Jun. 28, 2006
Vacationing: Eating Out on a Budget
Ahhhh, vacation.
There's nothing like family vacations - except for the pinch it can put on your wallet. If you're vacationing on a budget, an almost equal part of your vacation dollars goes toward eating out.
The trials of eating out with children can be varied, but here's a tip or two that have worked for us over the years:
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If you're planning to go out to eat while on vacation, go early. A great many restaurants have "Early Bird" specials that are a fraction of the evening menu's costs and your youngest children usually need to eat earlier than everyone else. The longer the wait, the grumpier they can become.
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If you can not go early to eat at the restaurant, feed your younger children before you go. Give them a half of a peanut butter and jelly sandwich with some fruit, or chicken nuggets/strips, whatever you want them to eat and then let them order fries or better yet a dessert for dinner. You eliminate the "ugly monster" that can erupt from a young and very hungry child and reduce the amount of money you're spending by ordering one or two a` la carte menu items.
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Consider going out for dessert only. How often do you have to tell your children "No" to ordering dessert after the meal. Many times, the price of desserts are as much as an entre` and can really bust your vacation's food budget! Isn't vacation the dessert that families wait all year to enjoy? Why not eat a reasonable dinner in and go out for a decadant dessert!
Hope you all have safe and exciting vacation travels this summer!
Jun. 29, 2006 - Hi Harriette
Posted by ByHisGraceInColorado
I just posted a comment over at Spunky's blog about my greatest challenge, then I read all the other comments and you and I think so much alike! LOL. It was amazing to me. Gatto has really spoken right to my heart as well.
Well, I guess we are just about the same age too---I see you had a birthday last month! Happy belated birthday :)
Nancy
