Can you believe it? Summer is right around the corner. I always associate summer with vacation, even though I’m not a kid anymore nor am I a teacher. I think it’s because when the weather is nice it just simply reminds me of vacationing. However, sometimes a vacation is just not in the cards for financial reasons. Here are 10 things to do when you can’t afford a summer vacation.
Read Books
I love a good book, especially when I can read it outdoors. You can also get books for pretty cheap since they come in different forms now. You can get a book for your Kindle, an audio book or a physical book. For physical books, choose to buy a paperback versus hardcover and used rather than new in order to save some money. Additionally, you can rent the book from your local library if you’re a member.
Visit the Zoo
At one of our local zoos, general admission for an adult is $23.95 and for a child it is $14.95. On Wednesdays, however, general admission is free (although they do recommend a donation). As you can imagine, the zoo gets pretty crowded on Wednesdays, but if you don’t mind a crowd, it’s a great free activity for you and/or your kids.
Road Trip to the Nearest Beach
A day trip to the beach is obviously significantly cheaper than an overnight trip. Some beaches may offer free access, while others may require a small fee for a day pass. While the beach nearest to your home may not be your favorite beach, it’s still a fun activity and reasonably priced, too! Sometimes you get need to feel some sand in your toes and listen to the waves crash to help you recharge.
Go on a Hike
Going on a hike offers you the best of both worlds: beautiful views and physical activity. Whether your local area has woods or mountains to hike, make the most of it and truly explore for the best scenery. There’s just something so freeing about a hike in nature.
Visit Local Parks
No matter how old I get, I love parks. I think it’s the nostalgia. It brings me back to a time where life was more carefree and the little things made me so happy. Take some time this summer to visit your local park. If you can’t get in touch with your inner child and swing on the playground, you can always just bring a book or magazine and read on a bench there.
Have a Picnic
Hand in hand with going on a hike or visiting your local parks is having a picnic. I find picnics to be so romantic and/or fun, depending on the company. Pack a small basket or bag with treats to pick on like cheeses, fruit, sandwiches, chips, cookies, etc. and don’t forget a drink (alcoholic or non-alcoholic, your choice).
Throw a BBQ with Friends/Family
Hosting a party can get expensive, but the cost goes down significantly when you ask people to each bring an appetizer, entrée, side or dessert. This is much cheaper than eating out at a restaurant and it’s a great excuse to get together with your friends and/or family.
Watch the Sunset
One of my absolute favorite activities on vacation is to watch the sunset. The funny thing is that it doesn’t have to only be done on vacation. I am not personally lucky enough to have a sunset view right from my property, but there are several locations not that far away that offer spectacular views on the sunset. Chase the sunset from different spots throughout the summer and make a collection of all the pictures you take at each spot.
Go Swimming
Go swimming in some kind of body of water, whether you have a pool yourself, your friends or family have pools, you have a town pool or you have a lake or ocean near you. Take advantage of the warm weather by cooling off through swimming.
Attend Local Fairs or Festivals
Towns usually have some sort of fair or festival at least once a year. Admission is generally free or cheap and the cost is only for food, games or other purchases you want to make. Sometimes local vendors or restaurants attend and I always love to support local when I can.
