unified to achieve a single goal — to explore, treasure, and enjoy each and every minute of vacation time so that you can cherish it for a lifetime. It all comes down to the mindset you have. It's not true that only spending thousands of dollars on vacations can make them enjoyable. But without the support of your family, traveling on a budget can spell unpleasantness and lack of enjoyment.
Remember, there are many ways to make your vacation memorable and affordable. All it takes is some planning, some prioritizing, and working as a unit to achieve the goal of experiencing that highly cherished vacation! So quit worrying and start enjoying.

Lola Traylor is a certified vacation specialist and can be reached at Traylor@americasvacationcenter.com, or for more information visit: http://www.americasvacation...