Uh-oh.
Vacation time is coming, and you just looked at your bank account. It seems you’ve been overdoing it a bit. For the amount of money you spent on last year’s ski trip to Canada, you could’ve snatched up a few Banff homes for sale, and with all the souvenirs you brought home for Disney World the year before that, you could open your own Disney Store.
Just because you’re low on funds doesn’t mean you have to skip your yearly vacation. It just means you have to think outside the box. Here are three fun vacation ideas that won’t break the bank.
1. Enjoy the great outdoors
There are a lot of expenses associated with any vacation: transportation, hotels, luggage fees, parking, dining, admission for attractions, souvenirs, and more. Fortunately, the biggest vacation destination of all doesn’t require you to pay anything at all, and it’s always just a short drive away.
I’m talking about the great outdoors, of course! Why pay for a hotel when you can go camping? Why pay to eat out when you can go fishing? Why indulge in shopping sprees when you can become the expert camper instead? Whether you live in placid suburbia or a cramped city, chances are that there are campsites and hiking trails not that far away
There’s so much to see and do in America’s woodlands, from swimming and rafting to bird-watching and arrowhead-hunting. And, of course, what kid doesn’t love making S’mores over an open fire? Burnt marshmallows and roast weenies taste a lot better than airline food, that’s for sure.
2. Take a road trip
What’s that you say? Road trips aren’t budget friendly? The heck they aren’t! You may be used to “road trips” where the destination is some expensive resort or amusement park, but what about a road trip where the journey isn’t just a means to an end, but is the vacation itself?
There are attractions on the open road that cost little to no money at all. Which means that the only real costs of a road trip vacation are gas, food, lodging, and the occasional toll road. Inexpensive hotels line U.S. highways, and prepping meals and snacks ahead of time is a good way to save on pricey restaurants.
Along the way, you’ll find plenty of landmarks, monuments, and unique experiences that don’t cost a penny to enjoy: New York City’s Staten Island Ferry, Mount Rushmore, the beaches of Florida, Boston’s Freedom Trail, the famous Four Corners, and more. Even a stroll along the Las Vegas Strip can be fun and affordable, if you can resist the temptation of those slot machines.
3. Make it a staycation
The ultimate money-saving vacation destination is your right in front of you. You don’t have to drive cross-country to have a good time. Sometimes there’s nothing better than taking a week off from work and school, unplugging the phone, and relaxing in your own home.
The goal of any vacation should be to give you and your family a chance to unwind, relax, and do things you enjoy that you otherwise don’t have time for. Instead of worrying about flight times, check-in and check-out, beating the crowds, and standing in line, let yourself sleep in, take it slow, and indulge in activities you love.
You’re not limited to just your house either. Your hometown likely has plenty of hidden gems just waiting to be discovered. Try something new. Take a walk in a part of town you don’t normally visit, go shopping at a store you’ve never been to, eat at a restaurant you’ve never tried. Becoming a tourist in your own backyard is a rewarding vacation all its own.
Article Submitted By Community Writer