Saving Money on Trips ~

Sometimes the kids and i luck out.... when the hubs travels with work we get to tag along.  :-D   And if you happen to know us you know we LOVE to travel.   This year we get to go to Maryland....right outside of Washington D.C.   I thought it would be a great trip for the kids.  Lots to see and do.  My daughter absolutely loves the Hotel life....and i happen to like it too.   I mean come on...who doesn't love getting up in the morning to go down to breakfast that is already set out for you and then go back to your room to change into swim suits for some slashing good times with the family!!!   Swim every day till noon and then go shower up for some lunch.   Lunch time is where i try to save money on vacation.   Especially since having kids.   So this post i thought i would share how we save money on long trips.   And by long i mean 16 days worth of travel.  And truthfully....who wants to eat out that much anyway?  I kinda get burnt out on eating out.  And i also start thinking about all those calories too!   So i always head out to the grocery first day in the hotel to pick up these items.  {I'm shopping for a family of 4}.  And this trip i shopped for 10 days worth of food. 

Small $1.00 sized condiments {ketchup, mayo, mustard, salad dressing}
Bread {Reg. sliced bread, tortillas, and flat Lavash bread}
Small jars of Peanut butter and Jelly
Sliced turkey fresh from the deli
Sliced cheese from the deli
Shredded cheese
Fruit of choice {each kid gets to pick favorite fruit}
Raisins
Salad
Tomatoes
4 cans of wheat ABC's
Cheez-its
Greek Yogurt
Pringles  and chips of choice
Granola Bars
Milk
Bottled Water
Juice of choice {we have been drinking Green Drinks around here so everything you would need for that}

Just basic "Picnic" items.   That way depending on how you feel you can pack something up and go eat at a park. 

This shopping trip the total cost was $90.   Spread that over 10 days and that is not bad in my book for 4 people. 

Sample Meals:

• Flat Bread roll ups with sliced fruit and Greek yogurt for dessert.

• Salad and fruit

• Cheese Tortillas and Apples

•  PB&J sandwich with raisins & Cheez-its

To me that sounds a lot more healthier than fast food.   We do eat out for dinners.  We enjoy trying to find local favorites that are not chains.   And in the great state of Maryland....lots of good sea food to be had!!  :)