Need advice about vacation spending (preferably from $ wise people)?

Question

Ok, we're in a lot of debt (credit and school) and we're trying to get out but haven't had a vacation for over 3 years. (just used days to stay at home or for doctors appointments. that's NOT vacation).
We live almost paycheck to paycheck as we're trying to pay things off faster, but my kids are at the perfect age to start camping (2,4,6) and my wife doesn't like the idea of a regular tent, and I don't want her first camping trip to be a disaster. I've been looking for a cheap tent trailer (and I think I found one that is in decent shape except for the canvas needing to be replaced). I think I can get it for 400 or less. I'm very good at fixing things and I think I could do the canvas myself (I have access to industrial sewing machines) and whatever other repairs there are to be done. Is this a bad idea that is going to end up costing a lot more?
I'm just so tired of being stuck at home and I hate giving money to motels. That's money I'll never ever see again.

Answer 1

I'm a wise dollar person. I understand that you want a vacation, I truly do. However, if you've got a debt over your head and you're living paycheck to paycheck, spending $400 will make you less relaxed, not more. I also don't know if your wife is going to enjoy camping, even in a trailer. How about finding someone in the same financial shape as you and switching homes for a week? Or finding someone to babysit for you and taking your wife on a romantic picnic for a few hours -- just getting away from the kids might help. I know it's very, very hard to be in your position, but you really don't need to spend $400 you don't have right now.