Our 2010 Vacation... on the cheapish.

**Lady_V** · 03-29-2010, 07:34 PM

The Old Man and I debated for months about a family vacation. We went over what we thought was our "needs" list and realized it was mostly wants. What we NEED is time together, as a family.

We started listing off places to go that didn't require a plane or more than one tank of gas each way (approx 400 miles). It had to be fun, it had to be worth the money!

We booked a cabin in the White Mountains of NH for 6 days/5 nights. I have activities planned for most of those days, and some "hanging around the campground" time too...

This cabin is MUCH better than the one we had the last vacation... this one has INDOOR PLUMBING!

So... here is our vacation on the cheapish... (prices are totals for 2 adults and 1 child)

Country Bumpkins Campground & Cabins - $353.98 (incl. taxes)(THIS is our actual cabin) We check in on a Sunday after 2pm, and check-out on a Friday before 10am.

Old Man and I plan on getting a 1-day fishing license. I think they are $15 each. Diva doesn't need one since she will only be 10. $30 is well worth the cost of a full day of fishing fun. I don't know who loves it more! We'd rather pay for one than get caught fishing out of state without one!(we live in MA), but will buy it closer to the time we go so we will have good weather.

Since there is a full kitchen, I plan on making breakfast and dinner at home everyday, we will only be eating lunch out twice. I am going to bring the non-perishables from home and I already looked up the local grocery store for the perishables. We would need to eat if we were home.

There is a playground directly across from our cabin (the reason I wanted THAT particular one) and we have a fire-pit for night time entertainment. (I need to remember to print out some spooky stories and mad-libs).

So, other than some firewood and bait, we will be spending the money on...

Clark's Trading Post - $54 (bear shows, circus, train rides, guided tours, museums, etc)

Hobo Railroad - $36.00 + lunch
~Hobo Picnic Lunch - $10/each - Sandwich on bulky, choc. chip cookie & drink (Old Man and Diva only... I'm not a sandwich person)

Hobo Hills Mini-Golf - $24.00

**marjorie** · 03-29-2010, 09:25 PM

Looks like a nicely thought out plan. We always bring some board games too, especially in case of bad weather.

**mauimagic** · 03-29-2010, 10:06 PM

What a great vacation you have planned!! Will you be taking lots of pictures?

**ruderring** · 03-29-2010, 11:22 PM

This looks like great fun. Very well thought out and frugal too. Hubby and I did something like this and saved a ton of money last year. Planning to do it this year in Colorado. Great thinking and fun too.

**Vanilla** · 03-29-2010, 11:29 PM

Very well planned vacation.

Wishing you a wonderful time & tell us about it.

**Palooka** · 03-30-2010, 12:10 AM

Very well planned and enjoy!

**AnW819** · 03-30-2010, 12:52 AM

Wow!!! How fun is that?! DH and I need a vacation badly to! Our vacations every year have been to visit his mom, which is fun...but not really a vacation! We enjoy going to Atlantic city which is about 30 minutes from us and about $50 a night for a room. But the food is what gets ya down there....ugh.

**pollypurebred39** · 03-30-2010, 02:47 AM

The cabin is just darling! Have a great time!

**joyofsix** · 03-30-2010, 05:45 AM

It sounds great. Maybe I'll get my act together and post about what we're planning. I love proving you can relax, have fun and not go broke.

**Labontet** · 03-30-2010, 06:48 AM

Oh it looks like you all will be having so much fun and relaxation.
The cabin looks wonderful and the entertainment places look like a lot of fun. I wish I could go.

Have a grand time.

**CampCrazyMom** · 03-31-2010, 07:13 AM

Looks like a really pretty place. You'll enjoy yourself.

Just an idea. I know that sometimes at private campgrounds around our parts - you don't always need a fishing license. (something about it being a private lake & private property) Give them a call or ask when you get there. You might be able to save some $ that way.

**Lady_V** · 03-31-2010, 07:19 AM

Originally Posted by CampCrazyMom

I know that sometimes at private campgrounds around our parts - you don't always need a fishing license.

There is no fishing on the grounds and as far as I know, NH has the same penalties we have here in MA... There was a campground that has fishing on site, and they sell licenses, so I am thinking it's an expense we can't avoid.

**Josephhgoins** · 03-31-2010, 07:53 AM

That does sound like an awesome time!!

What kind of camping cooking gear do you have? I know you have already set your menu, but I may be able to offer some more economical options that are fun to cook on the camp fire itself.

Can I go with you?

**Ceashels** · 03-31-2010, 08:37 AM

That is so cool! What a great vacation.

Don't forget a star chart for those dark nights around the fire.

http://www.unf.edu/~lkmao/astronomy/...ar-charts.html printable.