The season’s high travel and lodging prices can be a major deterrent for those looking to escape the cold and head out on a winter vacation. While many of us dream of taking time off work in pursuit of sunshine, warm weather and relaxation, it may feel like it’s not feasible from a financial perspective. Fortunately, you don’t need to be wealthy or have loads of paid time off to take that vacation.
Here are five affordable ways to enjoy a little R&R this winter if you have a tight budget:
Be a local tourist. If traveling far and wide will strain your finances, then consider vacationing close to home. No matter the size, your city likely has a number of wonders just waiting to be explored, including museums, local theater and restaurants. One important tip for becoming a “local tourist” is to check out of your house and into a hotel, bed-and-breakfast or local Airbnb listing. Moving to a different location can help provide that feeling of adventure, excitement and unfamiliarity. By being a local tourist, you spend less time traveling and more time relaxing, all while fueling your local economy!
Travel regionally. When choosing a winter getaway, consider looking at destinations within 50 to 100 miles from home. Neighboring cities are typically equally beautiful and less expensive. You don’t have to fly across an ocean to explore the world. Head to the bookstore and buy a regional guidebook to find out what there is to see in your area. Your backyard and the great outdoors hold as many possible travel destinations as does a country half a world away. Look into traveling to a national park and go camping, which costs little to nothing. Come stocked with all your own supplies and accommodations (i.e. a tent and cooler) so you won’t have to worry about spending money at restaurants. You don’t need to love camping to spend time in the national parks either — many parks provide cabins as a lodging option as well.
Book a last-minute cruise or tour. Cruises are normally expensive, with some five-day Caribbean cruises costing more than $600. However, if you’re really itching for some sunshine this winter, cruise lines always offer last-minute deals. Plus, cruise operators usually throw in some onboard amenities, free upgrades and cash vouchers to sweeten the deal. Just like cruises, local tours can also be booked at the last minute. Tour companies need to fill the seats just like cruise companies because they still have the same costs once that trip departs.
Think outside the box. Skip the popular winter ski destinations and head off the beaten path a bit. Contrarian travel will save you a bundle of money. Flights to Europe in the summer can cost over $1,000. In the winter? Half that. It might not be the most ideal time to go or your favorite destination, but visiting in the offseason is going to save you a lot of money. And, as an extra bonus, you can avoid the crowds.
Volunteer. Volunteer vacations are a popular trend for those looking to getaway on a budget. These adventures allow you to explore new cities and countries, while providing the opportunity to help those in need. If you’ve been thinking about doing something positive or giving back, volunteerism might just be the winter escape you need. There are some great volunteer organizations that will usually cover your room and board so you just need to cover the cost of a plane ticket. Besides, you aren’t going to have many chances to spend extra money on your trip since you’ll be working and supporting a great cause.
There are countless ways to unwind this winter if you are cash-strapped. Trips filled with expensive resorts and sightseeing can exhaust you physically and financially. So think outside the box, and consider some of these travel ideas for this season’s winter getaway.
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5 Affordable Alternatives for a Winter Getaway originally appeared on usnews.com