Going on vacation without breaking the bank

We all need a vacation from time to time, but you don’t have to blow your budget to have a great time. Consider some budget-friendly options for you and your family this summer.

Traveling for a fraction of the cost

Stick with your budget and try some of these vacation ideas:

• Tour your own city. Check out your local museums, try the area walking trails, or even dine at a restaurant you haven’t been to.
• Go camping. Pitch your tent and enjoy the great outdoors. If you aren’t into roughing it in the outdoors, campgrounds in the area offer cabins for overnight lodging.
• Go to a less popular beach. The trick to an inexpensive beach vacation is to go to less popular spots on the off-season. If there are beaches near you, visit the ones closer to home.
• Stay with friends or family. You’ll spend time with the people you love on an easy but cheap vacation idea. You may not have to pay for a hotel or meals; however, as a guest, make sure to help pay or cook a meal to show your gratitude. Do something nice for your friends or family to show you’re a great guest.
• Travel during the off-season. Avoid traveling during the summer months, winter break, and holidays. The best time to travel is off-season during a fall break or after Labor Day weekend.
• Take a weekend trip. Save money by going on a short weekend getaway. You can have a great time doing affordable activities.
• Take a weekday vacation. Hotels may be more expensive on the weekends than during the week. If you can take some time off work, plan a midweek trip.
• Visit a national park. Did you know there are 63 national parks in the U.S.? Not only is it free to enter, but it is also a chance for you to enjoy nature. Research national parks near you for a chance to explore. You may only have to pay a small entrance fee per vehicle or person. Visit your nearest national park’s website for full details.
• Explore your own region. Take a little drive outside your own city and explore areas you’ve never been to.
• Book in advance. It is usually wise to book in advance but on rare occasion, businesses may offer last-minute deals if sales are slow.
• Go on a day trip. Pick a place to go near you and spend the day exploring. All you must do is pay for gas. Depending on your excursion, you may pack your own food to save on eating out.
• Check out a water park. Spend the day at your favorite water park. Research for deals that may help with admission costs. You may be able to bring your own food to avoid eating at any restaurants or concession stands.
• Check for discounts. You may find travel discounts on hotels, museums, and historical sites if you’re a member of AAA®, a service member or veteran, or part of a business group. There may be discounts for children under 12, under 18, or even for college students.

The information in this article was obtained from various sources not associated with Adirondack Bank. While we believe it to be reliable and accurate, we do not warrant the accuracy or reliability of the information. Adirondack Bank is not responsible for, and does not endorse or approve, either implicitly or explicitly, the information provided or the content of any third-party sites that might be hyperlinked from this page. The information is not intended to replace manuals, instructions or information provided by a manufacturer or the advice of a qualified professional, or to affect coverage under any applicable insurance policy. These suggestions are not a complete list of every loss control measure. Adirondack Bank makes no guarantees of results from use of this information.