Category: Guest Articles

We are happy to provide another guest article by Leslie Campos. A busy mom herself, Leslie has dedicated her site Wellparents.com to all the moms and dads out there searching for ideas on being physically and emotionally well. She loves to practice yoga, CrossFit and watch The Great British Baking show when not working or running her children to various after school activities.

Simple Tips for Planning a Refreshing Trip for the Whole Family

If your family is like most, you’re eager to take a fun and relaxing vacation this year. But when you have kids, planning such a vacation takes a little more time and thought than it would if it was just you and your significant other.

Nonetheless, there’s no reason why you can’t plan the trip of a lifetime that includes something for everyone in your family. Whether you have babies, toddlers, and/or older kids, coming up with a strategy early on will help you lay the foundations for an awesome vacation. And We’re the Wilsons has some tips to help you get started:

Commit to saving.

It may seem impossible to travel with the entire family if you are not uber-wealthy. But if you prioritize travel and make room in your budget, it might be more obtainable than you think. The key is to save money.

Spend frugally and intentionally. Buy only what you need at the grocery store, and limit how many times per week you dine out. And create an inspiration board to hang in your home that will motivate you to save money for your next trip.

Take time to plan.

A lot goes into planning a trip. The first step is to give yourself time to devise a plan. When traveling with your partner and children, you must consider everyone’s needs. Look for deals on accommodations, food, and entertainment that will help ensure the comfort and enjoyment of each person. And start thinking about what you need to pack well in advance.

Get the supplies you need.

ZenBusiness has some suggestions when it comes to items you don’t want to leave behind – like your camera and passports. Speaking of packing, the earlier you start purchasing any items and supplies you need for your trip, the less stressed you will be when it comes time to depart. Do any of you need clothes, sunscreen, or sunglasses for the beach? Start looking online for good deals now. And if you need a top-notch travel bag, be sure to browse our selection!

If you’re bringing your pet along on your trip, you may need to invest in supplies for them as well. Some essentials to include are collapsible bowls, food, toys, and a travel crate. Make sure your pet has any necessary vaccines and that they get cleared from their vet for travel. Moreover, since there’s a good chance your pet will get dirty on your trip, consider bringing a dog hairdryer, shampoo, brush, and other grooming supplies.

Research destinations.  

The destination you choose is critical for your family vacation. While there are countless destinations that can provide your family with a good time, focus on those with beaches. Simply put, it’s hard to beat the beach when it comes to keeping toddlers and older children entertained. Sand, waves, and sunshine will make any child happy!

Strategize your itinerary.

Finally, create an itinerary that will offer something each day to everyone in your family. This does not mean to pack your schedule with nonstop movements. When you have kids, everyone will be much happier if you embrace the philosophy of slow travel. That said, you will be best served by researching activities and attractions well in advance and creating a loose schedule that will help your family get the most out of your trip.

Taking a family trip is one of the best ways to create lifelong memories with your loved ones. But when you have children, there are many considerations to make, and you want to start planning your trip as soon as possible. Along with following the tips above, keep researching how you can prepare for an amazing family vacation while saving money along the way.

 We’re the Wilsons is intended to let our friends, family and you see where we are, look at what we are up to, observe our travels and adventures! We’d love to hear from you.

We are happy to provide a guest article by Leslie Campos. A busy mom herself, Leslie Campos has dedicated her site Wellparents.com to all the moms and dads out there searching for ideas on being physically and emotionally well. She loves to practice yoga, CrossFit and watch The Great British Baking show when not working or running her children to various after school activities.

 

 

Simple Money-Saving Tips for Your Next Vacation

 

Many of us could use a getaway at some point during the year, but it’s not always feasible to fund a vacation even on the smallest terms. It is possible to start saving money a little at a time, however, and by doing it this way you can avoid creating money issues because you’ll never miss it.

 

The first step is to figure out where you’d like to go and how you’ll get there, since those are the two biggest costs you’ll face. It’s a good idea to look online for deals and to get an idea of the best time of year to visit certain spots, as there are always slower months that provide discounted rates for accommodations and transportation. You can also check out We’re The Wilsons, a travel blog that provides resources and ideas for anyone who’s ready to hit the road. Here are a few tips on how to save money on your dream trip (or just for a little weekend jaunt).

 

Grab some deals

 

It’s possible to have a great vacation on a budget, but you have to do a little research to find the best deals. Once you know where you’d like to go, take a look at Rent.com and set your budget, pet needs, and the number of bedrooms to filter out locations you don’t want. There are lots of options, as the site offers over 1,680 rentals around the Orlando area, and you can go with a small studio or a 4-bedroom depending on your family’s needs starting at $300.

 

Once you find the right place, think about the type of transportation you’ll need to get there. Road trips can be lots of fun with a little preparation, and they’re often the most budget-friendly option as well. If driving isn’t in the cards, search for flight deals and keep in mind that flying mid-week is often cheaper than leaving on the weekend, so you’ll need that information before booking your check-in date at the rental.

 

Start a change jar

 

Once you know where you’re staying and how you’re traveling, it’s time to start saving. An easy way to put some money aside is to set up a jar where you can throw loose change throughout the week. Place it near the laundry area or on the kitchen counter so that everyone in the family can participate, then a few days before your trip, take the jar to the bank or the nearest location with a money changer and cash it in for bills. The best part of this method is that you won’t even miss the change, but it really adds up.

 

Pick up a side gig

 

A change jar is a great way to save money for road snacks and gas, but when it comes to the more costly vacation bills, you might need to think bigger. An easy way to add to your vacation fund is to pick up a side gig, such as driving for a rideshare service or get rid of items you no longer want on an app like Poshmark or eBay. You might find so many benefits that you decide to hang on to the gig permanently!

 

Make small changes at home

 

There are also some ways you can save money just by changing up your lifestyle a bit. Making coffee at home instead of hitting the drive-thru, getting rid of streaming or subscription services you no longer use, making energy-efficient changes to your house, and working out with equipment at home rather than paying for a pricey gym membership are just a few ways you can make budget-friendly changes. You can also approach your grocery trips a little differently, utilizing meal prep ideas and coupons in order to keep the bill low.

 

Saving money for a vacation doesn’t have to be intrusive or stressful. By making a few small changes to the way you do things and actively looking for deals online, you can plan a trip you and your loved ones will never forget.

 

Have a question for experienced travelers? Get in touch today.

 

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