Budget Meals While on Vacation

Families are prone to budget vacations. Two can travel much cheaper than five so when the family loads up for a road trip, it's time to count the dollars and look for savings. One of the easiest ways to save money on vacation is to budget meal money. It's simple and easy - best of all, no one will be hungry.

First, when selecting lodging, choose a hotel or motel that offers free breakfast. An increasing number of hotels offer breakfast to their guests. Offerings range from very simple coffee, packaged sweet rolls, and juice to full scale hot breakfasts with biscuits and gravy, waffles, and bacon. Since the cost of a morning meal in any restaurant, even a fast food outlet, can run families $20 to $25, choosing a room that includes breakfast is smart. Whether you book ahead, make reservations, or clip coupons from free travel guides, look for the lodging that includes breakfast on the house.

Second, think picnic. When lunch time arrives, don't head for the nearest fast food joint or restaurant. Pack a picnic lunch with low cost lunch meats, snacks, and drinks. The price is a third - or less - than a purchased meal and picnics are fun. Many attractions - including some theme parks such as Branson's Silver Dollar City - allow guests to bring in a picnic. Other sites perfect for a picnic include state parks, city parks, and other scenic spots. Old-fashioned picnic fun can bond the family and save money.

Third, choose the best all-you-can-eat value for the dinner hour. Whether you choose pizza in a low-cost chain like Cici's or a local buffet, get the most for the money with an all-you-can-eat meal. Assorted buffets like those offered by chains like Ryan's or Great American Buffet provide variety so there's sure to be something to suit the taste of every family member. Even the youngest toddlers can find something they enjoy and everyone gets a full meal. Look for "family night" specials in many restaurants and special prices on buffet offerings. Why spend $7 to $20 on a single plate serving when it's possible to sate hunger for the same price?

If snacks and drinks are a traveling necessity, bring them along. Pack a cooler or ice chest with favorite soft drinks. Drinks don't have to be colas. Choose bottled waters, teas, or juices. Milk can be stowed on ice for the little ones. Don't pay convenience store prices for a drink or snack. Bring along popular snacks like Teddy Grahams or Goldfish. Better yet, look for generic equivalents.

Vacation costs include fuel, lodging, and food. Save on at least one out of three and put more money toward family fun!