4 vacations that you can actually afford!

Nothing brings a couple closer than a vacation...The memories you make will sustain you over the coming decades! But remember: during the early years, your goal should be to save money, not spend it. Here are four affordable vacation ideas that won't bankrupt you! 

1. Visit a national park. There’s something majestic about being with the person you love in the wilderness. Plus, it’s cheap. Tent and RV camping can save you thousands on room and board. Bonus: without running water and modern creature comforts, you and your partner can’t help but develop a deeper (and potentially smellier) bond.
2. Hit the road. Everybody loves a good road trip. To save on gas, consider choosing a nearby destination. See if anyone you know will be going on their own vacation and might volunteer to let you stay in their house while they’re gone. Early on in our relationship, Linda and I flew to Cali, rented a car, and drove through Napa Valley on a wine tour. One of my friends had a place in Sonoma they let us have for a week. Linda and I still talk about that trip! Bonus: more time in the car means more time to talk about the future.
3. Revamp a business trip. If your company sends you somewhere interesting, that’s half the fare paid for. Consider tacking on some vacation time before or after your trip and having your spouse meet you once your duties are over. Bonus: when you’re on a business trip, many of the “extras” are tax-deductible for you (not for your spouse), so be sure to keep all your receipts and talk to your accountant about itemizing deductions.
4. Have a staycation. A “staycation” is just a vacation where you stay at home. Simply use your place as a home base for local adventures - go pick blackberries, check out a museum exhibit you’ve been wanting to see, or attend a nearby music festival. Back home, kick back, have a glass of wine & unwind. Turn off the ringer on your phone and set a vacation alert on your email accounts. Don’t read or watch the news. You’re on vacation - no one even has to know you’re still in town. Bonus: enjoy being with your partner in the comfort of your own home, without the normal daily stresses. You’ve got everything you need.