While a vacation is a welcome respite from everyday hassles such as work and school, it doesn't offer a respite from costly bills. Planning a typical vacation while watching its costs, such as hotels, attractions and restaurants, skyrocket can throw a wrench in the works and end the vacation before it begins. However, planning a vacation by considering alternative lodging, attractions and restaurants can ensure that a fun, family vacation can still be had, no matter how big or small the budget may be.
Save gas and prevent excess wear and tear on your vehicle by spending your vacation at a state park. Both the Maumee Bay State Park (dnr.state.oh.us) in Oregon, just six miles south of Toledo, and the Deer Creek State Park (dnr.state.oh.us) in Mt. Sterling, less than 30 miles south of Columbus, offer lodge accommodations as well dining rooms and swimming pools. Guests can also stay at cottages equipped with full kitchens and have access to the lodge's amenities. Maumee Bay guests can pick from activities such as fishing, boating and swimming in Lake Erie while Deer Creek guests can do the same. In Deer Creek Lake, the parks also have golf courses, bike rentals and trails ideal for summer hiking and winter cross-country skiing.
Save money by reserving a suite with a full kitchen and make your own meals. Visit the white tiger at the Cincinnati Zoo and Botanical Garden (cincinnatizoo.org), then enjoy the picnic lunch you made earlier that morning in your suite at the Garfied Suites Hotel (garfieldsuiteshotel.com). Just three miles south of the zoo, the Garfield offers one- and two-bedroom condo suites with full kitchens and free Wi-Fi and is within walking distance of several grocery stores. Further your money by visiting free attractions. The Cuyahoga Valley National Park (nps.gov) is 16 miles north of Akron in Peninsula and is home to waterfalls, a covered bridge, giant rock ledges and a gristmill. Explore the Ice Box Cave or bike the Towpath Trail which traces the Erie & Ohio Canal route. Linger over a late lunch and stay for one of the free concerts and dances that are held throughout the year. Choose one of the pet-friendly suites at the Staybridge Suites (ichotelsgroup.com), six miles east in Stow. The hotel offers other budget-friendly perks such as a free, daily buffet breakfast and free Wi-Fi.
Put your tent or camper to use and consider spending your vacation at a campground. Dayton Tall Timbers Resort KOA (daytonkoa.com) is 21 miles west of Dayton in Brookville and features tent and RV sites as well as one- and two-bedroom cabins with full kitchens. Enjoy activities such as swimming, train rides for the kids and cheese and wine socials for the parents. Just 13 miles southeast of Logan, the Happy Hills Family Campground (hockinghills.com ) in Nelsonville offers sites complete with fire rings and picnic tables for primitive and RV camping. Swim in the pool, use the playground or fish in the lake. You can also unwind in the game room, enjoy free wireless Internet access, make use of the laundry room, refresh in the bath house and stock up necessities at the camp store. Both campgrounds are open from April to the end of October, but Happy Hills extends the camping season to early December for hunters.
Maximize your vacation dollars by combining your lodging and entertainment budget. Book your vacation through the Warren County Convention & Visitor's Bureau and be able to enjoy discount lodging at the Great Wolf Lodge (greatwolf.com) in Mason, 27 miles north of Cincinnati, plus get tickets to Great Wolf's on-site indoor waterpark and tickets to Kings Island amusement park (visitkingsisland.com) in Mason. The Bureau also offers a Kings Island package that includes a stay at the Drury Inn & Suites (druryhotels.com) in Middletown, 18 miles north of Mason. Guests can save money by enjoying Drury's perks such as free breakfasts, afternoon snacks and wireless Internet.
