So youre just married, and you think that after your honeymoon, thats it for luxurious vacations right? As a married couple youve now got your mortgage to think about, car payments, utilities, saving for children if you plan to have them, insurance, credit card debt and then theres everyday expenses like food. With all those expenses how could you ever think about a vacation again as a married couple, well you can!
Timeshares. Timeshares are great places to spend your time as a married couple. Some find that they get several weeks on their ownership program each year while others may not be able to use them at all. However that doesnt mean you cant rent them out to others and make a slight profit.
Most timeshare owners pay on average $250 for a week. As some marriage advice and financial advice find friends or family who are willing to split the fee and share the space. Or if you just want to stay the week you can pay the fee and enjoy your time there.
Before you head to your time share destination check on these things first: Make sure you agree on the price before taking over someones timeshare, and ask the other party about other expenses such as cleaning fees, and maintenance charges. Know whats around you, you may think the time share comes with a full kitchen but find out there isnt so youll want to know what you have access to and surrounding locations.
Marriage advice- The more the merrier for the just married
Take a vacation with your friends or another married couple. It can be fun, and less expensive because you can split some of the costs. Say you want to go to the mountains to do some skiing. An average price for a weeklong cabin rental with three bedrooms costs around $900. You can easily split that between other friends and save a ton while being located in an ideal spot. If you prefer to be outdoors, then take a camping trip. Your cost for the campsite will be nothing!
Before you go make sure to set some ground rules such as still making time for family, not just friends, or alone time with your other half especially if youre just married. If you have kids, perhaps one night, one other couple or the friends you are with can watch them and then you can switch roles. Or you can choose to do your own things during the day and then get together during the night for dinner.
Swap Homes. Do you live in an attractive place where tourists always venture to. If so, consider doing a house exchange. Most house exchanges cost $30-$110 per year. You may feel skeptical about turning your house over to a stranger but its completely safe. Most home exchangers are prosperous, mature, and well educated professionals so they are not likely to destroy your home. Or you can choose to do a house swap with a family with children if you have children so you are going from one child friendly home to the next.
Before you do a house swap make sure to leave any necessary instructions the swapper may need, and check with your insurance company to make sure the new family is covered.
Volunteer your way. If you happen to work at a local campground this would be an ideal situation. Work for the week and get your campsite free. So basically you would put in your time but then have a vacation spot to enjoy. Not all campgrounds will offer this trade off but it could be something to look into if interested. Taking children that are slightly older are better to take along because some work will be required.
If you budget is limited its still important to spend time with family and loved ones so here are some alternatives for days trips that can seem like mini vacations.
Hit the Beach. The beach is a great place to spend the day, enjoy the water, and beach activities, but after a day worth of sun, everyones worn out and ready to head home so it makes an ideal day trip.
Send flowers. Flowers are always a pleasant surprise for those just married or for those that have been together for years. Or take your lunch break to surprise your loved one.
Presents.Give unexpected small gifts every now and then. Just the thought of them knowing that you took extra time out of your day to get something will be meaningful.
Go for a long walk. Go for a long walk with your loved one or kids and hold hands. It will be meaningful and fun.
Carriage Ride. Take a carriage ride through the city or a park for the first time as a married couple.
Zoo. Take a trip to your local zoo.
Museum. A museum leads more to a relaxing and educational day but still a day away from home.
Amusement park. Any amusement park can be enough excitement for one day.
Hiking. Go for a hike through the woods, pack a picnic and enjoy the peace as a married couple.
Day trips can be just as exciting as taking a vacation after being just married and you can do plenty more day trips then what you could do in one spot. So when planning your next vacation as a married couple keep this marriage advice in mind.
For more information relating to marriage financial resources please visit http://www.marriedfinances.com.
Kelly Kennedy is the Communications Specialist for MindComet Corporation, a full service marketing agency for Fortune 500 companies and international conglomerates. Kelly specializes in public relations strategies focused on personal finance. Kelly has been author to hundreds of articles focusing on finance. She also acts as a contributing author for a wide variety of websites and newsletters. Kelly holds a Bachelors degree in Marketing from the University of Central Florida.