Rob: Vacation at the Lake

Every summer, thousands of young people from all over the Midwest head to the Lake of the Ozarks for some fun in the sun close to home.

• While currently on a family vacation at the lake, I thought I’d share a few tips to help beat the heat without breaking the bank!
• Every lake trip is more fun with friends and family. The more the better! With gas prices forcing everyone to crack open the piggy bank, carpooling is key! Find the friend that is willing to drive, pack up the car, and split the gas.
• Camping will be your cheapest bet, but we all know how hot Midwest summers can get; and no air conditioning can throw a wrench in your vacation. Renting a room at a resort for a few days is surprising reasonable if your first choice is not the Four Seasons; and some resorts even offer rebates on rentals if you don’t have access to a boat or jet ski. Renting a small vacation home or condo is manageable if the cost is split between you and your friends, and comes with all the amenities of home!
• If you’re really lucky, you have a friend or family member who owns a house on or near the lake! Make sure you pay your way when it comes to food at the house or gas for the boat though.
• If you do have access to a kitchen, run by a grocery store. Before you buy, check out the ads at the front of the store for coupons. Knowing that vacationers are in the area throughout the season, these grocery stores often have everything you need for your lakeside cookout on sale!
• If you’re heading out to eat, look for a place offering free, live entertainment the day you’re going. Karaoke, live music, and DJs are typical free restaurant entertainment. I suggest Captain Ron’s, Fish & Co., Paradise, H. Toads, and Backwater Jacks to name a few. These restaurants offer great food at a reasonable price, free entertainment, and can be reached by land or water.
• For after dinner ice cream, Andy’s Frozen Custard is a great way to go. Check their website before you go for huge coupons!
• The lake is free! But you may be looking for a little something extra. Though some things like parasailing (around $70+/person) might be a little steep for most of us, keep your eyes open for other inexpensive activities around the lake. Camp Windermere offers a “water playground” (water trampolines, slides, planks, etc.) for $7.00/person, while many on-lake businesses put up large, inflatable screens and show movies for free…like a drive-in…for boats! When in doubt, the lake area is host to many unique mini-golf and go-kart attractions that are also reasonable.
• Looking for a souvenir? I’m a deal hunter when it comes to shopping. Believe it or not, most of my t-shirts are in the $5.00 range. A good bet is to hit the Ozark Outlet Mall. With around 110 stores, you’re sure to find those flip flops you’ve been looking at for about 70% off what you’d find at your local mall!

The key to a successful vacation is budgeting. Plan out your trip in advance and pinpoint an estimate of what it will cost. A trip to the lake can be surprisingly affordable if you’re smart about your money management. Bottom line, if you can’t afford a vacation without neglecting responsibilities, you’re better off planning a day at Six Flags instead.

Rob