Planning a Weekend Trip: How to Have Fun Without Breaking the Bank

Weekend vacations relax and recharge us.  Use these 4 tips to plan a budget-friendly getaway from guest blogger Jane Moore, the co-creator (with her husband) of Fit Well Traveler. Jane believes in the healing power of travel. Her mantra?  Travel, eat your greens and move your body! 

Sometimes, we all just need to get away from the stresses and pressures of everyday life.

From work burnout to handling everything at home, there are many ways we can get overwhelmed, and that can lead to depression, anxiety, and even substance abuse.

That’s why it’s so important to take a timeout now and then for the benefit of your mental and physical health. When you start to feel stressed, learning how to back away and focus on yourself is essential.

Weekend vacations can begin with the open road

An open road drives the desire for a weekend escape.  Photo via Pixabay by Janbaby

How to cope

Taking weekend vacations are often a great way to do this.

Weekend vacations allow you to fit in a retreat without tearing into your schedule too much.  And short getaways can be tailored to fit about any budget.

You don’t have to go far; you can drive to the next county if you want. The point is to find a destination that will help you feel relaxed.

And will allow you to just have fun and to forget about the worries that everyday life can bring.

Related post – 5 road-trip luxuries you shouldn’t leave home without

4 Quick Tips To Plan Inexpensive Weekend Vacations

  • 1. Look Online for Help

    These days, technology has made it easier than ever to fund a trip, whether big or small.

    Apps and websites have tons of discounts, coupons, and cashback opportunities to help you save money, no matter where you’re planning to go.

    Whether you’re staying in a hotel, renting a car, booking a flight, or buying clothes for your trip, you’ll come out ahead by checking this list of 23 of the best apps and sites for saving money.

  • 2. Stay Local

    You don’t have to take a long, expensive road trip to have a good time.

    Look for places near you that will offer some relaxation — such as a spa or a cabin in the woods — and do some research on the best spots to visit that are nearby.

    You might plan a little historical outing and visit some museums, or look for local attractions that your entire family will love.

    Have fun getting to know your own state a little better.

  • 3.  Keep Your Home Safe

    You won’t be able to relax and have fun if you’re worried during the entire trip that your home is vulnerable to burglars, so take some precautions before you leave.

    With technology, you can keep an eye on things while we’re away.   Surveillance systems can be tied into a live feed on your smartphone, while security systems can send you a text message if something trips your alarm.

    By keeping your home safe, you get to focus on your weekend vacations without worry.

    Picnic on the road

    Picnics make the journey part of the vacation.   Photo by Bárbara Montavon on Unsplash

  • 4.  Keep Costs Down

    One of the best ways to trim expenses while you travel is to bring your own food. Stopping at restaurants can get costly, especially if you have your family with you.

    If you are staying in a hotel, look for one that has a small kitchen area so you can keep snacks and lunch ingredients on hand.

    Bring a cooler filled with healthy, quick options like turkey wraps, cut-up veggies and hummus, and fruit.  Then, when you picnic on the road, everyone can grab something quickly and save money at the same time.

Keep weekend vacations carefree

Planning a fun trip doesn’t have to mean stress or anxiety.

Weekend vacations can reduce those feelings and give you a little break from your responsibilities.

But it’s essential to plan well so you can stay on budget and ensure that you and your loved ones have fun at the same time.

What’s any getaway without souvenirs?  5 unique & cheap souvenirs you’ll actually use.

Share your favorite tips for recharging with weekend vacations

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weekend vacations save money

Please help me out.  Typos get by me.  See one? Please let me know so I can fix it!  Thanks,   Linda