photo courtesy Steve B.
My family and I just returned from a fun little overnight getaway to Great Wolf Lodge near Cincinnati. We had an awesome time in the waterpark and just hanging out together. It was a VERY expensive couple of days though. It was funded thanks to a gift though, so fortunately it didn’t impact our budget. We did go in the middle of the week and use a package deal to save a little money on the trip.
It really made me think though. Yes, we had a blast, but did we really have proportionally more fun than an inexpensive camping trip? Each year just before school starts, we take a long weekend camping along the western coast of lower Michigan. We probably spend about the same on that four day trip as we did overnight at Great Wolf Lodge.
There’s no doubt that we have as much fun on that camping trip as we did at the waterpark. We play in the waves of Lake Michigan; we do some sight-seeing; we hang out around the campfire. Again, we just enjoy each other’s company.
Isn’t that what it’s all about? My kids don’t want me to spend lots of money on them. They just want me to spend time with them. You can’t buy time at any price. You can invest time however. You’ll never get a better return than an investment in your family.
There’s nothing wrong with saving up and taking a fun vacation with your family. Just remember that it’s not the cost that determines the true value of the trip though.
By the way, if you do have it within your budget, I highly recommend Great Wolf Lodge. Yes, there are a million ways to spend your money at that place, but it is a class establishment. The staff was highly trained and very friendly. The place was clean and well kept. There was something for everyone in the waterpark. We were not disappointed in any way during our stay.
What inexpensive yet fulfilling vacations has your family taken?