Surprise Road Trips Keep The Kids Guessing

As much as you would love to, you just cannot afford a big family vacation this year. The kids are disappointed and so are you. Still, there just might be a way to squeeze in some serious fun without spending a fortune.

Why not go on a surprise road trip for a single night or two away? When you vacation closer to home and make the trip and the destination a surprise, your family will enjoy the “adventure” of a lifetime.

To pull off a quick, surprise trip consider doing these things:

• Pick a localized destination that you have always wanted to see. Perhaps a nearby state or national park? Maybe a nearby theme park that truly requires two days to visit?
• Pack when the kids are asleep. You can wake them up and let them know you are ready to go. Just do not say where! If you cannot do this while they are sleeping, try handling the packing while they are otherwise occupied.
• Seek out discounts and coupons. Since you will be traveling close to home, chances are you can find some incredible deals in local papers or magazines or even on Web sites. Theme parks, for example, offer special discounts for residents of the states they are located within.

Just because a bit family vacation is not possible does not mean you have to give up on the fun. A short, surprise trip can prove to be quite an adventure for everyone.