SAVING CENTSABLY: Tips for planning a vacation
I was reading a Good Housekeeping Magazine the other day and managed to make it through the whole thing in one sitting. With all the little people in my house, that was miracle in and of itself. I noticed something about the back of the magazine that I had forgotten even existed -- request forms to learn about travelling to different locations.
In this day of the internet and easy accessibility to information, sometimes I believe things can get overlooked -- especially when it comes to travel. Why is that?
Despite the number of apps and Internet websites, I still believe there are times that looking at brochures and all that a city or a destination has to offer can be more comprehensive and complete. Sometimes I believe we find things on the internet -- on Facebook, on a website, etc. -- and we can become so hyper-focused on that one thing that we exclude other information.
Sometimes, it is just better to be able to hold the information in our hands. So how do we get that information? How do we get those fantastic brochures with glossy pictures so our whole family can see and learn in advance about where we will be visiting? There are several options.
First, check out your magazines. Good Housekeeping is one magazine that I know for sure has a section each month that allows readers to request information about travel destinations.
Second, are you a AAA member? AAA has all sorts of destination brochures and can even help you in planning a trip.
Third, do you ever cross the state line? Do you ever travel toward Atlanta and then come south on Interstate 75? Stop at those rest areas! Our family loves to stop at rest areas (especially at state lines) and load up on brochures about adventures we could have. Even if we do not get to do everything we collected a brochure about, we still have become familiar with new adventures -- and that gives us the opportunity to connect with that organization, park, tourist site or company online.
Last, consider requesting information from states, cities, state parks or other tourist sites online. Most states offer very thorough visitor guides.
A simple request to that the tourism bureau of whatever state you are interested in will typically net you a good bit of information about all the things to do in that state.
Armed with brochures and hard-copy items, you can plan online and will possibly be able to score some discounts prior to your trip.
In any case, I have found that my kids, especially, are able to get much more excited about a destination when they have the chance to preview where we will be travelling. Of course, sometimes it is nice just to drive into a location and learn something right there on the spot.
But in most cases, the anticipation that builds when they find a brochure and then we travel to that location makes the trip and the enjoyment even greater. Happy travels!
Contact writer Rachael Mercer at savingcentsably@gmail.com.