Think... Day trips as mini vacations! Think locally. With a little googling, binging, or yahooing, coupons and discounts a vacation is possible! As an example, for those that live here in Southern California, Orange County there is a lot to offer... we live in a vacation destination location! I have some day trip ideas. First, here's an idea for a vacation not so away from home, unless of course you aren't in OC. Have you dreamt of an ocean front property? Why not vacation right here in our own backyard? Oceanfront properties can be pretty pricey especially in the Summer months (lasting through September). Yet, if you are close to home, think of the savings: no flights, less gas costs, and no need for a car rental.
I found one oceanfront deal for you in Laguna, CA.:
This oceanfront property in Laguna is for those less accustomed to luxury and more about location. Weekly rates start at $1000 for the studio; Summer rates are $1500. The studio has a large lounging porch right above the sand and big screen TV: Studios De Laguna http://studiosdelaguna.com/
What about Disneyland?
If you want you can book a hotel nearby Disney and park hop for a couple days, or skip the hotel and park hop for the day or more stay home and go back... either way we live close enough that a hotel is not even needed! And guess what? You can find tickets for less! Try Craigslist: Disneyland on Orangecounty.Craigslist.org I haven't tried this personally but you can rent your park hopper tickets for less! Found this: http://cheapvacationforyou.com/ Located near Disneyland in Anaheim, CA.
Try searching for other tickets for concerts, other amusement parks, and other day trip ideas. Local concerts are much cheaper for entertainment. Craigslist, www.pennysaverusa.com for ads and coupons too.
Day trips are the easiest "mini vacations". You can fill your calendar with lots of these: Plan your dining and fun for the day (use coupons), and go home after- you can have lots of "vacations" like this on a tight budget.
Beach Trips:
Park yourself early at a nearby bonfire and barbecue, voila beach vacation!
What you need to plan a beach day/evening: Lots of large throw blankets, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, baby wipes, jackets, sun umbrellas, chairs, towels, a couple coolers, picnic basket, drinks, sandwiches and other goodies (fyi hold the mayo not safe if set out too long), for the barbecuers keep it easy with hot dogs and buns, marshmallows and sticks (real ones or metal for roasting). You can vary this trip for a park trip instead.
Dana Point Harbor Dana Point CA. offers Sports-fishing and Whale Watching: Half priced days Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Calendar/buy tickets: http://www.zerve.com/DanaWharf
There are also lots of freebies out there, search online in your local area for free entertainment.
Here's one idea for you in Newport Beach, CA:
Orange County Museum of Arts: Free admission every second Sunday and children under 12 are free: OCMA.com Rates You can also visit South Coast Plaza nearby for dinner and shopping.
Cheap fun!
$1-$2 Movies! Recently out movies; Dollar hotdogs YAY! Not in California? Look for one near you! http://www.starplexcinemas.com/locations.php
In Orange County, CA- Woodbridge Movies 5, Irvine: 4626 Barranca Parkway, CA 92604 Movie Line 949-733-0980, info 949-733-3795
Make it a Tuesday for Dinner and a Movie!: $1 movies are on Tuesdays and Ruby's diner nearby offers free meals after 4pm for children 12 and under with adult meal purchase also on Tuesdays. In the Woodbridge shopping center there are coffee and bakery shops, a painting class for kids and adult, and a Barnes and Noble bookstore. Nearby a bridge takes you just a walk away to a beautiful lake with swimming ducks. Fun for everyone in the family... even on a budget!
More ideas anyone? Comment and share with your locals. Gotta help each other in this economy.
I found one oceanfront deal for you in Laguna, CA.:
This oceanfront property in Laguna is for those less accustomed to luxury and more about location. Weekly rates start at $1000 for the studio; Summer rates are $1500. The studio has a large lounging porch right above the sand and big screen TV: Studios De Laguna http://studiosdelaguna.com/
What about Disneyland?
If you want you can book a hotel nearby Disney and park hop for a couple days, or skip the hotel and park hop for the day or more stay home and go back... either way we live close enough that a hotel is not even needed! And guess what? You can find tickets for less! Try Craigslist: Disneyland on Orangecounty.Craigslist.org I haven't tried this personally but you can rent your park hopper tickets for less! Found this: http://cheapvacationforyou.com/ Located near Disneyland in Anaheim, CA.
Try searching for other tickets for concerts, other amusement parks, and other day trip ideas. Local concerts are much cheaper for entertainment. Craigslist, www.pennysaverusa.com for ads and coupons too.
Day trips are the easiest "mini vacations". You can fill your calendar with lots of these: Plan your dining and fun for the day (use coupons), and go home after- you can have lots of "vacations" like this on a tight budget.
Beach Trips:
Park yourself early at a nearby bonfire and barbecue, voila beach vacation!
What you need to plan a beach day/evening: Lots of large throw blankets, sunscreen, hand sanitizer, baby wipes, jackets, sun umbrellas, chairs, towels, a couple coolers, picnic basket, drinks, sandwiches and other goodies (fyi hold the mayo not safe if set out too long), for the barbecuers keep it easy with hot dogs and buns, marshmallows and sticks (real ones or metal for roasting). You can vary this trip for a park trip instead.
Dana Point Harbor Dana Point CA. offers Sports-fishing and Whale Watching: Half priced days Tuesdays and Wednesdays. Calendar/buy tickets: http://www.zerve.com/DanaWharf
There are also lots of freebies out there, search online in your local area for free entertainment.
Here's one idea for you in Newport Beach, CA:
Orange County Museum of Arts: Free admission every second Sunday and children under 12 are free: OCMA.com Rates You can also visit South Coast Plaza nearby for dinner and shopping.
Cheap fun!
$1-$2 Movies! Recently out movies; Dollar hotdogs YAY! Not in California? Look for one near you! http://www.starplexcinemas.com/locations.php
In Orange County, CA- Woodbridge Movies 5, Irvine: 4626 Barranca Parkway, CA 92604 Movie Line 949-733-0980, info 949-733-3795
Make it a Tuesday for Dinner and a Movie!: $1 movies are on Tuesdays and Ruby's diner nearby offers free meals after 4pm for children 12 and under with adult meal purchase also on Tuesdays. In the Woodbridge shopping center there are coffee and bakery shops, a painting class for kids and adult, and a Barnes and Noble bookstore. Nearby a bridge takes you just a walk away to a beautiful lake with swimming ducks. Fun for everyone in the family... even on a budget!
More ideas anyone? Comment and share with your locals. Gotta help each other in this economy.
An article on budget vacations from The OC Register: http://jan.freedomblogging.com/2009/06/06/how-to-vacation-when-you-cant-afford-it/15253/
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