Budget-Friendly Staycation Ideas that Won’t Break the Bank

by

Desiree Future

With the rising costs of food, gas, and everything in between; thinking of a vacation is out of reach for some. Everything is going up except the paycheck.

Instead of booking a hotel and flight, more and more people are opting for staycations instead. By spending their time away at home, it saves hundreds of dollars.

In my last getaway, I planned my entire week as if I had an itinerary. I used Monday and Tuesday to complete overdue home projects. Wednesday, I slept in and did absolutely nothing at all. Thursday, I went to my favorite thrift store thirty miles away. Friday, I pampered myself by getting a classic manicure and pedicure.

You might say these things can be done on any other day. While that may be true for some, however, for others it’s not possible.

Staycations can be awesome if you plan them right. They don’t necessarily have to be done a certain way. They need to include things you want to do and that you don’t normally have time for.  

I’ve created a small list of things that won’t break the bank. Most of them are what I’ve done during my breaks from work.

1. Do the long overdue renovations in your house that you’ve been putting off for months. Getting it over with will allow you more time to do other fun things.
2. Go to the movies at your local theater. Chances are there won’t be a crowd and you can enjoy every minute. Plus, you can pick the best seat in the house.
3. Rent a bike and explore a nearby city. You’d be amazed at what you’ll find on your route.
4. Be a tourist for the day in your town. There are always little gems to be found along the way.
5. Visit the museum during the early morning hours. With fewer visitors, you’ll be sure to see all the exhibits you want.
6. Travel to the zoo and have a fun-filled day seeing all sorts of animals. Some places offer discounted prices on Wednesdays. Check with them before going because they might have certain hours for cheaper prices.
7. Pick up a new hobby by watching free online videos. You can master the art of drawing, cooking, painting and so much more. Not only can they teach you something different, but you save money as well.
8. Relax while having lunch in the park that you’ve driven by so many times. Don’t forget to grab your favorite book to read.
9. Treat yourself to the matinee at a Broadway play. Wednesdays and some Saturday afternoon performances are when you will likely see lower prices.

The idea of a break from work or school is to do the opposite of your normal routine. Whatever, you choose for your time away, please ensure to do a few things:

1. Don’t worry because you couldn’t fly across the country or take the cruise you wanted. Staying home this year will allow you to save money for next year’s trip.
2. Do not be dismayed because you’re single and don’t have anyone to travel with. Being single myself, I went to numerous places alone and enjoyed every minute of it. Living single doesn’t mean not living at all.
3. Take time to rest and rejuvenate your body one day at a time. With our daily lives being so busy, we need to focus on being the best we can be for ourselves. That means taking time for us to do or not do whatever we choose.

Have you done a staycation? If so, I would love to know what you did.

Psalm 62:1 “Truly my soul finds rest in God; my salvation comes from him”.