DH and I are visiting our parents in Omaha NE next week and since my parents already paid for the hotel we are thinking about just having ourselves an allowance with $100 each in one week. Our main purpose over there is not to spend money but to spend time with my family since we haven't seen them in almost three years and they haven't seen their grandson yet. My mom already got us a free pass to the Zoo which involve the whole family (including her and dad) I felt bad about her arranging everything but it was a gift to us from her. The hotel has FREE BREAKFAST, lunch and dinner will be a challenge for us. We also taking my parents out to eat one day. I'm thinking about buffet. I don't know how much it is now these days but I think its under $10 per person. We haven't done this kind of stuff before so its going to be hard.

If you are going to be on the go during lunchtimes, I'd suggest packing a lunch of chips,fruit,sandwhiches - all of which can be bought at the grocery store for cheaper than eating out. Fill up at breakfast and a lite lunch should tide you over. For dinner- take out is always cheaper than eating in, keep a stash of drinks and snacks at your hotel. Do they have a mini fridge you can keep things cold in?

For dining out- see if there are any coupons available. Lots of visitors guides will have coupons.
Post in chit-chat for Omaha locals- they may know bargains/coupons that can help you out. Or great restaurants that are inexpensive. Another idea could be to cook for your family at their home- more work for you, but cheaper than eating out and still gives your mom a break!

HTH!

There is a website seeamerica.org that lists various events by state. May be you can find some festivals, etc that don't cost money, but a nice way to spend time together. Also, if you are taking your parents out to eat, consider brunch or lunch, prices are usually cheaper, but the portions are still a decent size.

Good luck and have fun!

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Lena

Thanks for the tips. Were deleting soda from our budget so we are stacking on water. Coupon sounds great too.