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Affordable Family Vacation Ideas Make sure you and your family gets out this summer. With a little planning and creativity, it is easy to enjoy a family vacation while on a budget. Designating time off for a little R & R is important for the health and well-being of your family. As long as you open your mind to new and unexplored ideas, there are plenty of ways to enjoy some well-deserved time off, even if it means searching for that cheap family vacation package. Here are some ideas to ensure that you enjoy a fun-filled family vacation in 2010 without breaking the bank. Plan ahead: All too often, the winter months fly by and summer arrives before you have had the chance to save money. Begin checking airline ticket sales, hotel deals and car rental prices at least six to nine months in advance, allowing plenty of time to search for packages within your budget. Planning ahead also ensures you don't get hit with unexpected fees and costs. Along with low airline prices, you can also find other great deals such as discounted cruise vacations or activity tickets. Stay close to home: Just because you can't afford to fly off to Europe doesn't mean you can't enjoy a fun-filled vacation. Scout vacation destinations within a two to four-hour drive from your home such as a quaint beach neighborhood or camping destination. Staying close to home also means saving money on gas or airfare, allowing you to splurge on a hotel suite deal with luxurious amenities that will make your trip worthwhile, such as oceanfront views, a spa and fitness center. Cheap activities: Some of the best adventures are free. Get creative by planning daily activities that don't include paying for admission. Instead of visiting the zoo or aquarium, go on a family hike, spend the day relaxing at the beach or take a scenic drive along the coast. Also, when booking your hotel or car rental, search for discount vacation package deals that include free tickets to local events. Pack lunches: Even though it is fun to treat the family to a fancy dinner once in a while, it doesn't mean that you need to eat out three times and day. Instead, save money by packing healthy lunches and snacks to enjoy while at the beach or during the scenic drive along the coast. The same goes for dinner time. Most hotels have luxurious pools and state-of-the-art barbeque grills. For dinner, consider buying groceries and cook up some hamburgers, steaks or chicken while the kids go swimming in the pool.