If you’re looking for a weekend getaway without draining your bank account, there’s plenty of ways to have a great time without spending a fortune.
There’s no denying the benefits of a vacation. A break from your routine and time to recharge your batteries can do wonders for your mental health. But not everyone can afford to jet off overseas every other week, or even once a year.
Planning a weekend staycation can be a great way to reconnect with friends and family, but also save money. If you’re ready for a quick getaway, but don’t want to spend a lot of money, be sure to check out our top budget-friendly weekend staycation ideas!
Make the most of the great outdoors
Don't just sit around on the couch when the sun is shining – get out and discover what's in your area! Lace up your hiking boots and venture to your local park. Take a trip to the forest or mountains, or a walk along the beach.
The outdoors is a great place to spend time for many reasons. It’s a place where you can put everything else on hold and focus solely on yourself. It’s the best place to clear the mind, free the soul, and enjoy the company of others.
If you live somewhere that has a lot of green space, find a park or an area you can hike and take that first step. Even if you live in an urban area, there’s probably a park nearby that you can walk to. Get out and take your camera with you.
Stay at one of your local Camping (or Glamping) sites
The best camping trips are ones where you’re immersed in nature, free from the distractions of the digital world. There’s just something about being in the middle of nowhere that makes you feel at one with everything.
If you’re not ready to give up the luxuries of home, then glamping could be a great way of getting back to nature without having to compromise. Most glamping (“glamorous camping”) sites offer more than just the basics; they generally offer a more luxurious experience than you’d get from a normal site. They’re usually slightly more expensive than a standard campsite, but are worth it if you want to experience the great outdoors without roughing it.
Not everyone has the time or money to enjoy a camping vacation. But, even when you can’t get away for a trip like this, there’s nothing stopping you from enjoying the great outdoors right in your own backyard!
Visit a local market
Farmers’ markets have long been the domain of hippies and foodies – but they’re a great place to find fresh, local produce, whether you’re a hard-core locavore or just want to eat something that isn’t covered in plastic.
You’ll also find plenty of other goodies on sale, from artisanal cheeses and breads to handmade soaps and chocolates. They’re great places to find local, seasonal, organic and non-GMO foods. You’ll also find unusual varieties of fruits and vegetables that you might not have tried before.
They’re a great place to connect with your local community and learn about the best local farms, whether you’re looking for locally grown meat and poultry, dairy, eggs, or fruits and vegetables, you’re sure to find something new at your local market.
Take a spa day at home
Feel like you’re in desperate need of a spa day? A day of rest and relaxation, pampering yourself with massages, facials, manicures, and pedicures?
A home spa day is all the rage these days, and for good reason. It’s the most relaxing and rejuvenating way to spend a day in the comfort of your own home, and you don’t even have to leave the house.
You may not have the budget to splurge on a spa day, but you can create your own spa day experience by doing a mask or scrub at home, or taking a relaxing bubble bath.
Rediscover Your Home Town
When you live in a city, sometimes all of its highlights pass you by without you even realising it. You make the same commute to work every day, walk down the same streets, and shop in the same places.
There’s a lot to see in your own city or town. Most of us don’t get out and explore the way we should. If you live in a medium-sized or large city, there’s probably a variety of neighbourhoods to explore – each with its own distinct character and flavour. To get started, look around at the local stores. You’ll find a surprising amount that is unique to your town or city.
Don’t be afraid to go back to the same old place and see it in a different light. Most places have a ton of stuff going on that you didn’t even know about — a museum you didn’t check out, neighbourhood events, or attractions you missed the first time around.
Try exploring your local area or even somewhere beyond your own town and find out all the amazing things you can discover.
A staycation is an easy way to unplug, spend time with friends or family and try new experiences without breaking the bank. The only limitation is your own imagination, so get out this weekend and explore what your local area has to offer!
