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Summer vacation often sneaks up on all of us when kids are getting out of school and it is time to find creative things to do with them without busting your budget. We all know that in the summer the beach, pools, and sun all are calling our name to come outside and play. I decided to make a small list of 9 ideas that you can do that cost little to nothing.
CHEAP SUMMER VACATION IDEAS:
- Tour your own city or region – Decide to go somewhere that’s maybe just one or two hours away from home. You’ll be out of town while avoiding the price shock of highly visited vacation areas. And you’ll save money by not dealing with flights or long drives!
- Go Camping– You can go to your backyard and set up a campsite or even some national parks allow camping. There however may be a small fee or donation so research first.
- Go to a less popular beach– Everyone would love to go to the Keys or to other expensive beaches, but you end up paying more. Going to a less popular one you still get sand and water, but you come home with more money in your pocket to maybe do something else fun.
- Stay with Friends or Family– You can learn something new about your extended family, cook together, and so much more. If they have space why not stay with the ones you love? But make sure you’re a great guest. Don’t be a mooch! Pay for groceries or cook some meals to show your gratitude. Maybe even treat them to dinner or dessert while you’re in town!
- Travel during off seasons – Everyone loves taking a vacation in the summer, but that is often when prices are inflated due to everyone traveling. If you push it out just a few more months, it could save you a bundle. Peak-season and off-season vary year to year so do your research before you book.
- Travel on a weekday– Often if you travel on a Tuesday, Wednesday or Thursday will save you more money than traveling on a Friday through Sunday.
- Visit National Parks or Museums– The greatest thing about nature is that it’s usually pretty much free to enjoy. Did you know there are over 61 national parks across the United States? Did you know that some museums are often free to visit? Find one near you and go explore!
- Book in Advance – I am not saving years in advance. Just a few months in advance will save you money. I know travel sites say last-minute deals which allows them to get rid of unsold rooms while still making some income.
- Take a Staycation – Staying home can save you so much. You can grill in your backyard, set up a pool, and even have a fire pit to roast marshmallows at night. During the day you can focus on things around the house you have been meaning to do and more!
What do you do in the summer that helps you save money without breaking your budget?
Sincerely,
susan
Yes, yes, to ALL OF THESE!!! We LOVE staycations because although my girls and i get to see and do local stuff, my hubs is working, so he doesnt and it really does make it seem like a getaway having him with us touring the local stops! And amen to traveling on off peak times. We live in the deep south and I loathe the summer anyway…so crazy hot (triple digits every day) and humid and stinging and biting creatures are out in swarms, so we prefer to stay home in the summer and get lots of indoor stuff done and come out for vacations in the fall and winter (or our version of that here anyway which is like 80s ha!). This is a GREAT LIST!!!! Have a blessed day!
Kata
Thanks for these tips. This summer we won’t be able to travel so your tips come really handy. Summer is my favorite season, but filling it with affordable programs can be hard sometimes.
Holly Bird
Great post! I love to find things to do in the summer and these are some great ideas!! Thank you!
Jenny Bhatia
I love this post. There are so many things locally to explore, so that is what we are doing this summer. And taking lots of pictures. AND there are many fun places that are within two hours to visit. It is true, you really don’t have to jump on a plane to have an amazing family vacation.
Beth Elkassih
Yes, I love this article about simple vacations one can do near home. I live in Arlington TX, its home of the Dallas Cowboys Stadium, Texas Rangers Baseball, Six Flags over Texas, Hurricane Harbor and has the most Restaurants per population. It is a destination place for people coming to the Dallas/Fort Worth Area and you know what! I haven’t been to Six Flags or Hurricane Harbor since my daughters were still in school! I think I’ll go this weekend with my husband and have some fun fun fun again! Thanks for sharing.
Kimberley
These ideas are great not only for summer but some can work for vacation in any season.
laura fiorillo
Love these ideas! Last summer we were going to go away then decided since where we live is a vacation spot for a lot of people we should just enjoy the area like a tourist! We had a great time