Ideas for family of 6 adults?
Posted by funsk8mom@reddit | Shoestring | View on Reddit | 43 comments
Haven’t been on vacation since 2013 due to cost. Still can’t really afford one but I’d like to try…. All 4 kids are now adults so that’s going to cost more. No flying because we’d need at least 7 seats with my husband needing 2 because he won’t fit in 1 (6’5 around 300lbs). We’re in New England, summer beaches are too expensive. Any ideas on places to go?
Okie-Dokie-Blokie@reddit
The Great Smoky Mountains. It’s half as far as a Florida trip for you. Dollywood is a world class theme park; I feel no difference between it and Magic Kingdom. Beautiful scenery (you can drive clear to the top of the mountains and see waterfalls from your car), fun shops, neat history, good food (like Paula Deen’s buffet) staying in a multi-room AirBnB cabin with everyone together is cheaper than hotel rooms.
Royal_Visit3419@reddit
Given that Maine is dealing with thousands of cancellations (🇨🇦 we aren’t going), you should be able to find something that is more reasonably priced than usual.
Working_Routine9088@reddit
I hear Quebec city is beautiful, and you could drive. If you drive, you can bring your own groceries which will help save money.
Royal_Visit3419@reddit
Tariffs will have to be paid on any groceries you bring with you.
iron-katara@reddit
Have you seen prices for Airbnb for Quebec in summer? They need a 3 bedroom for family of 7, will a 300lbs guy they need to be close to downtown as he probably can’t walk much so $400 per night if they are lucky
frockofseagulls@reddit
6’5 and 300 lbs isn’t remotely disabled. Check yourself.
Working-Ad9913@reddit
i second driving to Quebec City! It is a beautiful city to explore without having to spend a lot. Go grocery shopping there, though. It's always cool to explore another culture through their grocery store.
SnooHedgehogs6553@reddit
It’s like being in France. Montreal is great as well if you want a big city experience.
Pale_Row1166@reddit
Nova Scotia is incredible. There’s a beach called Inverness that is so magical and amazing that I almost don’t want to tell people about it. There are reasonable accommodations nearby. Also, the bay of Fundy in New Brunswick is a bucket list destination, can be done on the same trip.
Dry-Chicken-1062@reddit
Check out Southwest Airlines "customer of size" policy. You can purchase two seats, and then get refunded the price of the second seat after the flight is over. Or you can request a complementary second seat at the gate. Maybe your husband could fly that way.
Critical_Brain_7565@reddit
Why can’t the adult kids chip in?
funsk8mom@reddit (OP)
3 are saving for a car to commute to college. No public transportation where we live
Visible-Tea-2734@reddit
I think your husband could fly. He might not be comfortable but he could fit in one seat.
But regardless, have you considered camping? Granted, you’d have to invest into some equipment but maybe you could borrow some. Acadia is amazing. We did that as a camping trip with friends one year and it was a blast. We splurged on a fishing trip and came back to our campsite to cook the best meal of my life, fresh lobster and fried pollack.
Critical_Brain_7565@reddit
I agree. It is so much fun.
Mmystic480@reddit
If you don’t have one get an enhanced Driver License
Valid travel documents A valid U.S. passport, A valid U.S. passport card, A NEXUS card, An Enhanced Driver’s License (EDL) from certain states, and A FAST/Expres Card for commercial truck drivers.
Pattysthoughts@reddit
Camping
Sycamore87544@reddit
We really enjoyed seeing the tides change at the Bay of Fundy in Nova Scotia. Just a couple of hours from Maine. Highest tide changes in the world. The tidal bore pushing the river back upstream.
tryingnottocryatwork@reddit
i’d go to canada or the mountains in the U.S. drivable with affording vacation housing options
funsk8mom@reddit (OP)
What’s the timeline on passports because we don’t have any.
JohnRusty@reddit
If you have the necessary documents and submit the application tomorrow it normally takes about 6 weeks. It also costs $130
Given that there’s 7 of you could probably get them in time for a summer trip but I wouldn’t book anything until they’re all in hand
AlarmedAlarm@reddit
I’d expect things processing through the US government to start taking longer than they used to normally take
jessiyjazzy123@reddit
New England beaches are too expensive? You're going to be hard pressed to find an affordable vacation then. Plenty of great beaches that won't break the bank. I live in New England myself now but grew up on the South Eastern coast. Those beaches are expensive.
MikeNsaneFL@reddit
Smoky Mountains are beautiful. Theres always Dollywood and Elvis's Graceland.
Defiant_Phase_9696@reddit
What do you mean the beaches are expensive? Do you mean the cost of everything in the area or does it actually cost money to visit the beach? I'm in San Diego where everything is expensive but the beaches are free to visit.
funsk8mom@reddit (OP)
Beaches are free but the cost of renting a home or hotel is outrageous
Defiant_Phase_9696@reddit
Got it thank you for clarifying
TravellingGal-2307@reddit
Do you have passports? Your dollar is worth 30% more in Canada. Montreal, Nova Scotia, PEI, all drivable and wonderful.
funsk8mom@reddit (OP)
No passports, we never go anywhere
TravellingGal-2307@reddit
Ok. Do you participate in any points programs. I am able to get free hotel rooms using points from my credit card. Look for contests. With Canadians boycotting US based travel, you might find some good deals or promotions (stay 2 nights, get the 3rd free type of thing). Sign up for newsletters from local tourism associations in places you are interested in, they will often include good deals in those newsletters.
In addition to passports, you should be able to get an enhanced driver's licence that is legal for crossing at the land border. That might make more sense for you.
LivinGloballyMama@reddit
If you're looking to cut costs then you either drive vs fly or house swap instead of renting a hotel or Airbnb. Those are your most feasible options.
profjamie4102005@reddit
Can adult kids help defray the cost?
Stratisf@reddit
Get an air bnb in some inexpensive part of Rhode Island that can fit you all and is cheap, like in Warwick, then day trip it to Newport or other beach towns.
Get a camping spot in Nickerson state park on cape cod, beautiful sandy beaches on Crystal clear lakes, free activities and bike path. If you are a Massachusetts resident it is like $15 a day.
Can get an air bnb in Vermont and go to waterfalls and hiking spots, cute towns, biking, antiques, breweries, Ben and Jerry’s factory.
Western Mass has great museums, concert at Tanglewood
Thousand islands region of NY
Finger lakes region of NY
Find out where the state fairs are happening and stay nearby
JulesInIllinois@reddit
We went to Maine where you hike half of the days in Acadia and state parks. So, you don't spend any money on those hiking days except for drinks/happy hour and a fancy dinner.
The days where we rested our legs and went shopping, to a vineyard or on a boat tour, we spent a lot more money. We did not go to their beautiful beaches as we went in October for the fall colors.
We booked hotels with breakfast included. We booked two queen rooms so three adults could share one room. You save a lot of $$ if you can get ppl to share two rooms rather than three or four. And, Maine hotels are very reasonable rates for the most part.
We loved every city we saw: Boothbay Harbor, Portland, Bar Harbor (Acadia), Rockland and Camden.
We took a hybrid car as you need to drive up there. It's so beautiful. And, don't forget, the best lobster roll is in Rye Harbor, NH before you cross into Maine at the Rye Lobster Pound.
If you get an AARP membership, you can get 10% or more off of most hotel rates and late checkout. You can put one of the kids on the membership even if they are too young so both rooms are discounted.
Original_Thanks_9435@reddit
Washington DC is lovely and most attractions are free, head north to ME or NH
Working-Ad9913@reddit
You could summer road trip down to Florida. It is the slow season, so accommodations will be reasonable. The beaches are free, there are springs that are very unique that are low cost (Weeki Wachee, Blue Springs, etc), An Airbnb in the Tampa/Clearwater area would allow for day trips to Clearwater, Ybor City, Weeki Wachee Springs, Tarpon Springs, etc.
NuthouseAntiques@reddit
I wouldnt give Florida one penny of my money.
The Outer Banks and Crystal Coast of NC are both beautiful beaches, fewer people, and cheaper than Florida.
Working-Ad9913@reddit
Fair enough! But, NC politics are pretty ugly, too atm.
Historical-Piglet-86@reddit
What’s your budget?
JohnRusty@reddit
What is your budget? What state are you in?
Since you’re doing a driving trip, exact location matters.
Pristine_Cow5623@reddit
Camping!
kalisisrising@reddit
Montreal is likely drivable for you and has a European feel to it. Go in shoulder season and rent an Airbnb (there are some great ones in the city center) to save money and then make sure you serve at least breakfast at home, likely even lunches.
DiscretionaryMethane@reddit
Road trip anywhere or consider last minute air fares for Spring Break. Will have to cross reference the cost of accommodations. Camping is another option for really cheap accommodations.
big_angery@reddit
Im 6 foot 5, close to 300 pounds and am flying today. Ive flown at least four times a year since being an adult. Ive never bought two seat tickets for my stature.