If you plan correctly, it is entirely possible to create a great vacation from a tight budget!  In these tough economic times, it can be hard to find the time and money for a vacation.  However, everyone needs a break sometime – why not now?  There are tons of ways to keep your expenses down while having the time of your life.  Traveling in any capacity always costs money, but try to consider the cheapest way to travel.  Plane tickets are usually the most expensive form of transportation, so you might want to consider a destination that is within driving distance!  Taking a trip on a train can also be a fun way to spend time with your family while seeing a great deal of the countryside.

Another thing to consider when keeping costs down is choosing a place with a wide variety of low-cost activities.  What better time to enjoy a beautiful nature park than a family vacation?  Yosemite National Park and Yellowstone National Park are two of the country’s most popular nature destinations.  There are a huge number of activities at little or no cost to you.  At these beautiful natural parks you will be able to enjoy some of the most breathtaking trails in the country.  You can hike with a guide or use a guidebook to find your own way.  There are dozens of affordable inns and hotels all around Yosemite and Yellowstone.

Beach vacations are also relatively low-cost.  You can save money by renting a house down the street from the beach as opposed to beachfront property itself.  The best part is you can visit the beach every day without paying a penny!  You’ll need to invest in a bathing suit, a towel and an inflatable raft, but that’s about it!  If you are looking to have a great vacation without the stress of spending a lot of money, there are plenty of cheap vacation ideas out there.  You just have to be creative and have the right travel agent!  Wherever you go, make sure to draw up a budget before you leave to avoid breaking the bank.  That way, you can spend your vacation completely worry-free!