Take a Mini-Vacation and Save Some Cash

Are you strapped for cash but are in desperate need of a vacation? Here are some budget-wise solutions for getting some vacation time without spending a fortune. First, decide what it is you like to do when you’re on vacation. Make a list and write down these activities. Don’t worry about whether you can do them or not, just make the list. Next, group these activities into categories. For example, if you like to go to the beach, make a category called “water sports.” If you enjoy buying knick-knacks, put that into a “shopping” category. Don’t try to pigeon-hole activities into categories that really don’t address your activity, just make a new category. Do this until all of your favorite vacation activities are categorized.
Take your list of categories and count how many activities are in each one. Write the number down (this is called a frequency). See which categories contain the highest numbers of your favorite activities. Pick the top three and determine where you can do these things in a day trip or whatever you can easily afford. Exploring your own state or region can actually be quite satisfying. For example, if you really enjoy going to art galleries, check out some local or regional artisans. You may discover some truly hidden talent at affordable prices. Do an internet search for smaller towns in your region that you haven’t explored and see if they offer any of the activities on your list.
Really wish you could go to the ocean, but just can’t afford the trip? Pick a nearby lake with a good beach and watercraft rentals. No, it isn’t the same, but you can still have some fun in the sun. Most lakes have a marina restaurant for some added entertainment. Actually, I find water parks with a wave pool pretty satisfying in the summer. Add to that some shopping in a local historic district and dinner at a restaurant I’ve never been to, and voila! Who needs to spend a fortune on some getaway vacation?
If you live in the Ozarks, Table Rock Lake never gets old. Spend some time playing in the water at Moonshine Beach then head to Branson Landing for some great food and shopping. There’s something for all ages in Branson and you don’t have to break the bank to have some fun. Springfield offers a number of attractions and hiking trails, such as Wilson’s Creek National Battlefield and the Nature Center. Jordan Valley Park has beautiful fountains to get your feet wet and is near the busy downtown historic district.
If you want an inexpensive vacation getaway, you’ll have to be open-minded and get a little creative. Exploring local venues that are new to you will deepen your appreciation of your surroundings and leave some of your hard-earned cash in the bank.