When it comes to spending money, every season has quite a few temptations. However, it may be more tempting to spend money to enjoy some time away from your day-to-day routine during the summer months.
After all, your kids are out of school, and chances are, the sunny shores of the beach are calling to you. There’s no question that everything during the summer screams “It’s time for a vacation.”
However, if you have a limited budget, it’s important to plan carefully. The good news is, that you can find all types of affordable and creative vacation ideas that the entire family will love. From spending the weekend in the mountains to departing on cruises from Florida, keep reading for some of the top budget-friend, fun, and exciting vacation ideas.
Take a Tour of Your Local Area
This doesn’t mean you stay at home, touring your house, and working on projects around the property. Instead, get out there and be a tourist in your hometown.
Take some time to explore historical sites, new restaurants you have wanted to try, and other cultural activities. You may even be able to get in free or for a discounted rate just because you are local. This vacation idea offers a great way to get away from day-to-day life and save money.
Go Camping
There is the option to choose the traditional concept of camping and just sleep outside; however, you can also rent a cabin. The goal here is just to get out and enjoy all that nature has to offer.
If you want to enjoy the RV or camper type of camping excursion, there’s no need to have your own. You will find plenty of options offered on Airbnb starting at as low as $39 per night. Usually, the hosts offer nice campers with plenty of amenities. Those from the younger generation refer to this as “glamping,” which is something you will probably love.
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Visit a Less Popular Beach
The most popular beaches are also expensive to visit (think Laguna and Key West Beaches). However, if you do some digging, you can save money and enjoy time on the coast.
Try going to the Gulf, rather than coastline beaches, which will help you save money too. While the water may look slightly different when you visit a landlocked area, a beach is a beach in the grand scheme of things.
While staying in a hotel on the Miami coast will cost you several hundred dollars a night, you can find accommodations in places like Galveston, Texas, for less than half the price and enjoy more affordable activities, food, and entertainment.
Use Warehouse Stores to Book Your Travel Packages
While this may sound a bit odd, it’s a common tactic for professional “penny pinchers.” Many club stores, such as Costco, will offer you deals on vacation packages. If you have plans to go on a more elaborate vacation, it may be a good idea to think about what these stores offer.
Stay With Family or Friends
While this isn’t exactly glamorous and may not seem like a “real” vacation, staying with family and friends is a great way to save money on vacation. Also, you can see and spend time with people you love.
Also, you can avoid having to pay for a hotel, and probably a few meals. What this means is that you only have to cover the costs associated with getting to your destination. For most people, this will reduce overall travel costs significantly.
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Traveling on a Budget
Going on vacation doesn’t have to put a huge dent in your wallet. However, you do have to be smart when it comes to planning. Be sure to keep the tips and information here in mind, which will help you plan a fun and exciting vacation for an affordable price. Chances are it will also be something you and your family remember forever.
