The Ozarks are an area situated in Midwest America that comprises two mountain ranges. There are many reasons why thousands of families decide to head to the Ozarks every year. If you and your family love being outdoors and are seeking adventures in rugged woodlands, pristine waters, and limestone bluffs, it’s a great place to visit.
If you’re on a tight budget, preparing and planning your family trip to the Ozarks in advance can save you money and ensure you get the most out of the experience. To get you started here is how to plan the ultimate budget family trip to the Ozarks.
Book Flights in Advance
The Ozark region covers over 50,000 square miles across four states, which are Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas, and Missouri. As the area is so vast, you will need to decide on a specific area and book your flights accordingly. The earlier you book your flights to the Ozarks, the better chance you have of saving money. Once you factor in how many family members will be coming and the time of year you go, you will be able to find cheap flights that work with your budget. Websites like Skyscanner will allow you to compare flights from a range of providers to help you find the best deal.
What to Pack
Regardless of how many family members are coming along with you to the Ozarks, knowing what to pack and keeping your luggage to a minimum can save you money. If you’re traveling by plane, the more luggage you bring, the more you will have to shell out for, so it’s best to stick with the essentials. There are numerous factors to take into account before you get packing, such as the types of activities you plan to do, and what the weather forecast will be like. Packing light will mean you don’t have to worry about carrying heavy items around which can make the traveling experience difficult.
Plan Your Activities
There are lots of fun activities and attractions to partake in during your time in the Ozarks. Many visitors enjoy lake activities like fishing from the shore and going on boat rides, so you will need to communicate with your family on what kind of things you all enjoy doing. Whether you want to play golf, check out the caves, or go on a road trip, your budget may only stretch so far, so you may need to compromise with your loved ones to get the most out of your experience.
Take Out Travel Insurance
Whether you’re heading to the Ozarks for a number of days or weeks, accidents and emergencies can and do happen. The last thing you want is for a family member to be taken ill during your time away, so it’s important that you take out travel insurance which will keep you protected. There are lots of travel insurance providers you can go with, so you’ll want to compare the top brands to help you find the right coverage. While it may seem like a hassle and an added expense, you can’t put a price on life and health, so ensuring all your family members have travel insurance in place is crucial.
Find Suitable Accommodation
As the Ozarks cover four states, there are plenty of accommodation options to choose from. If you have young children, it’s important that you pick a family-friendly hotel that will keep your little ones entertained. Whether you choose a hotel, hostel, Airbnb, or lodge, doing your research into the different accommodation options can help you find the best deal. If you want to be close to the action and attractions, you will need to pay more for your accommodation, but if you’re on a strict budget, staying further out and using your car to get from A to B can save you money.
Many families see their accommodation solely as a place to rest their head, but if you’ve picked the cheapest option, you might have to deal with the possibility of bed bugs and mosquitos. If you do, knowing how to protect yourself from bites is important.
Stick to the Essentials
No matter where you head to in the Ozarks, there are tons of money-saving opportunities that you can take advantage of. If you decide to rent your own apartment near the Ozarks, you may have a kitchen that allows you to cook healthy meals for you and your loved ones without worrying about the price tag. While you don’t need to rule out restaurant meals completely, the cost can soon add up and eat into your budget without you realizing. Also, as you explore the outdoors, make sure that you bring along a refillable water bottle that will help you stay hydrated.
If you love the great outdoors and want to take in stunning scenery, a family trip to the Ozarks may be on the cards. Take our tips on board to save money and ensure you spend within your means.
