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Hi Taylor
- I told my kiddo we're gonna hit the road this summer, and now that
it's almost time to pack our bags, I'm kinda freaking out about the
costs. Got any savvy tips for me on having a blast with my son without
breaking the bank?
Hi Jessica - Ah, the delights and dilemmas of summer family
travel! I know all too well the swirl of excitement and concern around
how to ensure it's a memorable time without emptying your bank account.
As a dad of kids that like to travel, I'm happy to share a few tips
that I have found to be helpful.
First, remember that the joy and bonding that come from shared experiences
is a significant investment in your child's upbringing, so let's strategize
on how to make the most of your adventure.
One idea is to introduce the concept of a "travel budget" to your
young explorer. While it might sound counterintuitive to provide your
child with an allowance for the trip, it's a brilliant way to impart
financial responsibility. Suddenly, each souvenir mug or arcade trip
becomes a calculated choice, helping keep those sneaky extras under
control. Plus, it infuses a whole new level of enjoyment into the
journey! A modest sum can feel like a treasure trove to a child, ensuring
they have a whale of a time without blowing your budget.
Just because you're on vacation doesn't mean your regular, savvy habits
should take a break too. While living out of suitcases and experiencing
different locales, it's easy to stray from our daily money-saving
routines. The primary culprit? Eating out. To bypass this, if you're
driving, pack a cooler filled with delicious homemade goodies. If
you're lodging in a vacation rental, channel your inner chef and whip
up your child's favorite comfort meals. Your well-honed coupon-hunting
skills? They're equally useful on the road! Before you depart, visualize
your usual frugal tactics as if you were a local in your destination,
then make these your travel strategy.
This might be a tough sell, but avoiding the main tourist traps could
save you a bundle. These spots are often pricey and packed. If you
can coax your young one into exploring less-traveled roads, you'll
find savings and probably enjoy more quality time instead of wasting
it in lines. However, if their heart is set on Disneyland, you might
need to strategize differently (rewards points, vacation packages,
off-peak pricing, etc.). If the objective is simply to soak in new
experiences, consider those hidden gems that haven't hit the tourist
radar yet.
Remember, with a touch of creativity, you can morph an ordinary trip
into an unforgettable escapade for your child. Seek out opportunities
for savings and they will emerge. Happy travels, Jessica! |
| Legal Disclaimer:
Information presented is for educational purposes only and is not
an offer or solicitation for the sale or purchase of any specific
securities, investments, or investment strategies. Investments involve
risk and, unless otherwise stated, are not guaranteed. Be sure to
first consult with a qualified financial adviser and/or tax professional
before implementing any strategy discussed herein. To submit a question
to be answered in this column, please send it via email to Question@GoFarWithKovar.com,
or via USPS to Taylor Kovar, 415 S 1st St, Suite 300, Lufkin, TX 75901.
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