The Homeschool Minute ~ Hal & Melanie Young – Field Trips

When we were children, both our families enjoyed traveling, and when we hit the road, it was time to buckle down, hold on, and see everything we could manage! When we started homeschooling, we realized we had an unprecedented level of freedom and independence. No longer tied to the local school schedule, we could take family vacations when the rates were low and the crowds were lesser; and if Dad had a business trip, the whole family could pack up and come along!

Every part of the country has interesting and historical locations to visit, and with a little forethought, you can make even a routine visit to family or a quarterly business meeting into a large scale field trip.

First, traveling with your family can be cheaper than you think. Whether it means taking a couple of sleeping bags for the kids or packing some lunch meat and fruit in a cooler, there are many ways to avoid prohibitive vacation expense. Be creative, be flexible, and remember that memories are better than extra stars on the hotel listing.

Second, plan ahead! Most towns and cities have a visitors’ bureau with a website of interesting tour sites. Many have pages on Wikipedia, which will lead you to other websites. Of course, you may already have plans in mind; if you’re going to Washington, D.C., you’ll naturally include the Smithsonian and the Lincoln Memorial in your itinerary, and who can go to Boston without visiting “Old Ironsides” and the Public Gardens (remember Make Way for Ducklings?)

Be sure to check entry fees and opening hours. Many great attractions are totally free, including some of the best museums and historic sites in the country. However, some places are closed certain days or at unexpected times-so do your homework and avoid disappointments!

One surprising resource is the AAA Travel Guides. Besides the restaurant and hotel listings, they include all sorts of information about notable sights and local history. You can get them free if you’re a member, but we’ve often seen them in used bookstores for pennies. Even if they’re a few years old, they’re still useful.

Finally, stay flexible! Often we’ll catch sight of a historic marker or a brown informational sign and shout, “Field trip!” as we make an unplanned turn-off. You’ll be surprised at hidden treasures off the beaten path, places you might not make a journey to see, but will enjoy when you uncover them along the way.

Our family has had some incredible “big field trip” adventures, whether exploring the historic sights of downtown Boston or camping near the Civil War battlefields of Virginia and Maryland. Whatever your travel plans this summer, make the most of the educational fun you’ll find just off the roadside!

Yours in the Battle,

Hal and Melanie

For more information on how to travel big on a small family budget, check out our podcasts on the Ultimate Homeschool Radio Network. Go to www.HalAndMelanie.com/radio to find out more!

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