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Budget Vacation Tips for Every Family

February 7, 2020 by Rhonda Gales 2 Comments

Today, I’m sharing travel tips on budget vacation tips for every family. Vacation and budget don’t belong in the same sentence — or do they? The truth is, even though Americans spend a collective $1.1 trillion on travel each year, vacations don’t have to completely wreck your budget. While vacationing, you can find low-cost attractions to bringing along entertainment.

Budget Vacations Tips:

Keep Kids Entertained on the Go

Travel itself plus the sights will keep the kids occupied during the day. As much as travel exhausts parents, kids still need distractions to wind down in the evenings.

Bring along long-forgotten toys from home. Rediscovering them while on a family trip can do wonders. Packing (or downloading) kid-friendly audiobooks is another simple solution to evening boredom. Bring along paper and pencils for drawing and writing while they listen.

You can also stream your kiddos’ favorite shows and movies from home. Bringing a portable streaming device — which plugs into your laptop or hotel TV means free movies just like at home. With viewing options ranging from television series and movies to streaming music, these devices could be a perfect fit for your next family vacation.

Travel in the Off-Season

In the United States, people tend to travel more during the summer. A Gallup poll confirms July as the most popular travel month. Picking a less popular travel date means lower costs on airline tickets and a less packed flight. According to the experts at the Penny Hoarder, it’s cheaper to fly mid-week, with Sunday and Friday proving the most expensive. Booking between three weeks and four months before your vacation is the ideal window. Planning farther in advance means higher prices.

Skip the Major Attractions

Business Insider confirms that theme park costs in the US range from $60 to $267 per person per day. These amounts aren’t ideal for the average family. Instead of visiting the major theme parks, travel off the beaten path. Smaller zoos, aquariums, and neighborhood parks may be the highlight of the trip for your kids. Consider libraries and even bookstores for indoor entertainment. Museums also offer educational and cultural experiences for kids of all ages.

Any place that’s novel to your children, or that’s different than what’s available at home, will provide plenty of interest. Plus, if you’re traveling internationally, cultural exposure is a crucial part of the overall experience. If you do visit theme parks, opt for multi-park or multi-day tickets instead of single-entry options. With these packages, per-day costs are lower the more days and locations you visit. You also have the flexibility to step out for naps, snacks, or just to recharge with the kids before diving back in.

Live Like a Local

Instead of planning to eat out every leg of your trip, live more like a local. Wherever you are, look for local eateries far away from the touristy areas. If you can, book a hotel or rental home with a kitchenette or, at the very least, a refrigerator and microwave. Packing food from home — preferably non-perishable staples — can save you a lot of money.

Depending on how long you’re staying and how expensive your accommodations are, you might find it’s worth the additional cost of booking a suite with a kitchen. After all, eating out is more expensive than grocery shopping. On the same note, look at the local neighborhood and what’s happening while you’re in town. Community centers often have free events and local businesses sometimes offer discounts on certain days. Doing some research ahead of time will also allow you to get to know your destination better.

Wherever you plan to go on your family vacation, a strict budget doesn’t have to mean a lack of excitement and fun. There’s plenty to see and do without spending a ton of cash, even when you have little ones along for the trip.

Home Security Tips While You’re on Vacation

August 5, 2019 by Rhonda Gales Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing travel advice on home security tips while on vacation. A home is regarded by many as their pride and joy. If you’re heading on a family vacation, keeping your property safe and secure is crucial. The last thing you want is to worry about your home while you are on your vacation.

Here a few home security tips before leaving on vacation:

Get a Home Monitoring System

First and foremost, install a home monitoring system in your home. With so many options to choose from, it’s important to find a system that fits your home. You may want to consider purchasing a wireless security system that can give you 24/7 updates, allowing you to relax and unwind while on vacation.

Keep Up Home Maintenance

Whether you employ a gardener to take care of your lawn or hire a pool guy to come out once a week, it’s important to stick to these schedules. Having people you trust enter your property while you are away can deter thieves from breaking into your home.

Leave a Key with Friends or Family

If you don’t hire outside help, why not leave a key with a friend or relative? Having one of your nearest and dearest stopping by every day or two can give you peace of mind and ensure that any deliveries you are expecting can be dealt with. To thank them for their trouble, why not bring back a gift from your vacation?

Hold Your Newspapers and Mail

A dead giveaway that shows you aren’t home is if your mailbox is stuffed to the brim with yellowing newspapers. Intruders can immediately identify whether you’ve been home recently, so it’s best to contact your newspaper service to stop any deliveries from arriving if you don’t have relatives or friends close by to keep an eye on your house.

Get Off Social Media

One of our most important home security tips for those who use social media, it’s important not to advertise that you’re away. While you may want to update your Facebook friends about your trip, you can never be certain who is and isn’t seeing your posts. Make sure that your address isn’t readily available to anyone who’s viewing your page. And, ensure you delete any past posts or events that may include your phone number. Once you’re home from vacation, you can post to your hearts content without the worry that an intruder is watching.

Lock Your Valuables Up

Burglars know what they’re doing, so it comes as no surprise that they’ll check your bedroom first for valuables. To keep your treasured possessions safe and secure, why not get a small safe? If you don’t want to splurge on a safe, there are other places you can put your valuables, such as in a bathroom closet or kitchen pantry. If you have any sentimental items or possessions that you know you’ll be worrying about, it’s best to ask a neighbor or relative to look after them while you are on vacation.

Install an Outdoor Sensor Light

If any unwelcome visitors try and gain entry to your property, you can stop them in their tracks by installing an outdoor sensor light. Shining a light on the burglar can alert your neighbors too. You should also consider setting up timers for your indoor lights which will give the impression that you are home, helping to deter intruders.

Disconnect Your Garage Door

With technology continually advancing, criminals are getting wiser, meaning they have the knowledge and expertise to gain access to your garage door. In some cases, garage doors can be opened by a universal remote, so it’s best to disconnect your garage door before you go on vacation and instead opt for a manual lock.

Advertise Your Security

Having a security system installed will help to deter intruders, so make sure you advertise it too. To do this, you can place stickers next to accessible entry points such as your front and garage doors. Even if you haven’t had chance to implement your security system yet, buying a pack of stickers and giving the impression that they’re working will mean that intruders won’t take the chance.

Going on a family vacation should be full of relaxation and fun. So, implementing our home security tips while you’re away will give you peace of mind. Now, go ahead and have a relaxing and exciting vacation.

Filed Under: Travel Tips Tagged With: home security systems, home security tips, vacation organization tips, vacation tips

How to Take Memorable Vacation Photos

June 20, 2019 by Rhonda Gales Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing travel tips on vacation photos. When you go on vacation, you make memories that will last a lifetime. What better way to document those memories than to take great photos? You can store them in an album, put them on your wall or even give them as gifts to everyone who vacationed with you.

Here’s a few tips on how to take memorable vacation photos:

Tell a Story

The most engaging photos will always tell a story. Try and take photos of any key moments so that you can build a narrative of your journey. For example, take a photograph of your suitcase before you go. Additionally, take a photograph of the plane or train you are travelling on. Furthermore, when you have reached your destination take a photo. This will tell a story and it will also show how you got from point A to point B.

Take your Camera Everywhere

Always have a camera within arm’s reach. It doesn’t matter if you use the camera on your smartphone, the goal is to capture the moments. It may also be worth taking some kind of waterproof carry case with you. A down pour could occur any moment. If you are taking your smartphone with you then check out this link: https://setapp.com/how-to/set-up-icloud-mail-on-your-mac. It givens information on how you can save your photos to the cloud or you can email them to yourself instead.

Timer

If you are traveling with a group then you will know how annoying it can be to always have one person left out of the vacation photos. If you want to get around this dilemma, use a selfie stick. Or, put your camera on a timer. Either options will allow everyone to be in the same shot and you don’t have to worry about leaving anyone out. If you are not sure how long to set the timer for, then 10 seconds is usually a great starting point. This gives everyone the chance to get in the right pose, and it also stops you from having to rush too much.

Scenic Shots

The last thing that you want to do is fill your vacation album with a ton of scenic photos. Nobody wants to see a huge range of photos that are all mediocre. If you want to avoid this, then only take a photo when you see a striking landscape. You might also want to get other people in front of the camera too so that you can get the ultimate travel photo.

Local Wildlife

If you are vacationing somewhere that has super unique wildlife, then you need to bring the right gear with you. A powerful zoom function will go a long way. It will help you capture birds, and other wildlife that you may come across. This can help make memorable vacation photos.

Filed Under: Travel Tips Tagged With: making memories, photography tips, vacation tips

Best Walking Trails in Spain

September 18, 2018 by Rhonda Gales Leave a Comment

Spain is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Europe. While we often hear that people visit this Atlantic-Mediterranean country for its coastal attractions, Spain is also rich in walking trails. Today, we’re give you travel tips on the best walking trails in Spain:

The Mediterranean Trail – GR92

The GR92 is a great route for families that like to stroll along the sea. It stretches from the town of Portbou on the French border all the way to Castellon. The total length of this walking route is 583km or 362 miles.

Naturally, most families won’t walk this entire path, but rather choose a part that suits their needs. The most convenient way to set out on this route is to stay in Barcelona and start walking from there. You’ll walk above and through the bays, cliffs, and peaceful little towns that dot the Costa Brava. This route also goes through the countryside above Barcelona. You can take in breath-taking views of this wonderful Catalan city. If you are looking to take night-time photos, make sure you carefully calculate your time carefully.

El Camino Natural del Ebro

The longest river in Spain, the Ebro, is one of the most popular non-seaside destinations. Among the popular walking trails in Spain is The El Camino del Ebro (GR99). You and your family can choose from as many as 42 different stages on this path. You can see the full diversity of Spanish terrain. There’s lush deciduous forests and meadows as well as the pine forests of the Mediterranean.

You can also visit a plethora of different towns on this route, like Zaragoza in Aragon. Parents who like wine and vineyards should opt for an alternative route, parallel to the GR99. This path connects Haro and Miranda del Ebro, and it runs through scenic vineyards.

El Camino de Santiago

One of the most popular pilgrimage routes in Europe, the Camino de Santiago – the Way of St James – stretches between steep mountains and fertile plains. Families with school children can take on the full-scale pilgrimage, which starts at St.-Jean-Pied-de-Port in France. This route will take about five weeks to complete. You’ll see some of the most attractive churches and religious edifices during this walk.

There’s an alternative if your kids are still young or are not keen on spending weeks walking. In that case, take the “English route”. It can start at El Ferrol, or in La Coruña, in Galicia. The distance from there to Santiago de Compostela is a bit more than 100km or 62 miles. So, you have a variety of starting points for you walk.

What your kids will love on this walking trail are the pilgrim’s passports, i.e. the credencial. You’ll be given a stamp for every night you spend in one of the pilgrim-friendly accommodation facilities. Once you reach Santiago, it will serve as proof that you’ve successfully finished the pilgrimage and receive the special certificate called compostela.

The Cabrera Islands

The Cabrera Islands walking routes should be at the top of the list of walking trails in Spain if you have the means. It’s for families who have enough time and assets to make their walking holidays in Spain more exciting. This group of islands is situated about 10km or 6 miles south of the island of Mallorca. It’s a national park that is not inhabited, but there are some beautiful walking trails, suitable for all generations of walkers.

The easiest way to get there is to book a walking excursion from Colonia de Sant Jordi in Mallorca to the Cabrera Islands.

Several walking options are offered here, but most people either hike to La Miranda, because of the beautiful caves in its vicinity, or walk to the famous lighthouse. This is also a pleasant trail by the sea with a wonderful view of the horizon.

Conclusion

Spain is much more than sea and palms. Spending your family holidays without trying at least some stages of these walking trails in Spain would be a shame. So, get your hiking things together and start your Spanish walking holiday.

Filed Under: Travel, Vacation Destinations Tagged With: family travel tips, traveling tips, vacation destinations, vacation tips

Why Use a Beach Cruiser Over a Regular Bicycle

July 19, 2018 by Rhonda Gales Leave a Comment

There is a lot of excitement with each passing moment as the holidays approach. They present the best opportunities to go on an island vacation. Riding a beach cruiser is a great way to enjoy the view and have a little fun along the way. They feature long handlebars, a longer wheelbase and often a well-cushioned seat. As a result, a beach cruiser is a perfect ride to explore the island at your own pace. Here are four reasons to choose a beach cruiser over a regular bicycle:

The Fat Balloon Tires

First, a vacation by the sea is no place for a regular bicycle. A beach cruiser is built with large balloon tires that will ensure a slow firm grip on the sandy shores of the beach. Furthermore, these tires are wide, typically sized 2” to 4.7” wide and also low-pressure which allows the ride to float over sand like magic.

Extremely Comfortable

Next, while you are cruising down the beach you will notice how comfortable it is to sit on a beach cruiser. It’s because it was designed for maximum comfort, ease, and stability. The long, low frames add to the comfort level. The beach cruiser also sports a pedal forward design that gives room to stretch your legs. Additionally, it allows for easier paddling. Also, the seats aren’t so high where your legs can’t reach the ground at will like on other bikes. You get to sit upright on a well-cushioned wide seat while cruising on your bike. So, be sure to bask in the afternoon sunshine while enjoying your ride.

Ride In Style

Beach cruisers have a cool retro look to them. As a result, they are like the Cadillac of bicycles. They are stylish with a distinctive and iconic silhouette. The parts used to make the cruisers are famous for their inability to corrode or wear. Their sexy and curved frames separate them from most ordinary bicycle brands too.

Furthermore, some beach cruisers are suitable for males while others have been carved for females. So, the cruisers have attracted many cyclists due to its stylish looks. As a result, get a cruiser bike for that unique ride on the beach!

Easy To Paddle And Maneuver

If you’re a beginner to riding on sand, beach cruisers are among the easiest bicycles to pedal. Unlike speed bikes, cruiser bikes make for a rather slow ride. Which is ideal to explore the island at your own pace. Ordinary rides on the beach will frustrate your cycling experience. But, that is not the case when it comes to cruiser bikes. The cruiser is designed for comfort. As a result, choose a beach cruiser if you want the ultimate beach biking experience.

Conclusion

Finally, you don’t have to do much comparison between a regular bike and beach cruisers. For example, the regular bicycles for men are not as stylish or as comfortable as a men’s cruiser bike. Check each out, and than decide if you should opt for a cruiser bike for a beach vacation or not.

Filed Under: Travel, Travel Tips Tagged With: family activities, family vacations, vacation tips

Pre and Post Vacation Cleaning Tips

October 10, 2016 by Rhonda Gales 4 Comments

Taking a vacation once a year is very relaxing. It helps you unwind and take a break from your busy schedule. By the time you resume your official duties, you feel fresh and energized. However, if not planned well, the last days of your vacation can be stressful as you try to run errands and do cleaning chores. Here are useful tips to help you manage the situation with minimal effort.

Plan for your return even before you go on your vacation

Take care of some of the monthly routines before you leave. Pay any outstanding bills. If there are any utility bills that may fall due when you are away or soon after the vacations, contact your service provider and pay in advance. This will eliminate any anxiety due to late payments when you come home. It will also free time to do other things once you are back.

Clean your house before you leave for your vacation

You do not want to be welcomed by a foul smell of dirty dishes or stinky trash. Wash all dishes and put them away. Empty the trash cans and keep them clean. Throw out any food in the refrigerator that will expire while you’re on vacation.

Tend to your lawn

You do not want to find overgrown grass when your return. Mow the lawn and trim it before you leave. You can return from vacation with a feeling that you don’t have to immediately attend to the lawn.

Turn all the water taps off before leaving

Make sure all taps in the house are turned off. Especially, during winter when taps are susceptible to freezing. Also, make sure there are no running toilets or water leaks. This will ensure that water does not spill and destroy your household items while you are away. Things can get messy and cause you unimaginable loss if your valuables get soaked in water.

Post-Vacation Cleaning Tips

You can travel peacefully knowing that you will have lesser issues to attend to when you return home. After enjoying your vacation, plan to travel home several days before you return to the office. Always give yourself time to rest and get over jet lag. It is unwise to return to work immediately after your vacation. Especially if you have traveled a long distance.

Once you get home, unpack and relax. Sort the laundry and do a load when you can without pressure. If you have pick up and delivery service for your dry cleaning, call your service provider. If they do not pick and drop services, plan when you will take the laundry to them. Treat yourself to maid services to assist with the cleaning if you can afford it. This will allow more time to rest.

Use your extra time to catch up with your family and friends. If you bought gifts, visit and share the items. Tell them your stories about your vacation and allow yourself to enjoy the memories. Sharing your memories will lift your spirit and leave you happy and emotionally strong. Be sure to attend to any matters that could require your time before you return to work.

I hope these pre and post vacation cleaning tips will help you the next time you decide to head out for a little rest and relaxation. What pre and post vacation cleaning tips do you have to share?

About the Author: Beverly Jenkins is proud of her staff at The Tidy Maids house cleaning service in Raleigh, NC. She has 24 years of experience in house cleaning, customer service, and business operations. She knows all the tips and tricks and do-it-yourself hacks when it comes to cleaning and her clients’ homes are the best proof for that.

Filed Under: Travel, Travel Tips Tagged With: cleaning tips, travel tips, vacation tips

18 Places To Travel Off Season

October 2, 2015 by Rhonda Gales Leave a Comment

Today, I’m sharing travel tips on places to travel off season. I love to find travel bargains. First, off season travel gets you the most bang for your travel buck. So, I start planning my summer vacation off season. As a result, planning is essential. Deciding where I want to go, and then coming up with a ball park figure on how much it’s going to cost are essential in my planning. Enduring crowds is bearable, but my preference is for the crowds to be small and the prices reasonable when I travel.

I put together a list of 18 Places To Travel Off Season and when the best deals are offered:

New York in January – It’s the city that never sleeps. You can find great shopping, Broadway shows, sight-seeing, and dining in so many places. For example, Harlem, Manhattan, China Town, Soho and the list goes on.

Montreal in February – Brush up on your French. Because Montreal is considered to be cosmopolitan and is the second largest French speaking city in the world. Also, it is second only to Paris. Montreal is known for its museums, shopping and great food.

Italy in March – Next, Rome, Sicily, Naples, Venice, and Milan are places that I wish to see. Milan is famous for it’s designer shops and Leonardo da Vinci’s painting, The Last Supper. Also, there’s the canals in Venice. Italians are known for great pizza and pasta.

Rio de Janeiro in March – Rio is known for it’s world famous Carnival, beautiful beaches, and the infamous Sugar Loaf Mountain.

Rocky Mountains in April – You can enjoy the Rocky Mountains from British Columbia and Alberta in Canada. This includes Idaho, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, and New Mexico in the U.S. The mountains are approximately 3,00o miles from Canada to the U.S. Cross country skiing and snowshoeing are popular in April.

Australia in May – If you like wildlife, Kangaroo Island is the place to go. Additionally, you can meet sea lions on the beach, kangaroos, koalas, penguins and more on the beach. Furthermore, you can also snorkel, dive or swim on one of the beaches. While you’re there, head to the Australian Alps and spend your time hiking.

Lake Tahoe in May – For me, either North or South Lake Tahoe will suffice. The choice is yours. Lake Tahoe borders the Sierra Nevada, state borders of California and Nevada. Tahoe South is great for skiing, boating, bike trails, and bar hopping. Tahoe North is great for biking, hiking and golf. Either way you will enjoy this freshwater lake surrounded by beautiful mountains and alpine trees. Lake Tahoe is the 6th largest lake in the United Sates. Great family vacation spot.

Dallas in June – So, if you’re a Cowboys fan this is a perfect city to visit. And there’s plenty of beef and history in Dallas too. To name a few, Sixth Floor Museum and Southfork Ranch, which is about 25 miles north of Dallas.

Thailand in June – Thailand is located in Southeast Asia’s Indochina peninsula. Known for its tropical beaches, royal palaces, ancient ruins and displays of Buddha. Add Asia to your vacation list.

Palm Beach in July – Great beaches, shopping on Worth Avenue and a tour of celebrity homes. Howard Stern, Tiger Woods, Serena & Venus Williams, and Rush Limbaugh are a few celebrities living in the Palm Beach area.

Caribbean in July – Choose from the Bahamas, Dominican Republic, St. Thomas or Aruba to name a few. Turquoise water, white sandy beaches snorkeling, diving and great food for reason enough to vacation in the Caribbean.

Las Vegas in August – What happens in Vegas stays in Vegas. There’s plenty to do in Nevada’s Mojave Desert. Gambling on the Las Vegas strip, catch one of your favorite celebrity’s show, visit Hoover Dam, the Grand Canyon or the Colorado River.

New Orleans in August – Looking for a diverse city with plenty of French, African, and American cultures? Head to New Orleans. It is located on the Mississippi River and near the Gulf of Mexico. It provides plenty of action around the clock. Likewise, if you like it hot, there’s plenty of spicy food to be found there as well.

Martha’s Vineyard in September – Martha’s Vineyard is only accessible by boat or air. Namely, vacationers head to Martha’s Vineyard for its beaches, lighthouses, farmland, and celebrity sightings.

Vancouver in October – Known for whale watching, Grouse Mountain, ziplines, Capilano Canyon and horse dawn carriages.

Riveria Maya in November – Next, Riviera Maya extends along the Caribbean coast of Mexico’s Yucatan Peninsula from Puerto Morelos to the Sian Ka’an Biosphere Reserve. Notably, its beautiful white beaches and the bluest water that you can imagine is a major attraction too.

Napa Valley in December – Last, San Francisco has hundreds of vineyards. Take a ride on the infamous Napa Valley Wine Train. In fact, it’s actually a restaurant in vintage Pullman railcars with views of the vineyards.

Finally, select your dream destination and start planning your next vacation today. Most importantly, you can save hundreds, possibly thousands of dollars with our list of places to travel off season. In conclusion, check out my post how to pack light for vacation and enjoy your time relaxing and enjoying the sights. So, what’s your dream vacation destinations? You may also like: 15 Things to Do in Palm Springs.

Filed Under: Vacation Destinations Tagged With: family vacations, travel, travel destination, vacation tips

6 Tips To Save On Travel Food Budgets

August 25, 2015 by Rhonda Gales

Today, I’m sharing travel tips on how to save on travel food budgets. When I’m traveling with my family, I try to be frugal and stay within my budget. Being frugal doesn’t mean that you can’t have a good time.

So, my grandchildren like snacks and sandwiches. But, I’m also feeding adults who need meals that will fill them up. Eating 3 meals and snacks out for 7 days can be expensive for a family. So, I have a grocery store budget and an eat out budget.

1. Check Out Resorts That Offer Kitchens/Kitchenettes – First, I always book accommodations that have a full or partial kitchen. This allows me to cook meals and save on food expense. Having a kitchen is great, especially when I’m traveling with my grandchildren. It’s difficult to get them up and out for breakfast and sometimes lunch.

2. Look For Discounts in Travel Guides or Online – Second, I research local restaurants wherever I’m staying. And if I decide that I would like to check out a few of them I search for a coupon or discount.

3. Take Advantage of Happy Hour – So, if you want to eat light check out restaurants that have happy hour. I have taken advantage of specials on wings, burgers, stuffed mushrooms etc. during happy hour. It’s a great way to have a few adult beverages on the cheap too.

4. Find The Local Grocery Store – Next, I purchase snacks, drinks, bottled water and any items that I need for planned meals. After checking in, this is the first task on my list. I’m able to purchase drinks and food for the beach, snacks, bagels for light breakfast, local fruit etc. I save a ton of money by taking this step. Sometimes we want to sleep in or just be lazy, but the kids are always hungry, so I prepare.

5. Check Out The Resort/Hotel Welcome Package – Finally, I visit the hotel or resort concierge and ask for information on local activities or restaurants. They normally have a welcome package which contains coupons for local attractions and other valuable information. Take the coupons into consideration, it will help with your budget.

6. Look For Resorts/Hotels That Offer Free Activities – Most importantly, I look for resorts or hotels that offer water slides, lazy rivers, or firework displays. In addition to the beach, I like to have nearby activities for the kids. I search for coupons for miniature golf, amusement parks, seek out free concerts. Furthermore, I use the savings for ice cream treats, Sno-cones etc. while we’re out and about.

Finally, don’t wait until a month or two before you arrive at your vacation destination to start saving. You should be saving all year for your vacation. This takes the stress off and any worries that everyone won’t be able to have a good time because of a cash shortage.

Additionally, you may also like 15 Ways You Can Save Money to help with your travel food budgets expense.

Filed Under: Travel, Travel Tips Tagged With: money management, traveling tips, vacation tips

9 Virginia Beach Budget Activities

July 30, 2015 by Rhonda Gales

Today, I’m sharing a few travel tips on Virginia Beach budget activities. First, as a single mother budgeting has become second nature to me. This year I will be spending a few days in Virginia Beach with my grandchildren instead of taking them to Myrtle Beach as we normally do. So, before I leave for vacation I search for things to do to ensure we don’t get bored and the activities within my budget. Unfortunately, many families think they can’t afford a vacation because they have to fund every activity for the entire week. Not true!

There’s more to Virginia Beach than the Atlantic Ocean and miles of sand. So, the key is to research free and budget friendly things for the family to do before you leave for vacation. Furthermore, make a list of Virginia Beach activities and discuss them with your family. If it’s something they aren’t interested in, you still have time to do additional research before you arrive. I searched the Hampton Roads area, which includes Norfolk, Chesapeake, Suffolk, Virginia Beach, Portsmouth, Williamsburg and Hampton. Trust me, there’s something for everybody.

Here’s 9 Virginia Beach Budget Activities:

1. Naval Station Norfolk – You must see the world’s largest naval base. The base houses 75 ships and 134 aircraft carriers, cruisers, destroyers, large amphibious ships, submarines, supply ships, airplanes and helicopters. In addition, the tour includes historic homes in the Jamestown, VA area.

2. Beach Street USA Entertainment – Next, you can find laser and light shows to interactive adventures based on a theme or popular movies. You could be required to unravel a murder mystery, play other games or compete in contests. Also, they have nights where you dress up as characters from movies or watch a movie on the beach. Check out the site for activities of for day.

photo from Virginia Legends

3. Virginia Beach Legend Walk – Additionally, free tours of Virginians who have made significant contributions to the country and/or world. Some of the inductee are Arthur Ashe, Patsy Cline, Katie Couric, Ella Fitzgerald, and Bill “Bojangles” Robinson to name a few. Great way to get a family conversation going on the inductees.

4. Virginia Beach Amusement Park – The Hurricane, Skycraper, Music Express and Comic Storm are a few rides that you will discover on the boardwalk. Great entertainment for the entire family, and the park offers all day wrist bands too.

photo from Mt. Trashmore

5. Mt. Trashmore Park – Also, a 165 acre park that has 11 picnic shelters of various sizes, 2 volleyball courts, horseshoe pits, playgrounds, a skate park, restrooms, outdoor fitness stations, concessions and fishing awaits you. Also, if you have a driver’s license or other photo ID you can check out badminton equipment, a football, frisbee, horseshoes, volleyball and net, wheelchairs and more. So, it’s a great way to spend the day away from the beach and enjoy free activities along with a picnic.

photo from Jungle Golf

6. Jungle Golf – So, if you love miniature golf check out this 18 hole golf course with an air conditioned snack bar.

Photo from Ocean Breeze Water Park

7. Ocean Breeze Water Park – Fortunately, the park has over 30 rides, slides, and attractions. Additionally, it is located approximately 10 minutes from the Virginia Beach ocean front. Parking, sunscreen and inner tubes are free. Trams are also available to help you breeze your way into the park. Be sure to put this on your list.

8. Firework Display – The firework displays are awesome. The fact they are ocean front makes it even better. So, be sure to check the schedule for dates and times for the firework displays.

9. Hunt Club Farm – Last, Virginia Beach has plenty of ocean and sand. But, it also has a Petting Zoo and Pony Rides at Hunt Club Farm. They have chickens that are friendly enough to pickup, llamas, goats, peacocks, turkeys and many other animals. They also offer pony rides, a playground area and shaded tables to enjoy a snack. The farm also sells homemade jams, jellies, soaps, candles and more. So, be sure to grab a few souvenirs while you’re there.

Finally, the fireworks displays are truly spectacular over the ocean. Be sure to add this to your Virginia Beach activities. Additionally, my grandchildren love the petting zoo and pony rides at Hunt Club Farm. The Ocean Breeze Water Park is a great way to spend the day too. Adults and kids can enjoy Beach Street USA entertainment. Most importantly, you can find something for everyone on my Virginia Beach activities list without breaking the bank.

Filed Under: Travel Tips, Traveling With Children, Vacation Destinations Tagged With: family activities, family travel destinations, things to do in Virginia Beach, vacation tips