Where do lower to middle class families go on vacation for the summer?

[Anonymous]

Disney. They up for that special occasion.

[Anonymous]

We are middle class, I think? HHI about $150,000, but 4 kids.

We drive instead of fly, even if it's a 14 hour+ drive

We camp

We'll stop at a grocery store to buy sandwich fixings and picnic, instead of eating in a restaurant for every meal.
We visit National Parks

For a long time my Dh had a job where he traveled, and he was allowed to accumulate points (from hotel rewards) for personal use, so we were able to stay at hotels for free from that.

My oldest is in college, and we've only been overseas as a family once; that was a huge splurge trip. Even at that, we stayed in just one major city, at a hotel that was outside of the city center (so much less expensive than one right in the tourist area.) We walked or took the subway instead of taxis.

[Anonymous]

I’m an immigrant and I didn’t realize camping was such a big thing in the US with families. I thought it was more of a scouts or adult only thing.

[Anonymous]

We went camping one week a year...swimming, water parks etc. Had a great time!

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m an immigrant and I didn’t realize camping was such a big thing in the US with families. I thought it was more of a scouts or adult only thing.

things white people like.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m an immigrant and I didn’t realize camping was such a big thing in the US with families. I thought it was more of a scouts or adult only thing.

things white people like.

You jest, but I grew up black and middle class, and attended an HBCU—never heard of anyone I know camping until grad school. Vacations were usually to visit relatives in NYC, or a time share at the beach in Nags Head.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:I’m an immigrant and I didn’t realize camping was such a big thing in the US with families. I thought it was more of a scouts or adult only thing.

My family never went camping. I'm not sorry.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m an immigrant and I didn’t realize camping was such a big thing in the US with families. I thought it was more of a scouts or adult only thing.

things white people like.

You jest, but I grew up black and middle class, and attended an HBCU—never heard of anyone I know camping until grad school. Vacations were usually to visit relatives in NYC, or a time share at the beach in Nags Head.

I wasn’t joking. We’re avid campers and hikers and I’ve noticed the demographics. Now that I’m older I’ve noticed a lot more Asians at national parks so maybe the demographics are shifting.

[Anonymous]

Where I grew up a lot of people worked for the mill and the mill owners built a resort on the beach where mill workers could stay for super cheap. I wonder if any places like that sponsored by employers still exist?

[Anonymous]

What’s your budget? There are so many things you can do. I too tent camp and love it. I prefer that over a hotel. So we often plan vacations/trips using the tents as our base. If you draw a circle around reasonable driving area, you have so many options.

Another thing is that I’m good with Motel 6 and the free breakfast.

[Anonymous]

When I was a kid, Deep Creek Lake, Myrtle Beach, Ocean City.

[Anonymous]

Lower mc single parent with shared custody (hhi 40k).

Anything in life depends on your perspective and ingenuity. Here are some of my budget friendly tips (That aren't camping)

1. Groupon and Living Social are awesome
2. Backpacking Destinations using Hostels (HI Memberships are cheap)
3. Road Trips to see friends/family, then sightseeing
4. Amtrak Companion Fares

We do much more on vacation than most lmc families, but I once was not lmc for a very long time, so there is leverage in that I have:

- a knowledge base of places/destinations
- very very low mortgage
- no car payment (bought a used hybrid cheap 5 years ago that is still going strong)
- no high maintenance kids
- no high maintenance personal care expenses
- being able to cook and shop frugally
- being flexible (contractor, i make my own schedule)
- planning experience

[Anonymous]

PP LMC 40K here. Im up and have insomnia so i figured I'd overshare


A few years back, we did a 2.5 week long trip down the California coast that did not break the budget.

Took some flexibility and A LOT of planning but it was one of the most amazing trips we've ever done as a family, and well worth the investment and sacrifice.

That year our family had experienced a lot of hardship and death, so I wanted to take the kids minds off it all and remind them that there is a big world out there.

Here it goes :

Details Family of 3. One Adult Two kids 8 and 10. Trip was two years ago. Spent about $3K.

Looked like this:

Prepping: No souvenirs that couldn't fit in a backpack rule. I let their journals/digital photos be their souvenirs. I also involved them with sourcing activities on the internet.

Packed - Every person had one backpack with essentials only. No toys. Four changes of clothing ( two jeans - two pair shoes rule) only. No formal wear. Wont list the whole packing plan here, but looked online for great packing tips. Packed dry food for snacking on airplane and ease of security clearance.

Total Cost for a non outdoor camping two week trip to California for a family of 3: About $3000

Here's how I did it (Best that I can remember)

Total Planning time: 6 months
Financial Savings time: 1 Year

Travel - (Total $1300)
Activities Budget ($400)
Food Budget ($400)
Lodging (Total $840)



LODGING BREAKDOWN

4 Nights - HI hostel in downtown San Fran, @ 60 per night, private room

2 Nights - Residence Inn style Hotel in San Fran (Expedia) @ 70 per night, liv room and bedroom and cooking space

3 nights - HI Hostel in Monterrey CA @ 90 per night private room

2 nights - Residence Inn style Hotel in Los Angeles @ 70 per night (Expedia)

3 nights HI Hostel in San Pedro (BEAUTIFUL) by Korean Bell

3 nights - A surprisingly nice AirBnB private apartment @ 90 per night



TRAVEL BREAKDOWN - ( Total $1300 )

Flights - 3 Multicity fares DCA to San Fran, LA to BWI (Total $750) (Booked to travel on Tue-Thur)

Amtrak California Coastal Line From San Fran - Monterrey - Los Angeles. Total ($150)

Uber/Lyft/Local Trolley/Local Bus/Ferry budget for two weeks ($250)
Zipcar budget for two weeks ($150)


Food Budget ($400)

- Free breakfast at every hotel and some hostels. We also had groceries locally delivered/sourced several nights and prepared meals. We ate at local budget friendly restaurants a few times, but less than five times that I can remember, we drank lots of water and packed our lunches

Activities Budget ($400) (Eventbrite was AWESOME for sourcing unique local free to low cost activities, most things we did were free)

- Beach days, Street Festivals, Car Shows, Cultural Events, Film Screenings, Monterrey Aquarium (Got Discounted Tickets from Craigslist), Alcatraz, San Francisco Bay Ferry to Oakland, Museums, Local Parks, Historical Sites, College Campus Tour, Book readings, Church visits, Free concerts, ran a 5K, too many to list!

I know this was long, (maybe better for a thread on the travel forum) but if OP wanted a little inspiration I hope this helps.

Planning, creativity, and priorities are key. We have a very low expense to income ratio in my home so I stretch my 40K per year a little farther than most people could.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:

Anonymous wrote:I’m an immigrant and I didn’t realize camping was such a big thing in the US with families. I thought it was more of a scouts or adult only thing.

My family never went camping. I'm not sorry.

Same. I probably would have refused to go.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Where I grew up a lot of people worked for the mill and the mill owners built a resort on the beach where mill workers could stay for super cheap. I wonder if any places like that sponsored by employers still exist?

I know of a place like this on a lake in SC.