I was doing some number crunching this morning, trying to figure out our fund for the upcoming big camping trip. I want to know ahead of time how much things will cost, and what we can afford to do. I am prioritizing our list of wants, vs what we have for extra spending money.
Here's what I came up with. I have $600 in the bank. I have $150 being sent to the bank via Paypal. I will have $100 more by June 1st, though I'll likely cash out early, just to make sure it arrives at the right bank at the right time.
Gas is mostly covered with gift cards, so I'm not worried about that.
The campground will cost $84 for 6 nights.
It's $2.50 to cross the bridge each time, so $5 for that.
The St. Ignace trip will include Indian Village (free), Castle Rock ($1 total for 4), and the Mystery Spot ($24 for 4- Rae is an "adult")
The family pass for the local historical parks will be $65
Groceries will be $100 (sandwich makings for lunch, hot dogs & sausage for roasting for dinner, cereal, milk, eggs, and pancake mix for breakfasts, along with drinks).
Eating out fund will be cheap, and decided on after the full budget is worked out, and I decide what is disposable cash.
That leaves the big one- the trip to Mackinac Island. The ferry alone is $55. If we want to do a carriage tour (and I would like to), then the total cost of the ferry AND the carriage tour is $99.25.
So, basic numbers-
+$825 (to be safe- presuming I have to cash out before I hit $100)
-$84
-$5
-$24
-$1
-$65
-$100
-$99.25
=$546.75.
I'm planning to give the kids each $20 spending money for trip. That will be rationed out over a period of days, so they don't wind up blowing the whole thing in 1 stop. Probably in $5 increments. I am wanting to do a yard sale soon. If I do that, the kids can earn some extra cash towards the vacation, as well.
In the past, I buy cans of soda cheap, or lemonade cans, and the kids sell them for $.50 a can. The kids do great at it, and they can make a decent amount.
Ok, so here is my basic itinerary-
Day 1 (June 10th)- Arrive around 1pm, set up camp, and just relax and enjoy the beach on Lake Huron
Day 2 (June 11th)- Get the park passes, and visit Colonial Fort Michilimackinac & Downtown Mackinaw City
Day 3 (June 12th)- St Ignace for the day- cross the bridge, Mystery Spot, Castle Rock, Indian Village
Day 4 (June 13th)- Relax in the morning, go to Historic Mill Creek Discovery Park in the afternoon, relax in the evening.
Day 5 (June 14th)- Unsure
Day 6 (June 15th)- Mackinac Island, Fort Mackinac, Carriage Tour
Day 7 (June 16th) Pack up, then visit some stuff in town in Mackinaw City. Plan to leave MC around 6pm to arrive home around 9pm.
The reason I'm waiting until the next to last day to do Mackinac Island, is that it's the annual Lilac Festival during the week before. The lilacs will still be in bloom on Monday, but the crowds will have dissipated largely. It's also kind of "fancy" during that time, with a lot of rich people, tea parties, and what not. I'd rather go when it's less crowded.
Overall, I think I'm all set. What I'll do before leaving is make sure money is in my checking account, and take some cash with me. But, that way, I can keep track of my purchases, and my money.
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Comments: 21
I'm thinking I'll leave the 15th open right now, that way if we have or will be getting bad weather at any time, I can use that day for something that gets rained out.
We are going to Mackinaw Island in June too! Davids sister is getting married there (June 20th) I believe we are heading to Mackinaw the wednesday before that, which is I think the 17th. So we will just be missing you and your family.
Oh, that would be an awesome place to get married, Amanda- I bet it'll be beautiful!
My vacations are very relaxing, regardless of what I do during that time.
Shelly Smith..
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