If you’re struggling to choose between taking a summer vacation and staying on track for your budget goals, consider these options:
- National parks. At a national park, you can have a life-changing experience on a tight budget. Introduce children to history or the country’s natural wonders, or simply relax and recharge. To learn more, visit nps.gov.
- Camping. Want to get away and relax in the outdoors without breaking your budget? Camping is a great option. Just pack your tent, stock up the cooler, and head out to a favorite destination. If you’re new to camping and want to give it a try without a big investment, consider renting what you need from an outdoor equipment retailer.
- Vacation off-season. Instead of going to a popular summer vacation destination, try finding someplace that tends to be less busy that time of year. Or, consider if you’d be better off waiting a few months to go to that popular destination when it’s off peak pricing.
- Walk everywhere. If you’re taking a vacation in a city, if it may be more convenient to stay at a central location where you can walk to all your planned destinations. You’ll not only cut transportation costs, but the hassle of dealing with traffic and parking.
- Shop for discounts. Many destinations offer discount codes and other options that will cut your costs significantly. Do some research before you head out and see if you can find great deals!
- Bring your own food. Staying at a hotel? Consider getting a room with a kitchenette and making your own meals. It’ll save you a bundle!
- Staycation. A staycation (or stay-at-home vacation) is a great way to relax and recharge while still saving money. Use the time to work on house projects, catch up on your streaming queue, or focus on a favorite hobby. If you want to get out more, plan day trips in your area or spend some time exploring your city.
Source: Balance
