If you are like me, you have had enough winter and are anxiously awaiting a nice, warm, sunny summer.
One of the things many Americans do to pass the long winter is to daydream about their next summer vacation.
Many Americans don't like to drive more than a few hours away from home.
Long drives can get a bit boring, and may be particularly troublesome if you have small children.
But there are things you can do to make any long drive more enjoyable.
I like to prepare my own snacks before heading out on a long drive.
I can prepare much healthier snacks then I would buy on the way, and I save a lot of money by preparing them in advance.
Sometimes I'll even pack snacks for the condo.
Most dry ingredients can be bought in advance, and I save a lot of money by stocking the condo kitchen with snacks for my family.
This way they aren't constantly asking to go out to eat.
The condos I've stayed in have all had fully equipped kitchens, so you have a lot of options.
If you want a compromise between cooking and going to a restaurants, consider having food catered to the condo.
You'll probably want to enjoy some of the local cuisine, so check around and find out when the best local restaurants are having specials.
Chances are, you can save some money by going out for lunch instead of dinner.
Be careful buying too many soft drinks at gas stations or convenience stores, as drinks are known to be very expensive at these venues.
Instead, stock up on bottled water and your favorites before you leave home, and you'll be set for your trip.
If you follow these tips, you'll be able to enjoy a great family vacation while staying within your budget.
What could be better than that?