I cherish exploring new places. There’s a sense of unease that emerges when my family and I haven’t managed to squeeze in an economical short break for some time. We don’t necessarily need to venture somewhere grand or exotic; we just relish changing our surroundings and escaping our daily routine. This truly allows us to recover and strengthen our bonds in a fresh environment.
We endeavor to have a mini-vacation every several months, and through necessity, we have become proficient at maintaining a budget for these trips.
If you harbor a desire to traverse new territories, I will share some tips on how to organize a low-cost weekend escape.
CARRY YOUR OWN MEALS
We always include non-perishable breakfast items and snacks in our luggage during our short breaks. If my weekend accommodation includes cooking facilities, I will bring along ingredients for lunch and dinner as well. This practice cuts our expenditure as we avoid spending on meals outside. It’s akin to eating from our pantry, but in a different location! Here are some of my preferred economical items for each meal:
Breakfast: Instant oatmeal (you can substitute coffee for hot water at most drive-thru joints), fruits (apples, grapes, bananas), and cheerios.
Snacks: Clark bars, goldfish crackers, and jerky.
Lunch: Peanut butter, bread, and canned soup.
Dinner: Hot dogs, sausage or chicken (most hotels and campsites provide charcoal grills), canned vegetables, and dinner rolls.
Not only does this habit save money, it also enables us to maintain a balanced diet rather than resorting to fast food.
STAY WITH ACQUAINTANCES OR RELATIVES
Embrace the hospitality of relatives and acquaintances who reside in enticing locales and open your home to them in return. Avoiding expensive hotel costs and enjoying their company is a double win. The funds saved can be utilized for enjoyable activities. Most individuals relish hosting guests. It’s always a pleasure to show visitors around our region and likewise experiencing hospitality when we visit them.
VISIT WITH AN OPEN MIND
Being flexible about accommodation can make a significant difference. Premium accommodations near city hubs can be costly compared to those in quieter parts of town. Even if travelling a little further incurs additional fuel expenses, the overall savings are still considerable.
For instance, we met halfway with family members from Florida for Easter celebrations one year. Although it was tempting to book a prime location hotel, choosing a less popular area saved us a significant amount of money.
DON’T MIND ADVENTURE
Camping is an economic alternative to hotels, and it often offers a more exciting experience. Many parks offer free camping or a small fee. Keep in mind, a few initial investments are required for a long-term camping solution.
SEARCH FOR DISCOUNTS
Check sites like Groupon for discounts before paying full price for entertainment activities. These deals often include amusement venues such as mini-golf, zoos, aquariums, and parks.
OPT FOR LOCAL SPOTS
Whenever you visit novel locations, it’s advisable to follow the local crowd, particularly when dining out. Authentic and usually cheaper, family-run restaurants can be found if you’re willing to venture away from the main tourist areas.
KEEP IT AFFORDABLE
By opting to stay outside prime locations, preparing your own meals, lodging with friends, or embracing outdoor living, weekend breaks can be surprisingly cheap. It’s about extending your everyday living habits into your travel lifestyle, which makes saving money effortless while still enjoying new experiences.
What are your favorite strategies for making a weekend getaway cost-effective? What are your top weekend getaway suggestions?
