You don’t need to wait for long breaks to go on vacation. A very short holiday or a limited budget must not deter you from getting a brief respite from all the hustle and bustle of the city. Think “staycation.” Wherever you live, there must be a lot of options – domestic locations that are as scenic, restful or loaded with attractions to pursue your interests.
Staycation has lots of possible benefits such as spending less. Armed with tips, you can cut your costs and stretch your dollars. Check out five ways to save you money with these suggestions made by Hayley Cox in the article Great Value Staycation Ideas posted in Think Money.
Home from home: If you want the homey ambiance without the huge cost of a beautiful cottage or villa in the countryside, rent a vacation or holiday home (or room). There are many people who rent their homes to holiday makers like you. There are even homeowners who get into home swapping if they are also looking for ways to save during their own holidays. Check out websites that can connect you to homeowners directly without a middle man.
Phone a friend: With the social media, you must be connected to a lot of friends and relatives. Use these connections to swap your home. If they are planning on visiting your place, they will likely need a home to stay too in the near future. If they are dying to visit the city while you are itching to enjoy the bucolic attractions in his/her location, it can be a perfect arrangement. If you have no relatives or friends in the location, you can also swap with a stranger who is looking forward to coming to your city home. Check out sites that let you meet people to swap homes without a fee. There are other websites like it; find one to suit your need in your locale.
An adventure under canvas: With a tent or an RV, all you need is a safe camping ground or holiday park with adequate facilities to meet your needs. If you are tired of the cityscape, camping in the countryside under the stars can be a very rewarding experience. It is cheaper too. If you fancy high-end or luxurious travel but want to experience camping, go “glamping!” Glamorous camping or glamping is an organized camping trip that lets you enjoy the outdoors in a very posh manner – soft beds, electricity and lights, designer tents and more. Looking for a campsite within your budget or an outfitter specializing in glamping in the locale you want to go is now made easy with so many websites to use.
B&B – what more do you need? If what you prefer is a simple, fast arrangement, find a B&B in the locale that’s ready to accept guests at short notice. Use reviews to check their facilities, amenities, rates and services. Booking in one of those operated by locals can make your short break more rewarding with the information they can share with you as to where to go or what to do in the area.
Chain reaction: Staying in a hotel can be the farthest thing in your mind, but this is one of the best and easiest ways to arrange accommodation for any traveler. Look into budget hotel chains that are known to offer great deals; you might just find one that will suit your travel plans and needs. Don’t rule out luxury inns; if you are in luck you might just be able to grab a great deal. Deals are irresistible bargains that can make your staycation more comfortable and memorable.
Bag a bargain: There are always deals you can grab if you know where to look and the patience to keep on checking while planning your staycation. Regardless of the type of holiday you enjoy, there are huge options available for you. Learn to compare travel options to get the best type of arrangement that will fit your needs and plans. Don’t just rely on images on the website; read reviews and surveys to minimize blunders. You don’t want to ruin your brief staycation by spending nights on an accommodation that is uncomfortable and has inadequate facilities .
With all these tips, you must be able to plan your first or next staycation more easily. No matter how limited your budget or short your time, there is always a place near enough for you to enjoy vacations. Go staycation!