When the weather heats up, there’s usually only one thing on everyone’s mind…vacation! But, what if you can’t afford one?
Vacations are expensive; between the transportation and hotel stay, you could easily spend well over $300 — then you have to factor in food and fun. If you’re extremely strapped on cash, we’ll make sure you don’t have to forfeit a fun and eventful summer.
Just follow our tips:
1. Take a Staycation
Become a tourist in your own town or city. Take a friend and go to those places you always drive by, but have never given the time of day. Try walking a wilderness trail, flying a kite in the park, going on scenic drives, enjoying brunch at a new restaurant, or tour your local monuments.
For me, I’ve lived in Manhattan for almost three years and I’ve never been to the top of the Empire State Building!
2. Take a Class
Have you always wanted to learn how to properly use your DSLR? Are you interested in learning how to juggle? What about ballroom dance? Instead of spending hundreds going away, stay in your area and take a class of your choice. We highly recommend CourseHorse. A great (and free) website that connects you to thousands of classes!
I recently took a cupcake baking class at an adorable shop called Butter Lane in the East Village through CourseHourse. I learned how to make three different kinds of cake, six different kinds of frosting, and how to properly decorate them. So, get a few friends together and learn something new!
3. Stay in-State
If you still want to literally “get away from it all” but don’t have a ton of extra cash lying around, consider going to a bed and breakfast (or a hotel) for only a night or two a few hours away. You’ll get a break from your day-to-day life without breaking the bank.
4. Take Day Trips
Can’t afford a hotel or bed and breakfast? Try a day trip this summer. We recommend museums, aquariums, famous landmarks or your local beach!
5. Take a Cruise
If you set sail from your area — instead of flying to a place to set sail — it’ll be a lot cheaper. Cruise Kings, for example, offers cruises for under $400 per person! If you live in the UK, leave from London instead of flying to Holland or Spain. Live in New England? Take a cruise out of New York instead of flying to Miami.
You should also consider purchasing a getaway on either LivingSocial or Groupon.
How do you take vacations when you’re on a tight budget? Let us know in the comments below!
