Here’s a few tips to make your weekend getaway affordable, stress-less, and fun.

1. Plan your trip at least a month in advance, to allow for all your family to adjust schedules, schedule time off  (if needed), and gather the finances to go.

2. Choose a destination that has attractions that will likely interest your family. Destinations with a variety of activities and attractions make it easier to get the family excited about going.

3. Make your trip close enough that you can drive there in no more than 3 – 5 hrs. I say drive because, it removes the expense of airplane or train travel and it affords you time to spend with your family during the ride. There are plenty of great places you have never been within a five hour drive of your city… trust me!!

4. Take snacks for the ride, especially if you have small children. This will avoid spending a lot of money on food and snacks before you ever reach your destination.

5. Stretch your lodging budget. For weekend trips, there is no need for the top-of-the-line hotel. Don’t misunderstand me, you want to stay in a place that is clean, has decent service and has basic amenities, but don’t always get caught up with the name of the place because, many times, your paying for the name. Do some research. You can get rates, view the rooms and get customer reviews online.

6. Only plan one or two things for the family to do together and leave people with some free time to do nothing or pursue their own interests. Don’t try to schedule everyone’s weekend!

7. Invite extended family…. the more the merrier! Strengthen the bond with your extended family. This is also good if your kids have cousins their age. If you have younger kids, you may even have an on-trip sitter that can free you up for a couple hours to indulge in some adult activities at some point during the trip.

8. Relax. Don’t plan so many activities that you have little time to find a comfortable spot and relax. You don’t always want to return from a getaway, more tired than when you left!