GAINESVILLE, Ga. (BP)–We are a recreation- and entertainment-oriented nation — maybe obsessed is a more descriptive word than oriented. Of course, vacations aren’t bad; in fact, they’re good and can be very helpful if kept in proper perspective. However, if you’re in debt, you should never use money that rightfully belongs to creditors in order to entertain yourself. Christians need to resist this tendency and put restraints on vacations.
The problem is that many Christian families don’t save for their vacations, opting instead to charge it. It’s called instant gratification. Unfortunately, bills eventually become due and the debt obligation usually far outweighs any instant gratification.
Vacations and eating out are primary sources of credit card debt accumulation. Families overspend on vacations because they haven’t saved enough to go on a vacation and so they use their credit cards. Quite often, the previous year’s debt is not paid off before vacation time comes again. As debts pile up, there is a greater desire to “get away from it all.” Of course, that simply compounds the problem.
This year, the gas price situation has presented some staggering restraints to vacation plans for many people. Gas prices make it more important than in previous years to stay within budget limits and to look for ways to cut expenditures. Oh, did I mention that you should have a family budget, and it should include planning for entertainment and recreation? You do have a budget, right?
There are cost-saving alternatives available for your family if you are willing to consider them and are serious about staying within the percentage allocation of their budgets for entertainment and recreation. You may not like all of the following suggestions, but at least consider them:
1. We’re told that you’ll improve gas mileage by 30 percent by keeping tires properly inflated, staying within the speed limit and not accelerating or braking rapidly.
2. Consider camping vacations to avoid motel and restaurant expenses.
3. Select vacation areas within a couple of hours driving distance.
4. Look into swapping residences with a friend, relative or Christian family in another locale to provide an inexpensive vacation.
5. Consider taking a vacation with another family to reduce expenses.
6. Although this one may be difficult for families with school-age children, plan vacations during off-seasons if possible.
7. If flying, use the least expensive late night or early morning coach fares.
8. Play family games in place of paid entertainment.
9. Eat “brown-bag” or dinner leftover lunches as often as possible.
10. Many times the restaurant special of the day is less expensive.
11. Some restaurants have “early bird” dinner specials from 4-6, which are far less expensive than menu items after 6 p.m.
12. If you must take an extended or expensive vacation, save for it now and take it next year.
If you’re willing to take a little time to look for them, there are many ideas you could think of for an enjoyable vacation that won’t bust your budget. The certainty is that God always has an alternative to debt. Once you commit to living within the means that God has provided, He will open all kinds of less expensive alternatives.
God knows we need rest and relaxation, and He will often provide it from unexpected sources once our attitudes are correct and our values align with His stewardship guidelines. Whether you’re in debt or not, try to stay within reasonable budget parameters for your vacation.
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Howard Dayton is CEO of Crown Financial Ministries. Dayton and the late Larry Burkett joined forces in 2000 when Crown Ministries, led by Dayton, merged with Christian Financial Concepts, led by Burkett. The new organization became Crown Financial Ministries, on the web at www.crown.org.
