Vacationing on a Budget – Cabin Rentals in Wisconsin

Jan 15, 2021 | Cabin Rentals, Family Reunions, Vacations

nature resort WI, private vacations

How many times have you wanted to take your family or significant other on a vacation only to find out it was completely out of your price range? We understand. Here at Edenwood Ranch and Preserve, we don’t believe that the words “budget” and “vacation” are mutually exclusive.

Whether you are thinking about staying with us or you’re dreaming of venturing somewhere across the globe, we want to help make vacations an affordable part of your life. That’s why we’ve put together this quick guide to vacationing on a budget

 

Preparation Pays Off

The best way to save money on vacation is to plan ahead. And we’re not just talking about booking in advance or looking for offseason deals; we mean the whole kit and caboodle. The more you plan, the more you save. Why? Because unexpected expenses happen more often when there isn’t a plan in place. Here are a few of our favorite budget-friendly planning tips:

  • If you’re traveling with children, find out if there is there an age range in which a child travels/participates/eats for free? (IE: Toddlers under 24 months fly “free” provided they are sitting on a parent or guardian’s lap vs. inhabiting an additional seat.)
  • Look into local or national organizations that may offer free participation in their events within specific parameters. Did you know that The National Parks Foundation’s Every Kid Outdoors initiative gives fourth graders and their families free admission into all National Parks?
  • Educate yourself about Shoulder Season which may make travel opportunities to bucket list locations a more realistic possibility.
  • Choose destinations that make frugal decisions easy such as finding lodging near a grocery store so you can purchase snacks, meals, drinks and other essentials at a budget-friendly price quickly and easily.
  • Prepare an itinerary that takes your budget into account. Take the time to map out each day’s expenses, including transportation costs, food and souvenirs.
  • Tack a vacation on to the beginning or end of a business trip or other required travel. For example, if you know that the big annual family reunion is happening in August at Aunt Betsy’s house in Wautoma, WI, plan to arrive a week early and take advantage of the very best cabin rentals Wisconsin has to offer at Edenwood Ranch and Preserve!

 

Make the Travel Time Count

We encourage you to find ways to make the journey part of the fun so that the vacation can begin well before you arrive at your destination. Do a little research ahead of time to discover what kind of fun, free tourist attractions exist along your route. For example, did you know that between Chicago, IL and Wautoma, WI you can see:

  • The alley where John Dillinger was gunned down (Chicago, IL)
  • The Home Alone house (Winnetka, IL)
  • Ray Bradbury Rides a Rocket Monument (Waukegan, IL)
  • Mars Cheese Castle (Kenosha, WI)
  • Les Paul’s gravesite (Waukesha, WI)
  • Wisconsin Automotive Museum (Hartford, WI)
  • Boris the Black Bull (Wautoma, WI)

That’s just a small sampling – there’s much more fun in every direction for you to explore. Find more ideas at Roadside America.

 

Be Frugal Foodies

Whether on the road or at your destination, food doesn’t have to eat up your whole budget! Any time you can prepare ahead and bring your own food and drink, you will be closer to staying in the black.

If you’re flying, bring an empty water bottle with you in your carry-on so you can fill up in the terminal while you wait for your boarding call. There are specific foods you can bring in your carry-on as well, especially if you are traveling with an infant. Always be sure to check the TSA website before you travel to ensure you’re up to date on the latest restrictions.

If you’re driving, the only restriction is the room you’ve got in your vehicle! Pack a small cooler with water and soda in it and keep it in an easily accessible location. It’s also helpful to have a bag of nutrient-dense snacks like trail mix, granola bars, energy bites, and beef jerky so you can stay alert and healthy! For the sake of your pocketbook and your waistline, stay away from fast food and gas station snacks.

 

Get Outdoors

The very best family vacations in Wisconsin involve time in the great outdoors. Spending time in nature is great for your health and for your budget. No matter your destination, find some way to explore the world around you!

At Edenwood Ranch and Preserve, we make vacations a 5-star experience inside and out. When you stay with us, you have 500 acres of private land all to yourselves. Along with wide, open spaces, you can also enjoy:

  • Bike riding
  • Indoor and outdoor games
  • Campfires
  • Stargazing
  • Guided hunting excursions
  • Fishing
  • Bird watching
  • Hiking
  • Much, much more!

 

Stay and Save with Us

Private vacations don’t need to cost an arm and a leg. When you stay at Edenwood Ranch and Preserve, you get to experience all the adventure of a wilderness retreat and the pristine, luxury lodging all at the same location, which saves you time, sanity and money. So, what are you waiting for? Give us a call today to start planning your family’s next great escape!

Call us at (920) 574-4641 to book your vacation today