Home » Best Days » 5 Budget-Friendly Picks for Summer Getaways

5 Budget-Friendly Picks for Summer Getaways

Looking to “get away” this summer without spending an arm and a leg? You don’t necessarily have to go far to have a great vacation. Try some of these outing ideas that are fun, easy, and won’t break the bank!

Go Camping – Summer is the perfect time to get outdoors. Camping is low-cost and can be as relaxing as you want it to be. You can go for day hikes at nearby state parks, or bring a tent and stay for a few nights. Remember to bring ingredients to make s’mores if your site allows campfires! Fees for staying at a campsite can vary depending on the amenities that are offered there (toilettes, electricity, whether it is an RV site). If you’d rather stay close to home, you can always try camping out in your own backyard! Kids will love the change of pace and the adventure of sleeping out under the stars. 

Stay with Friends and Family – Visit relatives or friends and explore their town, then offer to share your home with them in return.  Or combine forces and vacation together. Share lodging to keep costs low, and try to stay at a place with a kitchen so you can spare your budget by not eating in restaurants. Either way, you will save on the costs of a hotel while still having fun and spending time with the people you love.

Take a Bike Trip – Find out where your local bike paths are and let the kids help plan the route. Make a day out of it by bringing lots of water and packing a picnic to eat in a park. You will save money on gas and get lots of exercise at the same time.

Create your own Historical Tour – Many towns have a rich past and sites of historical interest. Learn about the ones in your own home town and then plan a day to visit them. There may be fascinating events that have happened in places you see every day. Get kids involved with research by finding library books about local history. Then find the places where it all happened and bring history to life! 

Stay Local – Explore your own home town. Most museums and zoos have days with free or reduced admissions and make for great day trips.  Or go to a community-sponsored concert. These tend to be family friendly and free, and support local musicians. Many towns also hold weekly farmers’ markets or arts-and-crafts festivals throughout the summer. There are tons of things to do near by if you take the time to look, and you will save money on travel while discovering all the great things offered by your own community.

Share your ideas for cheap getaways at our forum.

  ----by Farmers' Almanac freelancer Kristen Hewitt