Before You Head Out on the Summer Family Vacation, Read This

Submitted by We Can Live Green on July 10, 2009 - 6:19pm

Before you pack up the family and head out on your annual summer vacation, read this. We did a bit of math for you and calculated the cost of two summer vacations for a family of four. The results may surprise you.

Amusement Park Vacation

Gasoline (5 tanks of gas for a 20 gallon tank) = approximately $500

Hotel for Family of four (2 nights on the road, 2 nights at the amusement park) = $520

Amusement Park Fees for a family of four (2 adults and 2 kids, averaged price of $100 per day) = $200

Food = (averaging $100 a day for food) = $400

Miscellaneous expenses (souvenirs, etc) = $250

TOTAL = $1870 (Some would say this estimate is too low, while others might say the estimate is too high. Feel free to do your own calculations based on your local amusement park attractions to find an accurate dollar amount.)

National Park Vacation

Gasoline (5 tanks of gas for a 20 gallon tank) = approximately $500

Camping Gear Rental (if you don’t already have the gear) = $100 for camping trailer rental for one week and $50 for extra supplies; $150 for camping gear rental (including tent) for 5 days. (You could camp on the road or add $130 per hotel night stay to your total.)

National park fees = $80 for an annual pass which covers the driver and three passengers over age 16; children under age 15 get in free.

Food (cooked by campfire or grill and bought from the store, packed lunches on the road) = $200

TOTAL = $880 (Some would say this estimate is too low, while others might say the estimate is too high. Feel free to do your own calculations based on your local national park to find an accurate dollar amount.)

You could save over $1,000 by traveling to a more eco-friendly (and wallet-friendly) destination. You can save money and still take the yearly family vacation!

By Allie, Reporting Green

The Folks at We Can Live Green

We Can Live Green's blog
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