Ditch Adulting and Plan Your Next Weekend Getaway on a Budget
Whether you’re going on a trip alone, with your partner, friends, or family for a weekend getaway, planning before the trip will require your organization and negotiation skills, especially if you need to stick to a budget. People are often deterred from traveling because they always assume it will be expensive. Of course, it’s going to be costly if you’re planning on going to Dubai or Italy, but with a little creativity and a whole lot of flexibility, you can still have an exciting weekend getaway without having to live off free ketchup packets for the next month.
Choose Your Destination Wisely: No to Passport Stamps
Don’t go international if you don’t have the budget for it (yet). Sure, eating French pastries you can’t even pronounce in Saint Germain sounds fabulous, but all three credit cards are already maxed out. Instead, think local. Pick a destination that’s within driving range. It could be a quaint little town with a rich history or the next city hosting an art exhibit. Plus, think of all the stress you’ll dodge by avoiding strict airport security. A weekend trip nearby means no running a marathon through terminals trying to reach your gate.
Timing is Everything: Go Off-Peak
Planning your weekend getaway during the peak season, when there is a swarm of tourists taking selfies everywhere, is a guaranteed way that you’ll go over your budget. Instead, go and visit those famous landmarks during off-peak season. You’ll still enjoy the sights minus the overpriced everything, the crowd, and accidentally photobombing every tourist’s picture every five seconds—all of that for half the price!
Be Cheap: Settle for 2 or 3 Stars
If your itinerary is jam-packed with activities, chances are you’ll be out of the hotel for the day and only need a place to crash at night. If that is the case, go for more affordable options. There are 2- or 3-star hotels that are still comfy and come with decent amenities. But if you’re feeling adventurous (and cheap), why not go camping? Who wouldn’t want to fall asleep to the soothing sounds of crickets and mysterious howling in the distance?
Pack Smart, Pack Snacks for Your Weekend Getaway
Instead of bringing three shoes for a weekend getaway, raid your fridge and pantry for snacks! Sure, there’ll be gas stations and convenience stores along the way, but if you buy food every time you stop, it’ll all add up. Instead, bring your snacks and share them with your friends, especially those that are about to expire or that healthy snack you thought would be delicious.
Be Spontaneous: Don’t Be Wearing Blinders During the Trip
No matter how much you have planned for the trip, life happens. Don’t overplan, and leave some room for spontaneity. Don’t nitpick if things don’t go according to your plan.
Your reason for going on a weekend getaway is to get away from it all, to rest and relax. Don’t stress yourself too much about your budget, the hotel’s swimming pool being closed for renovation, or your car’s GPS showing you another route. Be in the moment, and who knows, your budget-friendly weekend getaway might be your best one yet!
Happy travels!
