A good weekend trip not only provides a fun break from the normalcy of life; but it can also go a long way in rejuvenating your mind, body, and soul. What can make such a getaway even more refreshing is knowing you won’t be coming home broke. No matter where you live, you can enjoy a great weekend vacation while keeping it budget-friendly.
Below are six smart ways to make it happen.
First of all, you will have peace of mind when you know your home is safe and secure while you’re away — and that peace of mind will help you maximize your time for relaxation. Be sure to unplug all your appliances and electronic devices, move any valuables from your yard to a shed or garage, lock all your doors and windows, and remove any hidden keys from outside your home. Also, ask a neighbour to keep an eye on your home while you’re gone.
Half of planning a successful getaway is picking the right destination. Wherever your home is, there are almost always interesting places to see that are not too far away. To leave yourself the most time for relaxing, pick somewhere within a reasonable driving distance. If your heart is set on adventuring somewhere that requires flying, you will have more time for actual vacationing if you get direct flights to your destination.
If you start planning your trip enough in advance, consider taking a day off from work. Whether it’s a Friday or Monday, having that extra day for traveling can make a world of difference when it comes to your revitalizing getaway. For instance, if you leave Thursday evening, you can sleep in on Friday morning and have plenty of time to rest and explore your destination.
Planning in advance helps you to organize your trip and get things in motion, but you also want to remain flexible. Some of the best deals on flights, hotels, and activities frequently come at the last minute. This is because companies often have cancellations and vacancies to fill — hence, the lower rates. If you’re feeling spontaneous, you can even check online to see where the current cheapest flights will take you!
When you get to your destination, feel free to be the tourist. It will allow you to have a great time and save money. Look online and call the city offices to get an idea of what is offered for travelers. Take advantage of local and national parks, historical sites, local beaches, and any other attractions offered in the area.
One of the easiest ways to go off budget when traveling is by eating out. Pick a few restaurants that you want to try and designate one or two meals per day for eating out. Go to the grocery store before you leave home to get snacks for travel, and find a store when you get to your destination to get what you need to cook some of your meals. You can still keep things interesting by trying new recipes; this will just help your budget stay on track.
A vacation doesn’t have to be expensive to be fun and rejuvenating. Take precautions to make your home safe and secure so that you can rest easy while you’re gone. Minimize your travel time, and take a day off from work to allow yourself more relaxation time. Remember that some of the best deals on flights, hotels, and activities come at the last minute, and take advantage of the free/inexpensive attractions your vacation spot offers. Finally, save money on food by buying groceries for some of your meals. Most importantly, have fun!
