6 Tips for Vacationing If You’re Low on Resources and/or Time

I’m obsessed with these tips from Maxie. I think I’ve followed all of these travel tips at one point or another, and it’s true, it’s an excellent way to save money. (Going off-season is my favorite because of the discounted rates and fewer crowds!)

Guest post by Maxie McCoy

Now is about the time all those beautiful images of beaches, sunsets over the water, sailboats and patio BBQs start to hit your feed… constantly. Summer is the best for a lot of reasons, one of those is of course because it’s the perfect getaway season. School is out. Workplaces slow down a bit. The weather warms up. And vacations begin.

Having time away is so important for your mind and your soul. You spend SO much time working so hard and pushing yourself, and it’s super helpful to change that pace and slow down. A lot of different research also suggests that not only does it help your brain but it elevates your happiness. 

However, if you’re eyeing a vacay but feel like time or money won’t allow it to happen this year, here’s a few pointers. Sometimes it just takes a little creativity to get that much needed down time…

Consider a Friend or Family’s Home

Sometimes, exotic destinations can be totally overrated. Sure, they might sound incredible, but there’s a ton of planning, immunizations, and precautions that you need to take to head there stress-free. So, why not survey your close friends and family to see if their state or town is a place you’ve always wanted to spend some time in but never have? It makes a getaway more manageable and likely cheaper if you can stay with them. Plus, you have a built-in travel guide (aka their recommendations!) 

Go Off the Grid (from anywhere)

Vacations are AWESOME for turning off. But you don’t need a plane ride or even a long car ride to do that. A vacation from your normal stressors and brain functioning can be done anywhere simply by taking the time to turn it all of – the social. The feeds. The digital. The technology. The email. All of it. You’d be amazed at how refreshed you’ll come back from a few days off the grid.

Create a Staycation

Who says you need to leave your own city to have a vacation. I LOVE staycations and have had some of my most effective planning and recharging weekends happen within 20 miles of my own home. The best part is they’re the cheapest way to feel like you’re on a vacay without needing to travel days to get there. I have lots of ideas for staycations, like these.

Ditch Hotels

If you’ve never tried a homestay, bed and breakfast, or collaborative site like AirBNB, now is the time. This is the best way to bring down the biggest cost of getting away which is always the hotel price. So ditch the hotel! Just look for good reviews and regulated accommodations and you’ll be good to go. There’s a first time for everything!

Get Around Like a Local

If you’re traveling to a new city, take 30 minutes and get their public transportation card. Thanks to google maps, it’s easier than ever to figure out how to navigate the city using public transportation. You’ll save a lot of money on Ubers and Taxis. Plus, it’ll make you feel like you’re getting the real vibe of the city and it’ll save your feet if you’re tired of walking everywhere.

Think About Off-Season Places

If you’re really trying to get away away but don’t want to spend too much, try going to a city that’s in if its offseason. A quick google search can tell you all you need to know about “high times” in that location. Typically, this will bring down not only costs but the craze that’s happening all around the town. 

If you get creative, time and money don’t have to stop you from getting that much-needed break. It’s important that no matter what you do, you get away from your normal craze for enough time to have a real recharge. 

Maxie has more inspiration where this came from. Get her weekly emails here.