Destination: Vacation

How to get away from it all—for less

By Ellie Kay

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Sam and Gina haven't had a real vacation in almost five years. Between the "necessary evil" expenses—the mortgage, car payments, utilities, their three kids' school and activity costs, insurance, credit card debt—there just doesn't seem to be anything left over for expendable funds such as a vacation.

"And we don't want to put a vacation on our credit cards," says Gina. "We've already got too much debt!"

Good news: There is a way to have a memory-making summer holiday break without breaking the bank.

Timeshares

Why not share your time with timeshares? Some couples receive several weeks on their ownership program each year, and sometimes they can't use them all. Anne, from New Mexico, uses two of her three timeshare weeks and then "tithes" the other week to a couple on a tight budget.

Most timeshare owners pay an average of $250 for the week. If you can't find a solo timeshare, consider sharing space with a friend or family member. There might be a family in your neighborhood, church, work, or community who's willing to split that fee and share the space. Or you could offer to pay the week's worth of fees, because $250 is still an inexpensive rate for a week's worth of fun at a nice resort.

What to know before you go: (1) Be sure you agree on a price before you take over someone's timeshare. (2) Ask the other party about any and all expenses--including cleaning fees and maintenance charges. (3) Make sure you know what facilities are available. You may assume you have access to a full kitchen, and budget accordingly, only to discover there are no such amenities. Ask also about laundry facilities, recreation perks, parking, and any clubhouse benefits.

7 Vacation Romance Moments

It can be difficult to cultivate "romance moments" with your spouse while on vacation with the kids. But couple moments can happen if you grab them when and where you can without disconnecting from the family.

Beach Time.Don't simply sunbathe! Get in the water and make some waves. Snuggle, tickle, and chase each other.

Balcony Dates.Select a room with a view and while the kids are asleep or watching a movie, have coffee on the veranda under the stars.

Flowers Anyone?Surprise your mate with a bouquet from a street vendor.

Presents.Before your vacation, wrap a few inexpensive, yet meaningful gifts. Place one on your mate's pillow each night. (Be discreet or the kids will ask where their present is!)

Touch.Grab your spouse's hand and give him a kiss under the moonlight.

Carriage Ride.Let your kids ride in the front of a carriage while you snuggle in the back.

Reflection Time.Schedule a "date" at the end of each day to share what you felt was your "most romantic moment" and why—you may be surprised at what you learn about each other!

—EK

Vacation with friends

If you have friends you like a lot and think your friendship can survive vacationing together, then double up and cut your bills in half.

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Originally published in: Marriage Partnership, 2005, Summer, Page 26

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