The last thing you want to do is spend hours trying to figure out the Perfect Vacation Activities on a Tight Budget. I’ve compiled a list of activities that will make it easier for you to plan what’s going on during your vacation without breaking the bank.
1. Look at Museum Passes
If you’re going to be in a large city like New York, Chicago, or Houston, getting a museum pass is probably the best use of your money. These passes get you into most museums in the city for free or at least a steep discount.
2. Rent a Car
As far as I’m concerned, renting a car is the most efficient way to enjoy your vacation. Not only can you explore the city on your schedule, but you can also drop off and pick up from your hotel or home. You can leave your bulky luggage at the hotel or with a friend or two back home and take just enough for your day’s activities. Plus, you can skip taxis and take advantage of driving freedom.
3. Use Your Hotel’s Concierge
In most cities, the hotel concierge can tell you the best restaurants, save you money on taxis and car rentals, and give you directions to get around. Most hotels also have more upscale restaurants, and bars that are closed to the general public, so asking the concierge for recommendations will help you avoid tourist traps when the rest of the city is closed for business. Your hotel concierge can even set you up with local activities like whitewater rafting or visiting a winery.
4. Visit a City Park
The best part about visiting a park is that you don’t have to leave the city to enjoy it. You can go to a park anywhere in the country without ever leaving the city. (I’m from Kansas, and I know this for a fact.) Plus, you’ll save money on gas and parking.
5. Consider a Beach Vacation
Perhaps the most common vacation spot is a beach. It’s warm, there’s a lot of sand, and you can relax. However, there are activities you can do on a beach that won’t cost much. For example, you can enjoy a relaxing walk on the beach, go swimming in the ocean if the water is warm enough and chances are it will be, or just bask in the sun.
There are little to no cost activities you can do on the beach. You can walk or run along the beach, take a boat ride on the ocean, or just chill out and enjoy the atmosphere. You can also do things that will cost you a small fee. For example, if you’re into sports, there are tennis courts on the beach and spending time playing tennis is great for the body. It’s a low-impact exercise, and it doesn’t require much skill.
Another activity that can be fun on a beach is jet skiing. Jet skis aren’t as expensive as you may think. Some companies offer jet ski rentals at various locations, and they’re worth it if you love the water.
If you follow these tips, you’ll never have to worry about what to do again. You’ll always be on top of your game and be able to enjoy yourself without worrying about costs.