Budget Friendly Family Vacations

Taking a vacation becomes more expensive as families grow, and economic downturns cause people to question if they can even afford to go on vacation. Planning a budget friendly vacation that will provide recreation for parents and children is just a matter of "thinking out of the box.”  Now is the time to start planning next year’s escape in order to get the best deals, or reserve facilities in high demand.  Your choice of travel mode and whether or not you want to “rough it” are the two things you must decide first.  Here are a few suggestions and destinations in Pennsylvania and upstate New York.

Traveling to your Destination:  Road Trip!  The cheapest way to get to your destination is by car, so choose a place that is within a reasonable driving distance. Do a little research on what attractions you might pass on the way, and incorporate them into your drive.

Lodging:  Lodging, your biggest expense, must be addressed next.  While budget motels are available, think about camping.  If your children find tent-camping an adventure, but one or both adults do not, look into cabin camping.  Staying with relatives who live near attractions is another suggestion.

Camping at State Parks:  While camping may be something you never considered, many State Parks rent cabins much cheaper than commercial facilities. These cabins range from one, two or three room affairs with stoves, refrigerators, shelves or storage cabinets, and bunk or double beds. Shower and bathroom facilities are nearby or adjacent to the cabin and, at some parks, the camper has the only key to his bathroom/shower unit. A two-room cabin can be rented for as little as $35-50 a day. Reservations can (and should) be made well in advance. Now is the time to reserve your cabin for next summer.  Visit the official State Park Websites for details.

Destinations

Knoebels Amusement Resort in Elysburg, Pennsylvania:  Knoebels Amusement Resort, in the heart of Pennsylvania Dutch country, is a family-oriented resort, with rides and attractions for everyone in the family. There is no admission to their amusement park, and most of their kiddie, family and thrill ride prices range between 75 cents and $1.50, and flat rate passes are available.  Wednesday and Friday are “Bargain Nights,” where one $8.50 ticket covers most rides. Knoebles features waterslide rides and a pool, as well as a golf course. Other attractions include a bald eagle habitat, a shooting gallery, an XD Theater and several museums. Throughout the summer, patrons can enjoy live rock, jazz and country bands, and comedy and magic shows. Golf packages are also available.

Lodging at Knoebels is as simple as crossing the road to their campground. Choose a tent site, a cabin or a “dream suite” in a park model unit, furnished with a round bed, heart shaped tub, bath, kitchenette and mood lighting. Knoebels’ second campground, Camp Glory, is a short drive from the park, and shuttle service to the Amusement Resort is provided. If camping isn’t your cup of tea, check out the “Local Lodging” page on the Knoebels’ Website.

Finger Lakes Region of New York:  The Finger Lakes reach out from Lake Ontario like a giant hand in West-Central New York State. You can find many budget friendly motels and commercial cabin accommodations at the Finger Lakes, and many state parks in the area rent out cabins. The Finger Lakes’ glacial history has graced it with over 1,000 waterfalls. Activities include fishing, swimming and boating, and their forests are hiking wonderlands. Area museums, nature centers, universities and historical sites will delight the family and provide educational opportunities.  Click here for full article on the Finger Lakes state parks.

Ellicottville, New York:  The Village of Ellicottville in Western New York offers year-round activities and special events. Located in the Enchanted Mountains in north-central Cattaraugus County, this quaint 19th century village sits in a rural area of open farmland and rolling hills. Collaborating with the surrounding Town of Ellicottville and nearby resorts and facilities, year-round sports competitions, rodeos, concerts and festivals keep Ellicottville jumping.  Click here for year-round events in Ellicottville.  

Allegany Forest State Park:  If you plan to spend a few days at an Ellicottville event, or exploring the surrounding area, the Allegany Forest State Park is nearby, and you can rent cabins there at rates that won’t break the bank.  The Park is a short drive from Ellicottville and many surrounding attractions.  Click here for information on renting cabins at the Allegany State Forest. 

While getting the kids back to school is hectic, the time you spend planning next summer getaway now will be well worth it!

Ellicottville, New York; Cabin camping in State Parks; Knoebels ; State Park Cabins in the Finger Lakes