Vacations are a much-needed break from the stress of our daily lives. However, an extravagant trip to a new country or across the U.S. can become a financial stressor of its own. Travel expenses can quickly build when you include the cost of flights, hotels, food, and entertainment.
If you’re wondering what kind of vacation you should go on that won’t break the bank, look no further.
Take a Staycation
Staycations are a great alternative to the expenses traveling outside of your local radius require. To plan a staycation, look into new entertainment near your hometown, such as museums, restaurants, and common tourist attractions.
A staycation saves you money on faraway travel and nightly accommodations and allows you to find new, unique attractions in your local area that may become your new favorite spots.
Pitch a Tent
Camping is the perfect low-cost vacation alternative for adventurous souls. Some campgrounds can cost as little as $20 a night and offer plenty of entertainment for your group, including fire pits and hiking trails.
For those who may not be interested in going completely rugged, many campgrounds also offer rental cabins for a slightly higher cost. Some Airbnb hosts even offer “glamping” or glamorous camping sites to experience the outdoors from a comfortable view.
Hit the Road
Road trips can be a low-cost vacation plan if you do it right. The cost of travel is relatively cheaper than airfare, making it a smart move to road trip to your vacation destination, if possible. This alternative also allows you to pack more without incurring extra charges and allows you to pack food for your trip to limit spending at restaurants.
A road trip is also completely customizable—you can visit some of the best beaches and national parks around the U.S. or finally visit the niche town you’ve always wanted to see.
Visit the Beach Less Traveled
Beach vacations are one of the most sought-after vacation types. However, the costs of rental homes and hotels in popular beach towns add up quickly. Instead of visiting the most popular beach towns and cities, look into lesser-known local favorites. For example, visiting a small beach in the Gulf may save you some money compared to visiting a beach on the coast.
Planning to stay at an inland hotel will also save even more money. Sure, you won’t be able to wake up and see the sunrise on the beach, but you’ll still have plenty of beach time for a lower cost.
Take a Weekend Getaway
If you’re still debating what kind of vacation you should go on—one that won’t require days away from work, hotels, or car rentals—try planning a weekend getaway. Many airlines will have discounted weekend getaway deals to popular destinations, or if the destination is close enough, consider driving instead. A weekend trip will be much less costly than a week-long trip,