After a trip to Disney World a few years back, I was talking to my neighbor who had just returned from a trip to Rocky Mountain National Park. He and his wife had spent the same week camping. I discovered that on our trip, the stop en route at Okefenokee Park was actually more fun than Disney World, primarily because the lodging at Disney World consumed huge amounts of cash. I was recounting that revelation to my neighbor and he shared that he and his wife had gone to Disney World, but they camped at a nearby campground. The lodging expense was 1/10th what we’d paid, and in those days, the extra $400 savings could have come in handy!

End result, they got a lot more enjoyment out of the same time on vacation, because my stress level was way too high, over the cost. They had no family fights, more restful nights of sleep; it was just a smarter way to plan a trip.

So now, we go low budget — like taking the kids camping in RMNP. We have every bit as much fun, which translates to having a better vacation. And if we have to be in a metropolitan area, we purposefully seek out entertainment that can be enjoyed at minimal cost. A couple of splurges here or there, then everything else — like taking walks in the park, attending museums, playing games at home, etc. — is free!

I agree with Linda C. My formula for how to have a really great vacation in slower economic times? Go camping!

-Tyler